Ayurveda will be as popular as yoga in the West

Ayurveda is one branch of medicine that has a lot of scope in countries outside India. Practices such as yoga have a huge following in the West, and soon Ayurveda too will make its mark felt, feels Dr Geetha Krishna, organising secretary, World Ayurveda Congress & Expo, in conversation with DNA. Arogya Expo 2010  will be held from December 9 to 13 in Bangalore.

What is the purpose of the Ayurveda Congress?
The theme of this year’s programme is ‘Ayurveda for All’. Despite having a great legacy of healthcare and treatment in our country, people are not too keen on this method of treatment. So we will be showcasing its potential, stressing the fact that it is a recognised medical practice. We have over 1,250 scientific papers which will be presented during the congress.

Is there anything happening that could interest the common man?
Yes, we will be having an Ayurveda Expo where the best of ayurvedic products and practices will be showcased,  by leading companies.

How was the response last year? What are your expectations this time?
The earlier three editions of the congress which were held in Kochi, Pune and Jaipur saw a great response. This year, over 4,000 participants including 300 delegates from 34 countries will be there.

How will the ayurveda medical industry benefit?
There will be a training session on good manufacturing practices. Sessions will be conducted by the National Sanitation Foundation, a US-based non-profit organisation, which will provide standards in development, product certification, public health and safety. Fifty selected companies in ayurvedic medicine manufacturing in India are shortlisted for this session. They will be trained on the production of ayurvedic medicines in accordance with international standards.

What are the other highlights of the congress?
The interaction between traditional healers and certified practitioners, for one. We have many traditional practitioners who are aware of ancient and hereditary healing techniques and treatment methods. The congress will be a forum for them to exchange notes.

What are the prospects for ayurveda medicine abroad?
Ayurveda medicine has a lot of takers abroad. The number of foreign delegates who will be coming for the congress indicates the interest. There are over 300 delegates from Europe and the Americas.

Though yoga, which is part of ayurveda, is popular in the West, Ayurveda itself has not reached that level of acceptance in the West. The government could promote ayurveda abroad.