Book Launch at World Ayurveda Congress 2024

Dehradun, December 13, 2024

The much-anticipated book "Navigating through Ayu Emergency Yatra: Project Report Summary and Strategic Evaluation" was launched today at the World Ayurveda Congress 2024, held in the Ganga Hall, Dehradun. The book was formally unveiled by Shri. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, during a grand ceremony at 4:30 PM.

About the Book

Title: "Navigating through Ayu Emergency Yatra: Project Report Summary and Strategic Evaluation" , Edited by Mael Voegeli, Skanthesh Lakshmanan, Vinayak Padikkal Variyam, and Ashwath Rao, Published by APG, ISBN 978-81-972693-2-5.

The book documents the Ayu Emergency Yatra project—a visionary initiative of late Padma Shri P.R. Krishnakumar Ji (1951–2020) to integrate Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare, that underscores Ayurveda's role in emergency and critical care. It highlights the integration of evidence-based practices and the empowerment of AYUSH practitioners through advanced training. The passing of P.R. Krishnakumar Ji in September 2020 marked the end of an era, but his legacy is taken forward by a team of passionate and determined youngsters. And that is now clearly evident from the action of marking the first milestone of his vision, by successfully finishing the Ayu Emergency Yatra , spanned 21 days and over 5,000 kilometers and engaging with multiple medical and research institutions across India. PPHSF and ICUI will take forward this mission to revitalize the traditional science of Ayurveda and Indigenous Health Systems and gave it a modern identity. The Ayu Emergency Yatra, a key focus of the book, showcased Ayurveda's relevance in addressing modern healthcare challenges, including oncology, antimicrobial resistance, and emergency care.

Highlights of the Launch

The event brought together eminent dignitaries, scholars, and healthcare professionals who celebrated the collaborative spirit of Ayurveda and mainstream medicine. Shri. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha lauded the project for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and contributing to a stronger, evidence-based Ayurveda system. The Ayu Emergency Yatra Team led by Dr.Mael Voegeli (ICUI), Dr.Skanthesh Lakshmanan (PPHSF Bangalore) and Dr.Vinayak Padikkal Variyam (CASIRA) shared their views regarding the project with the experts and scientists present on the occasion. Dr.Vinayak presented a brief outline of the Ayu Emergency Yatra project and the book and thanked all the supports and well wishers of the project.

Overview of the Ayu Emergency Care Project

The Ayu Emergency Care project addresses a critical gap in Ayurveda's application to emergency and critical care. Inspired by the vision of the late Padmasree P. R. Krishnakumar ji and the support of the Ministry of Ayush, the initiative focuses on the following:

1. Empowering AYUSH Practitioners: 

   Providing comprehensive emergency care and life support training to enhance their competence and confidence in critical situations.

2. Integrating Evidence-Based Practices: 

   Refining AYUSH guidelines for emergency care through empirical evidence using a Cooperative approach, thereby strengthening the credibility of Ayurveda and fostering collaboration with mainstream healthcare systems.

3. Promoting Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

   Building a cohesive network among professionals from diverse medical backgrounds to encourage mutual understanding and cooperation.

   
   

Significance of the Ayu Emergency Yatra

A cornerstone of this project is the Ayu Emergency Yatra, conducted under the motto "Beyond Borders, Uniting Wisdom." This 21-day journey covered over 5,000 kilometers, engaging with eight premier medical institutions, four research centers, and fifteen hospitals. The multidisciplinary team included AYUSH and allopathic physicians, emergency practitioners, nanoscientists, public health professionals, traditional healers, ethicists, social scientists, and media personnel. Throughout the Yatra, the team interacted with over 1,000 doctors, facilitating discussions on the following topics:

1. Case studies demonstrating Ayurveda's role in emergency care.

2. Challenges and opportunities in areas of oncology and acute anti-microbial resistance.

3. Advanced management techniques in emergency care using live scenarios of emergency drills and mannequin demonstrations.

4. The Ayu Emergency Care and Life Support (AECLS) program framework, international guidelines, and the epistemology of Ayurveda.

   
   

Key Features of the Ayu Emergency Yatra Project Summary Book

1. Documented Journey of Ayu Emergency Yatra: A comprehensive account of the evolution and milestones of the Ayu Emergency Yatra, capturing its vision, mission, and impact.

2. Expert Presentations: Summaries of insightful presentations by renowned experts during the Yatra,highlighting innovative ideas and practical applications in Ayurveda emergency care.

3. Panel Discussions with Eminent Scholars: Key takeaways from engaging panel discussions, featuring thought leaders deliberating on critical topics related to integrative and traditional medical systems.

4. Activities and Initiatives: Highlights of various activities and initiatives conducted during the Yatra, emphasizing community engagement, training sessions, and research collaborations.

5. Key Expert Interviews: Exclusive summaries of interviews with distinguished experts who played pivotal roles in shaping the direction and outcomes of the Ayu Emergency Yatra.

6. Insights on pandemic preparedness: The book postulates strategies for pandemic preparedness based on the points reiterated during consultations with stakeholders of Yatra.

7. Policy Recommendations and way ahead: Last but not least, the book focuses on relevant policies to incorporate ayurvedic interventions for emergency care and steps ahead to achieve the outcome.