Sun Nov 10 16:41:44 UTC 2024: ## Ayurveda Embraces Science: AYUSH Secretary Urges Integration at Kottakkal Seminar

**Kottakkal, Kerala (November 10, 2024):** The 61st annual Ayurveda seminar of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala concluded today with a call for the integration of science and traditional practices. Rajesh Kotecha, AYUSH Ministry secretary and former Vice-Chancellor of Gujarat Ayurved University, urged practitioners and researchers to embrace modern tools and technologies, emphasizing that Ayurveda is a science-based system.

“Don’t hesitate to use stethoscopes, sphygmomanometers, and laboratory technologies,” Dr. Kotecha urged, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practice. He pointed out that the AYUSH research portal boasts over 43,000 publications, dispelling the notion that Ayurveda is pseudoscience.

The seminar, held at the Charitable Hospital in Kottakkal, saw active participation from industry leaders and government officials. A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, the principal secretary of the Industry department, announced that the upcoming investor summit in February 2025 would actively seek contributions from the Ayurveda sector. He highlighted Kerala’s strong support for the AYUSH sector, with government funding increasing from ₹98 crore to over ₹200 crore in recent years. He appealed to Dr. Kotecha to consider increased funding for the PS Varier Ayurveda College in Kottakkal.

The seminar included the release of a new book titled “New Trends in Panchakarma Techniques” by Dr. Praveen Balakrishnan. Technical sessions focused on the contemporary understanding and Ayurvedic treatment of avascular necrosis, presented by leading experts.

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