Atlanta, GA: The Consulate General of India in Atlanta hosted an engaging World Ayurveda Day celebration, highlighting the theme “Ayurveda for Global Health and Innovation.” The event aimed to explore how Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, can contribute to modern healthcare practices. Consul General Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan opened the event by discussing Ayurveda's importance as a holistic health approach and its potential to complement contemporary medical practices.

A panel discussion featuring four Ayurvedic practitioners based in Atlanta was a key part of the event. Dr. Divya Patel, Nagesh Kasam, Dr. Rupali Biradar, and Dr. Susan Eldose each shared their perspectives on the continued relevance of Ayurveda in addressing current health concerns.

Dr. Divya Patel, an Ayurvedic practitioner and family nurse, presented on “Ayurveda in the 21st Century: Innovations and Integrations with Modern Medicine.” She highlighted how traditional Ayurvedic knowledge can be adapted to modern-day needs, including patient monitoring and aligning practices with U.S. FDA standards. Dr. Patel shared a case where Ayurvedic treatment helped a lupus patient normalize their blood tests. She stressed the importance of combining Ayurveda’s holistic approach with allopathic medicine for comprehensive care.

Nagesh Kasam provided insights into Ayurvedic views on disease development, explaining that imbalances in the body's doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—lead to illness. He elaborated on the six stages of disease progression in Ayurveda and shared examples where lifestyle changes, rooted in Ayurveda, helped patients manage conditions like ulcerative colitis. Kasam also pointed out how ancient Ayurvedic practices, such as using copper pots for water storage, are supported by modern scientific research, demonstrating the relevance of traditional practices in today's world.

Dr. Rupali Biradar discussed Ayurveda’s global impact, particularly in terms of public health. She emphasized the value of ancient practices like storing water in copper vessels to prevent bacterial infections and advocated for further research into Ayurvedic herbs like amla, ashwagandha, and turmeric for their immune-boosting properties. Dr. Biradar also called for a holistic approach to addressing mental health and obesity, issues that are increasingly prevalent in the U.S.

Dr. Susan Eldose shared Ayurvedic insights on obesity, explaining its symptoms, such as fatigue and shortness of breath, and its connection to metabolic imbalances. She discussed Ayurvedic treatments like Virechana (purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas) to help restore balance and cleanse the body.

The event concluded with remarks from Deputy Consul General Madan Ghidiyal, who encouraged attendees to “stay healthy, stay young, and live longer.” He expressed appreciation for the panelists and international experts, recognizing the importance of collaborative exchanges of knowledge in promoting global health and wellness.