Thu Feb 05 04:23:50 UTC 2026: # Women in Ayurveda: Conference to Focus on Health and Empowerment in India

The Story:
A two-day Women Ayurveda Parishad Conference (WAPCON) is scheduled to be held at the AU Convention Centre in Visakhapatnam on February 6-7, 2026. Organized by the Vishwa Ayurveda Parishad (VAP) in collaboration with the Dr. Durgabhai Deshmukh Centre for Women’s Studies (DDCWS) of Andhra University, the conference will center around the theme “Swastha Nari – Sashakta Bharat” (Healthy Woman – Strong India). The event aims to explore how traditional Ayurvedic medicine can support women’s health and empowerment.

Key Points:
* The 11th Women Ayurveda Parishad Conference (WAPCON) will be held on February 6-7, 2026, in Visakhapatnam.
* The conference is organized by the Vishwa Ayurveda Parishad (VAP) and the Dr. Durgabhai Deshmukh Centre for Women’s Studies (DDCWS) of Andhra University.
* The theme for 2026 is “Swastha Nari – Sashakta Bharat” (Healthy Woman – Strong India).
* The conference will feature expert talks and presentations on topics including Modern Health Issues, Ayurveda & Technology, AI in health practice, business & growth, start-up opportunities (Ayurpreneurship) for women, and cosmetology.
* AU Vice-Chancellor Prof. G.P. Rajasekhar released a poster for the event and highlighted the importance of academic-industry partnerships.

Critical Analysis:
The convergence of Ayurveda and technology, particularly AI, signifies a move towards modernizing and potentially scaling traditional practices to reach a wider audience. The focus on “Ayurpreneurship” also suggests a desire to economically empower women through ventures related to Ayurvedic practices and products. This can be seen as India leveraging its traditional knowledge base for economic and social development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The WAPCON-2026 indicates a continued emphasis on women’s health and empowerment within India’s development agenda.
  • The integration of technology and entrepreneurship with Ayurveda reflects a forward-thinking approach to healthcare and economic opportunity.
  • The involvement of academic institutions like Andhra University highlights the importance of research and development in these areas.
  • The theme “Swastha Nari – Sashakta Bharat” links women’s health directly to the overall strength and progress of India.

Impact Analysis:

The focus on women’s health, empowerment, and entrepreneurship has significant long-term implications. A healthy and empowered female population is crucial for economic growth, social stability, and overall national development. The promotion of “Ayurpreneurship” can lead to the creation of new businesses and employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas. By integrating Ayurveda with technology and promoting its use, India could potentially create a unique and valuable contribution to the global healthcare landscape. The success of this initiative could lead to increased investment in similar programs and a greater emphasis on traditional knowledge systems in other sectors.

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