World Food India Inauguration: PM Modi Highlights Ayurveda and Yoga's Global Significance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a keynote address at the inauguration ceremony of World Food India, highlighting the deep-rooted sustainable food culture of India. The event, which commenced on November 3 and will continue until November 5, 2023, is being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

During his speech, Prime Minister Modi underscored the rich heritage of India's culinary traditions, dating back thousands of years. He mentioned how our ancestors integrated Ayurveda into the everyday diet of the common people, emphasizing the holistic approach to well-being. Drawing parallels to the global influence of Yoga Day, he expressed his vision of bringing millets, a nutritious grain, to every corner of the world.

Prime Minister Modi stressed the significance of Ayurveda and Yoga at the event, two ancient Indian practices that have gained worldwide recognition for their health and wellness benefits. He called for the global spread of Yoga, a practice that has been adopted and embraced across the globe.

In a knowledge session organized by the Ministry of Ayush, Professor Anupam Srivastava of the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur highlighted the role of Medical Value Tourism, citing the Ayush Visa system as an invaluable resource for individuals seeking healthcare services worldwide.

Sanjay Mariwala, the Managing Director of Omni Active Health Technologies, shared his insights into the growing Ayush market. He stated that the Indian Ayush product market, currently valued at about 3.5 billion US dollars, has the potential to expand to a staggering 100 billion. Dr. Shiv Kumar Harti, an Associate Professor at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, elaborated on how Ayush products are becoming an integral part of international dietary habits, emphasizing the importance of food, sleep, and lifestyle in maintaining human health.

Dr Saket Chattopadhyay, a representative from FITT-IIT Delhi, delved into the potential applications of Artificial Intelligence in the development of new Ayush products, showcasing the merging of traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology.

Vijendra Prakash, Regulatory Head of the Himalaya Wellness Company, stressed the need for cooperation and collaboration within the Ayush industry to foster genuine growth and development.  Sanjay Dev, Media Advisor of the Ministry of Ayush, acted as the coordinator for the Ayush Knowledge Session, reiterating Prime Minister Modi's assertion that Ayurveda is an intrinsic part of India's culture that has flourished for millennia and that Ayush is working tirelessly to propel this ancient system forward.

The Ministry of Ayush is a key partner in the World Food India event and has set up the Ayush Pavilion, which offers detailed information about Ayurvedic dietary practices, the relevance of Ayush diets in contemporary life, their importance, and how to access them. The pavilion also provides insights into traditional medical practices related to food and food plates. Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha visited the Ayush Pavilion today, accompanied by numerous senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush and affiliated institutions.