Herbs Before Hospitals? Ayush Champions Child Health the Natural Way

Image Source: UPSC Current Affairs

In a landmark initiative to integrate traditional wisdom with modern child health practices, the Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush, is hosting its 30th National Seminar on August 18–19 in New Delhi. Themed around Management of Illness and Wellness in Paediatrics through Ayurveda, the seminar aims to spotlight Ayurveda’s role in nurturing the health of India’s youngest citizens.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the event and its significance:

1. Purpose and Vision of the Seminar
- The seminar is designed to bring together Ayurvedic scholars, practitioners, researchers, and students on a unified platform
- It aims to explore both classical Ayurvedic approaches and contemporary evidence-based practices for paediatric care
- The event will serve as a catalyst for collaborative research, innovation, and knowledge exchange in child healthcare

2. Key Highlights of the Event
- The two-day seminar will be held at Scope Complex Auditorium, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
- Participants will engage in scientific paper presentations, poster sessions, and interactive discussions
- The focus will be on preventive and promotive healthcare strategies for children using Ayurvedic principles
- Attendees will receive seminar kits, souvenirs, credit points, and participation certificates

3. Leadership and Endorsements
- Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, emphasized the seminar’s role in bridging classical wisdom with modern healthcare needs
- Union Minister Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav reiterated Ayurveda’s emphasis on nurturing child health as foundational to a healthy society
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently advocated for integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare, especially for children

4. Thematic Focus: Illness and Wellness in Paediatrics
- Discussions will cover Ayurvedic management of common childhood illnesses such as respiratory infections, digestive disorders, and skin conditions
- Emphasis will also be placed on wellness practices including diet, daily routines, immunity-building herbs, and seasonal regimens
- The seminar will highlight how Ayurveda’s holistic lens can complement modern paediatric protocols

5. Participation and Collaboration
- The event is expected to draw hundreds of delegates from across India, including Ayurvedic colleges, research institutions, and clinical practitioners
- Young scholars will showcase their work through posters and presentations, encouraging fresh perspectives and academic rigor
- Senior experts like Vaidya Devinder Triguna, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee, will contribute to the deliberations

6. Broader Implications for Child Health
- The seminar aligns with India’s growing interest in sustainable, integrative healthcare models
- It supports the Ayush Ministry’s goal of professional orientation, digital dissemination, and curriculum enhancement in traditional medicine
- By focusing on paediatrics, the initiative underscores the importance of early-life interventions for long-term wellness

7. Future Outlook
- The outcomes of the seminar are expected to inform policy, curriculum, and clinical practice in Ayurvedic paediatrics
- It may lead to collaborative projects between Ayurvedic and allopathic institutions for integrative child health models
- The event sets the stage for future seminars and research initiatives focused on child-centric Ayurveda

Sources: The Hans India, DD India, Janta Se Rishta