By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 20 Feb: Ayurveda is based on principles that promote health and prevent diseases. It defines health as a state where the body’s Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, the seven bodily tissues (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, and Shukra), and the natural functions of excretory products (Mala, Mutra, Vishtha) are balanced, along with the harmony of sensory organs, mind, and soul. In essence, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being are essential to achieve true health. This balance is only possible when immunity is strengthened across the body’s cells, glands, and organs.
After the global COVID-19 pandemic, scientific focus has shifted towards boosting immunity along with combating viruses and bacteria. Although vaccines have been the primary solution to enhance immunity, it has been observed that their effects either diminish over time or require repeated administration. Moreover, the world is not unaware of the side effects associated with vaccines.
Against this backdrop, certain herbs, minerals, and Ayurvedic formulations have been explored to enhance immunity, showing promise in disease prevention and management. Although occasional research papers and media reports have highlighted these efforts, Ayurveda’s claims regarding immunity enhancement still lack systematic validation based on modern scientific parameters.
In this context, Padma Shri awardee Vaidya Balendu Prakash, a renowned Ayurvedic physician and founder of the Vaidya Chandra Prakash Cancer Research Foundation, has taken significant steps. He has conducted clinical and experimental studies on select Ayurvedic formulations, which have shown scientifically validated immunity-boosting effects.
The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, known internationally and ranked among India’s top ten institutions, has recognised these efforts. Scientists from the School of Health Sciences and Technology at UPES analysed nearly 50 research papers submitted by scientists across India, finding substantial evidence of Ayurvedic contributions to immunity enhancement.
To bring these insights together and chart a structured plan for future development, a two-day symposium is being organised at UPES’s Kandoli campus. This event has already attracted registrations from leading experts in modern medicine, scientists from various disciplines, and eminent Ayurvedic scholars and researchers.
Making this announcement at a press conference here, today, Vaidya Balendu Prakash emphasised that lifestyle and dietary habits in today’s fast-paced world are diminishing people’s immunity, as evidenced by recurring conditions like cold, cough, and allergic rhinitis. For instance, Hay Fever, once known predominantly in Europe and America during the 19th century, now affects nearly 22% of the global population. While allopathic medicines provide immediate relief, they do not prevent recurrence and may cause side effects with prolonged use.
Modern science considers cold and cough as immune responses, but Ayurvedic therapeutic principles have shown potential not only to completely cure recurrent respiratory conditions but also significantly reduce their recurrence.
During the two-day symposium starting tomorrow, participating scientists will present their research in poster sessions. These will be reviewed and analyzed by experts from ICMR Delhi, AIIMS Delhi, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Ayurveda University Jodhpur, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Varanasi, and Uttarakhand Ayurvedic University Dehradun.
The best posters will be awarded in three categories – First Prize: Rs 21,000 with a certificate, Second Prize: Two awards of Rs 11,000 each with certificates and Third Prize: Three awards of Rs 5,000 each with certificates.
Present on the occasion will be Ajay Bhatt, Member of Parliament and former Union Minister of State as Chief Guest, and Dhan Singh Rawat, Minister of Health, Education & Cooperation, Government of Uttarakhand, as Guest of Honour.
Key Participants from UPES and VCPCRF will include Dr Sunil Rai, President, UPES, Dr Ram Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, UPES, Dr Padma Venkat, Dean, Dr Dhruv Kumar, Cluster Head, Dr Jyoti Upadhyay, Assistant Professor of Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, and Vaidya Shikha Prakash and Sneha Sati from VCPCRF.
This initiative marks the first national effort to understand, validate, and develop Ayurveda’s immunity-boosting potential in conjunction with modern science, promising far-reaching benefits for the future.
