KATHMANDU, Nov 3: The Embassy of India in Kathmandu organized a discussion today 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, Ayurveda Doctors Association of Nepal, Chambers of Commerce, and the Ayush industry in Nepal participated in the event.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief of Mission Shri Prasanna Shrivastava highlighted the collaborative efforts between India and Nepal in traditional medicine, emphasizing Ayurveda. He emphasized on the numerous initiatives undertaken to foster cooperation in Ayurveda through knowledge exchange, expertise sharing, and capacity building. He mentioned that in the past decade, 281 Nepali students have benefited from these programs. According to him, this year's Ayurveda Day celebrations are aligned 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 & Alternative Medicine), Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, highlighted that Ayurveda is a recognized system of healthcare in Nepal. He also outlined the various initiatives taken by the Government of Nepal for the promotion of Ayurveda.

Similarly, Shri Harkirat Singh Bedi, Business Head of Dabur Nepal, provided an industry perspective, explaining how Dabur has established a supply chain for sourcing herbs from Nepal, creating sustainable herb farming opportunities for local communities.

Likewise, Dr Shyam Babu Yadav, President of the Ayurveda Doctors Association of Nepal, underscored that Ayurveda holds a central place in healthcare in Nepal and emphasized its rich history in the country.

The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, has been observing Ayurveda Day annually on Dhanawantari Jayanti (Dhanteras) since 2016. The theme for the 8th Ayurveda Day, on November 10, 2023, is ‘Ayurveda for One Health - Ayurveda for everyone, every day’, promoting the idea of holistic health for all.

 
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