(The Asian Independent)
Amarjeet S. Bhamra Secretariat APPG Indian Traditional Sciences, welcomed nearly 200 guests on-line Zoom Webinar from 12 noon to 5:15pm on Sunday 21st June 2020 and requested everybody who lives in the United Kingdom to write to their local Members of Parliament to sign an Early Day Motion #611 that has been tabled by Mr. Bob Blackman MP in the Houses of Commons in relation to the Int’l Yoga Day 2020. Mr. Bhamra also implied that this webinar will focus on the Covid-19 and how Yoga and Indian Traditional Sciences become partners at specifically developing pluralistic medicine which has to be the forward in the future and looked to the valuable support from Ministry of AYUSH Government of India and the High Commission of India to the UK.
Prof. Venkata N. Joshi very kindly offered an invocation reciting the Bhagavad Gita underpinning the aspect of letting go of our egoistic tendencies, so as to become neutral both to pleasure and pain – doing our duty not expecting a return. Dharma and Karma yoga is just this.
Mr. Virendra Sharma MP the Chairman of All Party Parliamentary Group – Indian Traditional Sciences greeted all participants from around the world and spoke of the values of contribution made by Amarjeet S Bhamra are very interesting in these challenging times with the Covid-19 pandemic and that despite the fact we have been celebrating the Int’l Yoga Day since its inception by the United Nations.
His Excellency the Acting High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom Hon. Charanjeet Singh acknowledged the important role being offered by the APPG Indian Traditional Sciences creating greater awareness on Yoga and its sister Indian sciences in the UK. He said that Yoga was conceived at the birth of civilization and its philosophy is more relevant than ever.
Mr. Bob Blackman MP Co-Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group – Indian Traditional Sciences offered thanks and recognition for Mr. Bhamra’s work. Yoga is not only a gift to the world, but at a more practical level has been recognised by the NHS to contribute to well-being. This is a milestone. Traditional medicine has been around for many years, treating various conditions with herbs and spices. Science has used these to synthesise them into tablets and etc we know so well. Ayurveda offers a natural alternative. Music for healing (Sangeetam) also being part of Ayurveda and can have a dramatic effect influencing people’s health positively, however this is still to be recognised. More MPs are required to promote this. Attention must be given to our minds also via meditation which can help to overcome pain as well as being life strengthening. The message is that modern medicine can integrate with the traditional medicines.
Mr Pramod Kumar Pathak, Additional Secretary at Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, brought a message from AYUSH, which has been making extra special efforts to mitigate Covid-19. This is definitely an auspicious time for promoting our traditional sciences. Yoga is a huge gift to mankind and must be integrated into everyday life, especially important now as yoga improves immunity. There is no proven cure for Covid-19 at time of this meeting. The Ministry of AYUSH has put out some suggestions on their website to help cope with the virus. Furthermore, they have created interdisciplinary task force to do research on a scientific basis. Ashwaganda is one of the herbs mentioned but there are three others not named in this meeting. Indian natural remedies could slow down spread in India. Study on 5 million people is now taking place. Also, telemedicine has been put in place by AYUSH.
Prof. Tony Nader of the umbrella organization of all Maharishi’s worldwide legacy of administration, knowledge and practical technologies spoke on the Yoga system is an integrated approach bringing unity at all levels belonging to the six branches of the Veda, being knowledge, Vedanta being the ultimate aspect of Yoga – completeness. It is from consciousness that matter itself is revealed in yoga not the other way around as many believe. Tapping into the field of awareness, the field of Yoga, there is integration of mind and body and then onto everything else in the Universe. At a physical level, inflammation is reduced and the immune system strengthened. However, if the immune system goes on overload i.e. there is an overreaction against, in this case the virus, cytokine storms etc that is also unsafe and the body becomes out of balance. Yoga addresses all values, balancing the immune system, the physiological and mental aspects etc of a person and settles the mind bringing therefore behavioural homeostasis too.
Being part of a collective reality what we experience is passed on in society. We must not act from a level of fear. Yoga steps in to bring light to our lives. If our minds are settled, our decisions will be made with clarity. Yoga goes to the roots of the tree, so, if these are healthy, fruit will be bountiful and good. Life on earth can be created at a heavenly level!
HH Vishwaguruji Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda from Vienna, Austria, spoke of the importance of a vegetarian diet (satvic) in Yoga practice, able to bring purification to body as well as mind and spirit.
Mr. Richard Johnson from Maharishi Peace Palace in UK, read out the #Early Day Motion #611 for 6th International Yoga Day.
Professor John Porter, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Diseases shared his own personal narrative and interpretation of Covid-19, how it has affected and will affect everyone. He especially mentioned all the old people in residential care and the world’s social attitudes. He recalled the importance of the Yoga sutras, condensed nuggets of wisdom written by Patanjali, thousands of years ago. We suffer because of our minds!, he said, the goal is to harness the mind and the sutras instruct us on how best to live our lives.
Padma Shri Prof Darshan Shankar Vice Chancellor of TDU University in Bengaluru, India, declared admiration for work of APPG Indian Traditional Sciences because it is integrating a pluralistic approach. There must be no more barring of this knowledge especially in the times of Covid-19. The time has come to open all the doors! Despite whatever remedy will be found, that anti body for that antigen will not suffice, as tomorrow already it will be of no use. Biomedicine doesn’t have the answers. There is an innate immunity, but it is systemic immunity that can tackle these problems. Biomedicine is fine for acute intervention and necessary of course, but it is the integrative approach that will save the day ultimately. Covid-19 is a huge wake up call. Creation of a consortium to broaden base of healthcare in a pluralistic framework is required. Everybody right now is shooting in the dark. We want an antiviral treatment. Virus is naturally spreading so quickly and the scale of pandemic is so huge that the key is not going to be the vaccine.
Bio medicine has no research on systemic immunity. Integrative approach is needed. We need to urge – to develop a Consortium led by the APPG Indian Traditional Sciences for people from other initiatives – pluralistic approach has an answer for policy choices.
Professor Abhimanyu Kumar, Vice Chancellor of University in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. He reiterated that Yoga is for prevention. It has been found that Covid-19 patients who received Ayurveda and Yoga were discharged earlier and with no complications. Yoga has helped many in lockdown. Research work is being carried out on Ayurveda and Yoga for Covid-19 and other conditions, through Yogic and Ayurvedic practices by his staff and students at the university are healthy from Coronavirus, although working in quarantine.
Ms. Miloslava Rutová, MP of the Parliament of the Czech Republic was introduced by Mr. Tomas Pfeiffer, a biotronics. She is a member of the Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, the Social Policy Committee and the Government Council for Seniors and Population Ageing at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Ms. Rutová is a facilitator and a therapist in One Brain Kinesiology Method, Methods of Transformation and Family Constellations. Ms. Rutová thanked the APPG Indian Traditional Sciences and the participants during the Intl´ Yoga Day for all the good things they bring to the humankind. She described how greatly yoga helps Czech handicapped children who she had taught. She expressed her delight with the fact yoga clubs are spreading in Czech schools and homes for the elderly with a visible positive effect on people’s minds and bodies.
Dr. Arvind Chopra MD Rheumatologist from India, spoke passionately of the concept of Ayurveda and Yoga recapitulated for Covid-19 patients. An integrative approach is the answer. He brilliantly underlined that happiness is essential to life in these three forms, Shakti Yoga – Devotion, Dharma Yoga – Knowledge and Karma Yoga – Action. He went on to say – there are no easy solutions to pandemics, but we need to strengthen our immune system and must look after our minds. He also mentioned Ashwaganda used for Covid-19, has been researched for Rheumatoid Arthritis positively. After this experience the world will be a better place! Traditional Medicine can strengthen the hands of modern medicine and asked the audience to read his recent article on Ayurveda in Indian Express of 20th June 2020.
Dr. Geetha Krishna from World Health Organisation Geneva spoke that WHO has taken view that traditional medicine, if there is a scientific base, can be used for cures in pandemic. Regarding Yoga, WHO is creating a manual, a global document and developing a mobile Application by end of the year. Regarding Yoga and Ayurveda, we are trying to support UK based Universities backed by APPG Indian Traditional Sciences through bilateral arrangements to initiate trials.
Prof. Jim Axel Giles Garcia from National School of Anthropology and History in Mexico City, spoke of the use of herbal plants from the traditional Mexican medicines in the pandemic and suggested that this precious knowledge must be safeguarded at all costs.
Ms. Magali Mazzei, a global certified vedic master and yoga educator and founder of LYLIS based in the French Riviera spoke of her sensART programs to look into the repeating patterns of history, using the 5 gateways to the inner wisdom. She also offered a brief demonstration of a breathing with light exercise for all audience to partake in.
Ms. Renu Vyas from Switzerland is a lifelong student shared her passion for the enormous healing power of yoga, a timeless art which transforms body making it healthier and firmer.
Dr. Vanita Sharma is the Deputy Chair Complementary Health Industry Reference Committee, Department of Education, Skills and Employment Commonwealth Government of Australia, stressed much need for integration of medicines.
Anna-Carla Jedras, a Naturopath, trained at The Institute of Natural Medicine, Urbino, Italy elaborated that Yoga means Addition of energy, strength and beauty to body, mind and soul. Everything that is within reflects outwards. There is an urgency to advance our world spiritually, physically and mentally. Yoga is armed with the wonderful Pranayama and it must take centre stage, for the people to build-up our immune systems. If we pay attention to our words as what we utter reflects onto the universe. Therefore, we must say ‘I breathe beautifully!’ Yoga and Ayurveda has potential to cure Covid-19 and Integrative medicine is the way to go forward.
Ms. Belen Miguel spoke on Active ageing and yoga in times of pandemic. Born in Valencia, Spain, Belen is Physiotherapist in ageing processes: socio-sanitary strategies, researcher in the field of frailty and risk of falls.
Mr. Barry Spivack based in the UK, has been teaching Transcendental Meditation part time for twenty-five years mainly in schools, companies and with patients in the National Health Service. He spoke on the vicinity of Yoga, hostile, conflicting tendencies are eliminated.
Barry has recently co-authored a book called “An Antidote to Violence: Evaluating the Evidence” which is released for publication on Friday 26th June 2020.
Dr Mander Bedekar is a director at Int’l Academy of Ayurved in India and an Int’l visiting Ayurveda academician spoke on The Role of Indian Traditional Sciences in preventing Viral Diseases
Mr. Joaquim Da Costa Jorge is the President of Amayur – Portuguese Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, studied fine arts and, later, devoted himself to the study of natural medicines, obtaining several graduations, essentially in Ayurvedic Medicine spoke on Dinacharya for boosting – Immune System.
Ms. Vidhi Sadana is a Complementary and Natural Health Council Profession Specific Board member for Yoga Therapy and a Research Assistant in the NHS and offered her speech on Resilience through yoga sūtra-s – a pandemic resource and address – maitri, Karuna, śraddha as tools to work through the pandemic.
Ms. Maria Willebrands-Peters is the President of the General Dutch Association of Ayurveda Medicine and very eloquently shared her vision on Yoga in this modern era.
Ms. Gayatri Puranik is a Board Member of Ayurveda Association of Germany ADAVED and elaborated on Eternal principles of Indian Traditional Sciences and stability of Yoga and Ayurveda, principle of flexibility that people should be empowered with.
Svamini Hamsananda is a Samnyas living in Italy at the Matha Gitananda Ashram, traditional Hindu monastery. She is Vice-President of the Italian Hindu Union-Sanatana Dharma Samgha. And President of the Italian Interfaith Dialogue Board and very passionately spoke that Suffering must be avoided.
Prof Dr Shriniwas Gujjarwar, is a Professor and Head of Post-Graduation Dept. of ShalyaTantra (Surgery) at the Department of AYUSH, Government of Haryana at Shri Krishna Govt. Ayurved College, Kurukshetra, India. Dr. Srinivas has treated more than 10,000 cases with ksharsutra treatment for various ano-rectal disorders in last 23 years and expounded on Pandemic and Ayurvedic Approach.
Dr Partap Chauhan is a reputed Ayurvedic physician, author, public speaker TV personality and the pioneer of Ayurvedic Telemedicine based in India. He started the world’s first Ayurvedic website – Jiva.com in the year 1995, and is the only Ayurvedic doctor to have won the prestigious “World Summit Award” given by United Nations Organization and spoke on the Role of Yoga/Ayurveda in Mental Wellbeing.
Dr Sarvpreet Singh is a highly respected Ayurveda physician based in New Delhi India and delivered an engaging lecture on Objectives of Yoga, spiritual growth, and moksha and its benefits in time of health crises.
Ms. Indira Anand is the Vice President of British Ayurvedic Medical Council, and has been organising Yoga and Ayurveda workshops in London for the past 15 years. She took up Yoga and Ayurveda after early retirement from her main profession as an Investment Banker. Indira trained as a teacher of Yoga from Bihar School of Yoga, Munger in India and spoke on Enhancing Immunity through Various Yogic Practices.
Ms. Maybritt Kiel is an experienced international relations professional, originally from the Netherlands, however, she has been living abroad for over 16 years. In 2008 she started practicing Yoga when living in Australia. Yoga has taught and given her so much. It has really enriched her life and helped her to get through lockdown and so much more which she shared through her title of Yoga in times of Covid-19.
Acharya Sachin Atreya is a practicing Jyotish and Vastu consultant and currently pursuing PhD in astrology in Ludhiana, Punjab, India and deliver an academic lecture on Yoga and Vastu.
Ms. Ragasudha Vinjamuri is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Sunderland in London and is Fellow of Royal Society of Arts. She is an award-winning classical dancer, who has presented unique and niche topics of cultural and social importance. She has established Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence to impart dance training to the learners and also carries research and presentation of lesser seen and lesser known rare tribal dances of India. She presented an eloquent classical dance attributing to Lord Shiva, believed to be the Adi Yogi, linking the art of dance with yogic aspects.
Ms. Vandana Somaiya, inherited Sangeetam – Indian Classical Music from her father. She has travelled internationally and performed alongside India’s master vocalists like Padma Shri Anup Jalota. She presented though her amazing voice Raag Yaman Bhajan in Taal Dadra (6 beats) and Raag Bhoopali in Taal Aaddha (16 beats).
Dr Lakshmi Vyas is visiting Professor to American University of Sovereign Nations and member of International Women’s Coordinating Committee, Religion for Peace, European Council of Religious Leaders, Hindu Matters in Britain, Standing advisory committee for Religious Education and President Hindu Forum Europe. She delivered her thoughts on Traditional Yoga vs Modern Yoga and offered vote of thanks on behalf of All-Party Parliamentary Group – Indian Traditional Sciences.
– Amarjeet S Bhamra