In a significant stride toward the promotion and development of traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu recently organized a discussion in the capital. The event, held as part of the celebration of the 8th Ayurveda Day, brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from the Government of Nepal, the Ayurveda Doctors Association of Nepal, Chambers of Commerce, and the Ayush industry in Nepal. This gathering and the collaborative efforts mark a vital step in the right direction, and we must recognize the importance of such endeavors in today's world. The Himalayan region, encompassing both Nepal and India, is blessed with a wealth of traditional medicines and knowledge that has been passed down through generations. As the world recognizes the value of holistic healthcare systems and the need to harness their potential, it is imperative that both countries not only promote the use of traditional medicine but also prioritize its conservation. This discussion program and the celebration of the Ayurveda Day serve as essential tools to educate people and raise awareness about the significance of Ayurveda.

Deputy Chief of Mission Prasanna Shrivastava, in his address at the event, rightly highlighted the collaborative efforts between India and Nepal in traditional medicine, with a special emphasis on Ayurveda. He highlighted the initiatives undertaken to foster cooperation, which includes knowledge exchange, expertise sharing, and capacity building. Notably, in the past decade, 281 Nepali students benefited from these programs. Such initiatives not only strengthen the healthcare sector but also foster people-to-people connections, echoing the spirit of India’s G20 presidency theme, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - emphasizing the world as one family. Similarly, Dr Vasudev Upadhyay, director general (Ayurveda & Alternative Medicine) of the Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal, elucidated that Ayurveda is a recognized and respected system of healthcare in Nepal. He also outlined various measures taken by the Government of Nepal for the promotion of Ayurveda. This recognition and support from the government demonstrate the commitment to preserving and nurturing the traditional knowledge that has been ingrained in the culture of both nations.

The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, has been celebrating Ayurveda Day annually on Dhanawantari Jayanti (Dhanteras) since 2016. The theme for the 8th Ayurveda Day, 'Ayurveda for One Health - Ayurveda for everyone, every day,' encourages the idea of holistic health for all. This theme resonates with the contemporary healthcare landscape, where people are increasingly seeking natural and holistic alternatives to conventional medicine. In this regard, the importance of this discussion and collaborative efforts between Nepal and India in the field of traditional medicine cannot be overstated. Ayurveda, with its millennia-old tradition, offers holistic healthcare solutions that are rooted in nature and in tune with the well-being of individuals. As the world grapples with modern lifestyle-related health issues, there is a growing realization that traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda can provide valuable insights and treatments. The collaboration between Nepal and India in Ayurveda is not only a diplomatic achievement but also a significant step toward improving healthcare and promoting the rich heritage of traditional medicine in the region. Such collaborations are essential for the preservation of traditional knowledge, promoting holistic healthcare, creating economic opportunities, and ensuring public health benefits. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach to health and healing, has the potential to address many of the modern health challenges the world faces today. It is, therefore, crucial that both countries continue to strengthen their ties in this domain and work together to promote the well-being of their people and the broader global community.

 
• Ayurveda
 
• Nepal