By Dr Vidhu Sharma

AyurvedaforWellness.com

WA State Representative, AAA

First ever Ayurveda seminar in Perth organised by the Australasian Association of Ayurveda and the Consulate General of India, Perth.

Theme: Ayurveda: Ancient Wisdom In Modern Age

Ayurveda, as a science belongs to India. It is the oldest surviving system of medicine in the World. Its origin has been traced back to more than 5000 years. The science was significantly developed during the Vedic period of Indian history. In India, as a matter of traditional practice, people rely on Ayurveda in their daily lives. People embrace Ayurveda and its principles in dietary preferences and life style choices. It is now becoming a matter of choice to try and stay away as one can from the harmful side-effects of modern medicine.

The Government of India has established the Ministry of AYUSH as part of its efforts to promote Ayurveda and traditional medicines. The Ministry of AYUSH promotes education and research in Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Sidha and Homeopathy. The Consul General of India, Perth, Mr Amit Kumar Mishra, with an aim to support and promote Ayurveda abroad, invited me to organise, conduct, and present an Ayurveda Event in Western Australia.I, on behalf of WA Australasian Association of Ayurveda, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Perth, organised and hosted a Health and Wellness Seminar on the 23^rd March, 2018 at the Consulate premises in Perth. The theme of the Seminar being “Ayurveda: Ancient Wisdom in Modern Age”.

The Australasian Association of Ayurveda(AAA) is the prime body supporting and regulating Ayurveda and its practitioners Australia wide. The Australasian Association of Ayurveda was first registered in South Australia on the 9^th February 1988. Representing the Western Australian AAA was a proud moment for myself, as I also represented my cultural heritage “Ayurveda”, in India in Australia(The Consulate General of India, Perth).

This Ayurveda Seminar holds a special place in my heart, right from the conception of the idea to the naming, planning, designing, organising, and then finally executing the plan. The journey was as exciting as reaching the final destination. It took weeks of preparation, meetings, a lot of encouragement, team work, family support, to finally put the event together. The WA AAA team proudly worked together with the team from the Indian Consulate, Perth to organise and host this esteemed event.

Dr Anne Aly, MP, Federal member Cowan, was the Guest of Honour, and she spoke about her own experience with Ayurveda. She emphasised the need for Western world to assimilate the traditional wisdom of millennia old practices like Ayurveda. Mr Yaz Mubarakai, MLA from Jandakot, Cr David Lucas, Mayor City of Swan, Mr Amit Kumar Mishra, the Consul General of India, Perth, Ms Yasotha Ponnutharai, Councillor City of Canning, Dr Yadav, President Australasian Association of Ayurveda, also attended the Ayurveda Seminar, and graced the occasion by their presence. The event was well received and attended by more than 100 people including political figures, officials, academicians, Ayurveda practitioners, and enthusiasts.

The Ayurveda Seminar was held in conjunction with the Harmony Week Celebrations in Western Australia. Harmony Week marks community participation, inclusiveness, celebrating diversity, respect, and belonging. It originated in Western Australia, and it is a seven – day celebration in the State in recognition of cultural diversity. We all gathered together to support the Cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia!

The evening commenced by traditional lamp lighting by distinguished guests, prayers to Lord Dhanwantry, the God of Ayurveda. There were several presentations on a wide range of topics including health benefits of Ayurveda, its use in Cancer prevention, Stress management, Chronic Alcoholism, Yoga, and Ayurveda Education in Australia. All speakers received commendations, as their presentations were rated quite informative, and beneficial.  The Seminar concluded with a relaxing, stress-free Yoga demonstration, and the audience joined in to participate. This was followed by authentic Indian Vegetarian light refreshments sponsored by the Consulate General of India.

Ayurveda should not just be regarded as merely a system of Health Care, it is rather a set of disciplines that work together to create balance and harmony with in the Body, Mind, and Soul.With continuous support from the Australian Government, and the Indian Missions abroad, we will achieve our vision of establishing a Bachelor degree in Ayurveda in Australia.

This event marks the establishment of Ayurveda journey in Western Australia!

We shall make history!!!!!!!