Ayurveda meet highlights growing popularity of ancient medicine

Indian Ayurveda is receiving worldwide recognition as it works effectively, according to Manisha Kotekar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). Speaking after inaugurating the two-day National Women’s Ayurveda Parishad Conference or WAPCON 2026, being jointly organised by the Vishwa Ayurveda Parishad and the Andhra University Dr Durgabai Deshmukh Women’s Studies Centre, with the support of the Ministry of AYUSH, at the AU Convention Centre on 6 February, Dr Manisha Kotekar said that she was very happy to be a part of the national conference being held for women for the first time.

“It is a matter of great pride that this event is being held at Andhra University, which has a history of one hundred years,” she said.

The presence of Ayurvedic doctors from all over the country at the event shows the importance of the programme, she said.

It was proposed to establish AYUSH Ayurvedic hospitals and pharmacies in every district, she added.

Dr Manisha exhorted all women who have studied in the field of Ayurveda to start practising.
Andhra University Vice Chancellor G P Rajasekhar said that Ayurveda was an integral part of every person’s life. He stated that Ayurveda, which stands as one of the Indian knowledge systems, would gain even greater prominence in future. He suggested that everyone should work collectively towards achieving the goal. He advised young Ayurvedic practitioners to make the best use of the conference to hone their knowledge.

Andhra Pradesh State AYUSH Ministry Director Dinesh Kumar said that with the establishment of the AYUSH Ministry in 2014, the Indian medical field regained its glory. He stated that ancient knowledge was being strengthened with scientific evidence and research findings.

“People now start thinking in terms of holistic medicine and giving priority to preventing diseases rather than just treating them,” he observed.

He further said that the Indian medical system has a bright future and this field offers immense opportunities.

State BJP president P V N Madhav and others also spoke.

Also read: CISF to hold coastal cyclothon from 28 January

Stay tuned to Yo! Vizag website and Instagram for more city and news updates.

This article is written by Senior Journalist Lakkoju Nagesh Babu