KATHMANDU, November 3: The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu today organized a discussion on the potential for enhanced cooperation between Nepal and India in the field of traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda , as part of the celebration of the 8th Ayurveda Day. Various representatives including those from the Government of Nepal, Nepal Ayurvedic Doctors Association, Chambers of Commerce and Ayush Industry in Nepal participated in the event.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Head of Mission Shri Prasanna Shrivastava highlighted the collaborative efforts between India and Nepal in the field of traditional medicine, with emphasis on Ayurveda. He highlighted the numerous initiatives undertaken to foster cooperation in the field of Ayurveda through knowledge exchange, expertise sharing and capacity building. He mentioned that over the past decade, 281 Nepali students have benefited from these programs. According to him, this year’s Ayurveda Day celebrations align with the theme of India’s G20 presidency, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, emphasizing the idea of the world as one family.
Dr. Vasudev Upadhyay, Director General (Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine), Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, highlighted that Ayurveda is a recognized health care system in Nepal. He also highlighted the various initiatives taken by the Government of Nepal for the promotion of Ayurveda.
Similarly, Shri Harkirat Singh Bedi, Sales Manager, Dabur Nepal, provided the industry perspective, explaining how Dabur established a supply chain for sourcing herbs from Nepal, thereby creating cultivation opportunities of sustainable herbs for local communities.
Similarly, Dr Shyam Babu Yadav, President of the Association of Ayurvedic Doctors of Nepal, highlighted that Ayurveda holds a central place in healthcare in Nepal and highlighted the rich history of the country.
The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, has been celebrating Ayurveda Day at Dhanawantari Jayanti (Dhanteras) every year since 2016. The theme of the 8th Ayurveda Day on 10 November 2023 is “Ayurveda for One Health – Ayurveda for Everyone, Every Day”, promoting the idea of holistic health for all.
