GAF-2023 announces formation of Global Alliance for Ayurveda

We will expand our efforts to position Ayurveda as a sustainable and holistic health system worldwide and strengthen our international network of stakeholders by forming five Global Ayurvedic Alliances.^Number The World Ayurveda Festival (GAF 2023) concluded on Tuesday.

The five-day event brought together Ayurveda practitioners, academics, students, policy makers and a wide range of stakeholders from India and abroad to discuss a wide range of topics, besides foreseeing the vast potential of Ayurveda in addressing the health challenges of the modern world and evolving strategies to give impetus to wellness tourism.

Addressing the concluding ceremony of the conference at the Greenfield International Stadium, former Health Minister V.S. Shivakumar said that in a world facing serious health challenges arising from lifestyle, stress and ecological breakdown, Ayurveda, a time-tested holistic health system, has become more important than ever.

Mr. Shivakumar said it is important to note that this traditional body of knowledge is being strengthened with the adoption of modern research methodologies, increasing its credibility and opening up new vistas of opportunities.

He said that as the tradition of Ayurveda, the science of life, is deeply rooted in Kerala culture, the state has great potential to emerge as a global Ayurvedic centre.

Presiding over the event, Dr GG Gangadharan, working president of GAF, said the conference was a great success as it effectively advanced its key objectives of uniting the global Ayurvedic community, enhancing international acceptance of Ayurveda, promoting modern research and promoting Kerala as a health hub.

Among the speakers were GAF Chief Coordinator Dr C. Suresh Kumar, GAF Secretary General Dr C. Suresh Kumar, Organising Secretary Dr Vishnu Nambudiri and General Convener Dr VG Udayakumar.