Indian Embassy in Kathmandu Organizes Event to Boost Cooperation in Traditional Medicine

Kathmandu, Nepal – The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu held a crucial event on Thursday, focusing on the potential for enhanced collaboration between India and Nepal in the field of traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda. This event was organized as part of the celebrations marking the 8th Ayurveda Day, with prominent figures from the Nepal government, the Ayurveda Doctors Association of Nepal, Chambers of Commerce, and the Ayush industry in Nepal in attendance.

Deputy Chief of Mission Prasanna Shrivastava, addressing the gathering, shed light on the longstanding cooperation between India and Nepal in the realm of traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda. He highlighted various initiatives aimed at promoting cooperation in Ayurveda through the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and capacity building. Mr. Shrivastava emphasized that this year’s Ayurveda Day celebrations align harmoniously with the theme of India’s G20 Presidency, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ underlining the close cultural and historical ties between the two nations that have been further strengthened by centuries of people-to-people connections.

“India and Nepal are cooperating in the field of traditional medicine, including Ayurveda. It is a part of our shared knowledge and wisdom. This cooperation is a manifestation of the close cultural and historical ties between two countries that has been strengthened by people-to-people links over centuries. We already have a framework for collaborating in the field of traditional medicine, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise and motivates all,” Deputy Chief of Mission Srivastava remarked during the event.

Dr. Vasudev Upadhyay, the Director General of Ayurveda & Alternative Medicine within the Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, spoke about the recognition of Ayurveda as a system of healthcare in Nepal. He also highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Nepal government to promote Ayurveda within the country.

Harkirat Singh Bedi, Business Head of Dabur Nepal, provided an industry perspective and shared insights into how Dabur has developed a supply chain for sourcing herbs from Nepal. This initiative has not only contributed to sustainable herb farming opportunities for local communities but has also strengthened the Ayurveda industry in Nepal.

Dr. Shyam Babu Yadav, President of the Ayurveda Doctors Association of Nepal, offered a practitioner’s perspective during the event. He emphasized that Ayurveda holds a central position in Nepal’s healthcare system and spoke about its rich historical and cultural significance within the country.

The event served as a platform for key stakeholders from both countries to explore avenues for strengthening cooperation in the field of traditional medicine, especially Ayurveda, and further solidifying the enduring bonds of culture and history between India and Nepal. This collaborative effort is expected to pave the way for advancements in the field of traditional medicine, benefiting both nations and the broader region.