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London, November 10, 2019
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Indian Traditional Sciences celebrated Ayurveda Day 2019 at a packed meeting in Houses of Lords on November 5, 2019.
Among those present were Baroness Uddin, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Manisha Gunasekera, Indian High Commission Coordination Minister Manmeet Singh Minister and Counsellor Yamuna S V.
Baroness Uddin exalted the glory of longevity in Ayurveda, which had shown that it had been time tested and therefore merited inclusion within the National Health Service.
Speaking of her passion and interest in Indian Traditional Sciences, she said this is a valuable time for the APPG Indian Traditional Sciences to present a manifesto on health to all political parties as the country is going for the general election.
“This is very important and I am emphasising it as much as I can that the power for change lies with the people of the country,” she said.
Amarjeet S Bhamra of the APPG Indian Traditional Sciences Secretariat appealed to the guests to sign a petition calling on the European Union Commission to offer Freedom of Choice in healthcare to all citizens of Europe.
“I invite you to write to their MPs urging them to lend their support to sign an ‘Early Day Motion 80,’ which has been tabled by Bob Blackman MP to consider that Ayurveda is a proven, effective, comprehensive system of medicine. This should be made accessible to all in this country, supported by the National Health Service.
Ms Gunasekera spoke about the prevention-oriented approach of Ayurveda, and her desire to promote health sciences of Sri Lanka through the established APPG Indian Traditional Sciences.
Mr Singh described the steps taken by the Indian government to promote Ayurveda in the UK and around the world.
“Inauguration of the Centre of Excellence for Yoga Research and Indian Traditional Medicine in the UK last year is an important milestone. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) our Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.
Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee (of Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) Member Dr Shantha Godagama described the formation of British Ayurvedic Medical Council as ‘One Voice’ for Ayurveda in the UK.
“The Council will liaise with government departments in the ever-challenging environment for traditional systems of medicines. Objections to the inclusion of Ayurveda centred on quality control on products from India and Sri Lanka., We urge the High Commissions of India and Sri Lanka to begin a dialogue with British authorities to align production standards from the sub-continent of India,” she said.
Siddhalepa Group Managing Director Asoka Hettigoda expanded on the timeline of one of the largest producers of a variety of Ayurvedic products.
Dr Mauroof Athique from the UK’s most iconic learning establishment shared the philosophy of Ayurveda on longevity.
British Association of Accredited Ayurvedic Practitioners Chairman Dr Indira Anand
proposed that according to WHO, in the next 25 years, people aged 65 and above are likely to grow by 88%.
“Therefore, in the coming years, maintaining health and quality of life in ageing populations will be vitally important, both socially and economically. It is high time our NHS decides to embrace Ayurveda with its unique rejuvenating and purificatory therapies, and seasonal regimens, individualised and holistic healthcare and a code of moral and social conduct based on common sense,” she said.
Atrimed Chief Executive and Managing Director Dr Hrishikesh Damle explained his remit as a physician, trained in Ayurveda with post-graduation degrees in plant pharmacology and clinical pharmacology in India.
Dr Palitha Serasinghe summarised the proceedings of the event and offered ‘Dhanvantri Mantra’ with Dr Venkata Joshi.
Special ‘Ambassador for Pluralistic Medicine’ Awards were presented to Baroness Verma, Baroness Uddin, Shahnaz Husain, producer of Ayurvedic health and beauty care products from India.
Baroness Verma and Amarjeet S Bhamra presented Ayurveda Ratan Awards to Dr Hrisheikesh Damle (Bengaluru, India), Dr Raghunandan Sharma (Hounslow, UK Ayurvedic Medical Association), Dr Palitha Serasinghe Guildford (UK Ayurvedic Practitioners Association) and Asoka Hettigoda.
Ragarani Vinjamuri performed a dance relating to ‘Tulsi,’ India’s famous herb.
