Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has underscored the need to integrate and harmonise traditional systems of medicine with the modern medical system to enhance the efficacy of treatments.
Inaugurating the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala founder Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier at Kottakkal on Tuesday, Mr. Naidu said the holistic approach of Ayurveda would go a long way in treating chronic and lifestyle diseases.
He said India was witnessing an increasing incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. “There is an urgent need to shift our focus from the treatment of these diseases to their prevention and general wellness,” he said, adding that Ayurvedic practices and wellness solutions coupled with yoga and other forms of physical exercise could prevent and control those diseases.
Mr. Naidu described Arya Vaidya Sala founder as a visionary who brought about a renaissance in Ayurveda. “I position P.S. Varier in the category of Indian renaissance leaders who drew heavily upon both the oriental and the occidental treasure troves of wisdom.”
“Though P.S. Varier was an ardent follower of Indian traditions, he was not satisfied by merely dwelling on past glories, and had set his vision on the future. His greatest achievement was the finesse with which he incorporated the principles and methods of modern knowledge into the traditional science of Ayurveda. This was done without compromising on the basic essentialities of Ayurveda,” he said.
Mr. Naidu said that India had the capability to become the wellness capital of the world. “India is home to centuries old traditional systems of medicine and wellness practices that not only foster physical health but also mental and spiritual well being,” he said.
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan presided. Arya Vaidya Sala managing trustee P.K. Warrier welcomed the gathering. Minister for Higher Education K.T. Jaleel; E.T. Mohammed Basheer, MP; Sayed Abid Husain Thangal, MLA; and Arya Vaidya Sala chief physician P.M. Varier, were present.
