India remains committed to working closely with Bangladesh to enhance cooperation in the field of Ayurveda and other traditional medicines, Acting High Commissioner Pawan Badhe has said.
"We will continue to collaborate to promote research, education, and the exchange of best practices between our two countries," he said while celebrating the 9th Ayurveda Day on Tuesday in Dhaka.
Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre of the High Commission of India, celebrated the 9th Ayurveda Day at its premises in Gulshan with the theme for Ayurveda Day 2024 was “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health”.
The program brought together Ayurveda experts, practitioners, students, representatives from the pharmaceuticals sector, and eminent members of the Bangladeshi civil society.
Addressing the gathering, the Acting High Commissioner emphasiszed the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the field of traditional medicines.
"Today, as we celebrate the many contributions of Ayurveda to our societies and reaffirm our commitment to promoting its principles and practices, let us also recognize the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the field of traditional medicine."
Ayurveda Day is celebrated on the day of Dhanteras or Dhanwantri Jayanti or Pooja, Lord Dhanwantri to whom Ayurveda as the ancient science of holistic health and medicine is attributed to.
The acting high Commissioner said India and Bangladesh share bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities.
"Ayurveda is an integral part of our shared heritage," he said
"The practice of Ayurveda in Bangladesh dates back centuries, and it continues to play a significant role in the health and well-being of the Bangladeshi people."
Traditional medicine is an important element of Bangladesh’s health policy.
Ayurveda, Unani, Yoga and Homoeopathy are important traditional health care systems existing in Bangladesh.
A large population in Bangladesh is using Indian traditional medicine and homoeopathy, ayurveda, unani systems of medicine.
Moreover, there are a large number of medicinal plants, particularly those found in the tropical region, which are common to the two countries given similar geo-climatic factors.
A sizeable number of students of Bangladesh also travel to India to study traditional medicines.
Ayurveda, which translates to "the science of life," is a holistic approach to health and wellness and is based on the belief that the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected, and that good health is achieved through a balance of these elements.
It emphasizes preventive care, using natural remedies and lifestyle changes to promote overall well-being.
"As we face new challenges in healthcare, it is essential that we draw upon the wisdom of our ancestors and integrate their knowledge with modern medical practices. Thats were again the theme of this years Ayurveda Day focusses on," he said.
Prof Sitesh Chandra Bachar (Faculty of Pharmacy, Dhaka University), Mokhlesur Rahman (Head of Research, Ayurvedic Research Centre for Musculoskeletal Disorder, Dhaka), Mohammad Zamal Uddin (Deputy Managing Director of Hamdard Bangladesh Foundation) and Dr. Munawwar Husain Kazmi (Academic Chair at Hamdard University, institued by Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) shared their insights on the significance of Ayurveda in Bangladesh today.
The meeting was followed by a live musical performance by renowned sitar player Ebadul Huq Shaikat.
A number of stalls exhibited various ayurvedic products and services available in Bangladesh.