The 3rd International Ayurveda Conference, jointly organised by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) and Conayur São Paulo, concluded in Brazil on 15 November 2025. Held under the aegis of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the two-day conference marked a major milestone—40 years of Ayurveda in Brazil—and highlighted the deepening collaboration between India and Brazil in traditional systems of healthcare.
The theme for this year’s conference, “Diversity and Inclusion in Ayurveda: Caring for Everybody and Every Being,” reflected the growing global acceptance of Ayurveda as a holistic and inclusive medical science.
India–Brazil Partnership in Traditional Medicine Strengthens
The inaugural session was graced by the Ambassador of India to Brazil, H.E. Shri Dinesh Bhatia, who underlined the expanding bilateral cooperation in Ayurveda and traditional medicine. He noted that Ayurveda’s global relevance has grown remarkably due to scientific research, rigorous academic exchange, and international partnerships.
The Ambassador emphasised that this progress will gain further momentum at the 2nd WHO–Ministry of Ayush Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from 17–19 December 2025. He also acknowledged Brazil’s pioneering role as the first South American nation to officially recognise Ayurveda, and highlighted the recent visit of Brazilian Vice President Mr. Geraldo Alckmin to the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, as a landmark in strengthening cooperation.
Ayush Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kotecha Highlights Ayurveda’s Inclusive Vision
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. (Vaidya) Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said that Ayurveda symbolizes compassion, inclusivity, and harmony between body, mind, and environment. He praised the strong institutional partnerships between India and Brazil, supported through MoUs and collaborations involving the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, Brazilian universities, and research institutions.
Dr. Kotecha also acknowledged the dedication of teachers, practitioners, and researchers who have expanded the reach of Ayurveda in Brazil over the last four decades. On behalf of the Union Minister of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, he reiterated India’s commitment—under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi—to supporting evidence-based traditional medicine globally.
SVCC’s Role in Cultural Diplomacy Appreciated
In her address, Dr. Jyoti Kiran Shukla, Director of SVCC, highlighted India and Brazil’s shared heritage of wellness traditions. She emphasized the Centre’s efforts, under ICCR, to promote academic and cultural exchanges that deepen the understanding of Ayurveda across Latin America.
Key Sessions and Scholarly Discussions
The conference hosted a variety of sessions, including:
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Thematic lectures on ancestral knowledge and diversity in Ayurveda
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Plenary discussions on inclusivity and holistic wellness
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Expert panels on regulation, research, and institutional practice
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A general assembly on the professional future of Ayurveda in Brazil
A major highlight was the announcement that Ayurveda has been officially included in the Brazilian Classification of Occupations, marking a historic milestone for the system’s professional recognition.
The two-day event included well-received lectures such as:
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Daivavyapashraya: The Healing of the Soul – A Bridge between the Ganges and the West by Paulo Bastos Gonçalves
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From Prithvi to Ākāśa: The Journey of Subtle Transformation by Vanessa Santetti
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Ayurveda as a Path of Healing by Dr. Rita Beatriz Tocantins
The conference concluded with a roundtable titled “The Future of Ayurveda in Brazil: Building the Next 40 Years.”
Global Momentum Ahead of WHO–Ayush Summit
The deliberations throughout the conference reaffirmed Ayurveda’s rising global footprint and the expanding commitment of both India and Brazil to traditional, holistic, and evidence-based healthcare.
The outcomes will contribute meaningfully to discussions at the WHO–Ministry of Ayush Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, where global leaders will deliberate on research, regulatory frameworks, sustainability, and international cooperation.
