NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, November 12, 2024:The Consulate General of India in Atlanta hosted a vibrant World Ayurveda Day celebration, spotlighting the theme “Ayurveda for Global Health and Innovation.” Attendees gathered to explore how this ancient Indian system of medicine can enhance modern health practices. The event commenced with an introduction by Consul General Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, who emphasized the significance of Ayurveda as a holistic approach to well-being and the potential for synergy with contemporary medical practices.
The event featured a panel discussion with four Atlanta-based Ayurvedic practitioners: Dr. Divya Patel, Nagesh Kasam, Dr. Rupali Biradar, and Dr. Susan Eldose. Each shared insights on Ayurveda’s enduring relevance and its potential to address today’s health challenges.
Dr. Divya Patel, an Ayurvedic practitioner and family nurse, addressed “Ayurveda in the 21st Century: Innovations and Integrations with Modern Medicine.” She defined innovation as transforming traditional wisdom into contemporary applications and explained how patient-involved tracking could help Ayurvedic practices align with U.S. FDA standards. Dr. Patel shared a successful case where Ayurvedic treatment helped a lupus patient achieve normalized blood tests. Emphasizing that technology can enhance Ayurveda’s diagnostic capabilities, she advocated for collaborative models combining Ayurveda’s holistic care with allopathy’s acute treatments.
Nagesh Kasam simplified the Ayurvedic concept of disease development, attributing it to imbalances in the body’s three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. He explained the six stages of disease progression in Ayurveda, illustrating how lifestyle adjustments can prevent illness. Kassam shared a case where Ayurvedic practices helped a client with ulcerative colitis reduce symptoms. He noted that ancient techniques, such as using copper pots for water storage, hold modern scientific validation, emphasizing Ayurveda’s potential to blend tradition with evidence-based practices.
Dr. Rupali Biradar spoke on Ayurveda’s contributions to global health and innovation. She highlighted traditional methods, like storing water in copper vessels to prevent bacterial infections, as valuable tools for public health. She advocated for rigorous research on Ayurvedic herbs like amla, ashwagandha, and turmeric, citing their immune-boosting properties. Dr. Biradar also emphasized the need for a holistic approach to physical and mental health, especially as millions in the U.S. experience mental health challenges and obesity.
Dr. Susan Eldose discussed obesity from an Ayurvedic perspective, describing its symptoms and treatment approaches. She outlined obesity’s primary symptoms, including fatigue and shortness of breath, and attributed it to disruptions in metabolic function. Dr. Eldose emphasized treatments like Virechana (purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas) to cleanse the body and restore balance.
The event concluded with remarks from Deputy Consul General Madan Ghidiyal, who encouraged attendees to “stay healthy, stay young, and live longer.” He expressed gratitude to the panelists and international experts for sharing their insights and highlighted the value of such collaborative knowledge exchanges.
Cover photo: L to R: Nagesh Kasam, Dr. Rupali Biradar, Dr. Divya Patel, Dr. Susan Eldose.
