Ancient wisdom for the modern age

Ahealth and wellness seminar was organised recently by the WA branch of the Australasian Association of Ayurveda Inc (AAA) in conjunction with the Consulate General of India (Perth).

The theme of the seminar was “Ayurveda: Ancient Wisdom in Modern Age”.

More than 100 attendees heard presentations on the benefits of this ancient system of medicine, including its advantages in the treatment of stress management, chronic alcoholism and even cancer prevention.

the science of yoga, and on Ayurveda education in Australia.

Ayurveda practitioner Dr Vidhu Sharma, the WA representative of the organisation, observed how the science developed thousands of years ago but continues to be practised by the people of India as a matter of course.

“In India, as a matter of traditional practice, people rely on Ayurveda in their daily lives, embracing its principles in dietary preferences and lifestyle choices,” she said.

Dr Anne Aly, MP, Federal Member Cowan, the Guest of Honour, spoke about herbal system of medicine. She emphasised the need for the western world to assimilate the traditional wisdom of millennia old practices like Ayurveda.

The event was held on the premises of the Consulate General of India (Perth). The Government of India, through its Ministry of AYUSH, has been proactive in the promotion of Ayurveda and the traditional systems of Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Sidha and Homeopathy. In 2017, it issued instructions to all its overseas missions to take concrete steps to promote Ayurveda.

Equally significantly, noted Dr Sharma, the Perth event was held during Harmony Week in March. “Harmony Week marks community participation, inclusiveness, celebrating diversity, respect, and belonging,” she observed. “We were gathered at the seminar in the spirit of cultural diversity and promoting an inclusive Australia!”

Mr Yaz Mubarakai (MLA from Jandakot), Cr David Lucas (Mayor City of Swan), Mr Amit Kumar Mishra (Consul General of India, Perth,) Ms Yasotha Ponnutharai (Councillor City of Canning), and Dr Santosh Kumar Yadav (President Australasian Association of Ayurveda), also attended.

The seminar concluded with a relaxing, stress-free yoga demonstration, with the audience joining in. This was followed by authentic Indian vegetarian light refreshments, sponsored by the Consulate General of India.

Earlier, the event had started off with invocations to Lord Dhanvantari, the

God of Ayurveda.

The event marks a highpoint in the Australian career of Dr Vidhu Sharma. An alumnus of the Punjab University in Chandigarh, she was a well-established practitioner in India before she moved here.

“Representing the Western Australian AAA was a proud moment for me, as I also represented my cultural heritage of Ayurveda here in Australia,” she revealed.

Organising the Ayurveda Seminar was a labour of love, involving weeks of preparation and planning, but for Dr Sharma it denotes a new beginning of sorts as she works to take Ayurveda to a wider audience.

“Ayurveda should not just be regarded as merely a system of health care, it is rather a set of disciplines that work together to create balance and harmony with in the body, mind and soul,” she relayed with passion. “With support from both Indian as well as Australian authorities, we hope to see a Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda in this country soon.”

The Australasian Association of Ayurveda Inc (AAA) is the Australian voice of Ayurveda for its 50-odd qualified member-doctors. It is recognised nationally by a number of health funds and is working to expand that number to recognise Ayurvedic consultation as a bona fide treatment. The association has undertaken an awareness initiative across the country in recent months.