IIT Mandi hosts conclave on holistic health during G20-S20 meet

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) celebrated the second day of the G20 – S20 Meet with a conclave on ‘Holistic Health: Exploring holistic approaches to Health and Well-being’. The conclave focused on integrating traditional and modern healthcare systems to promote a balanced and comprehensive approach to health.

The holistic health conclave brought together several leaders and professionals from various fields to exchange knowledge, research, and personal experiences while highlighting the value of holistic health in achieving total well-being.

The aim of the conference was to “To discuss comprehensive strategies that encompass physical, mental, and emotional well-being, aiming to integrate traditional and modern healthcare systems,” the institute said.

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IIT Mandi is also planning to set up a Holistic Health Centre on campus in partnership with the Himachal state and Centre governments.

The Holistic Health conclave featured speakers like Ajay Sankhe, director of Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute; Rama Jayasunder, professor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS Delhi); Ravindra PN, associate professor at the Centre for Consciousness Study, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore; Umesh S, associate professor of Psychiatry at Central Institute of Psychiatry Ranchi among others.

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Laxmidhar Behera underscored the profound importance of holistic health for the well-being of society, particularly in addressing mental health and addiction issues. Ajay P Sankhe spoke on the importance of spiritual well-being, while Rama Jayasundar emphasized the need for alternative medical systems like Ayurveda to complement conventional Western medicine.

Ravindra PN stressed Sankhya philosophy and said: “The Sankhya philosophy's holistic approach to health and well-being, drawing wisdom from the Indian Knowledge System.”

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The discussion was also done on leveraging digitalization for holistic healthcare management.

Varun Dutt highlighted IIT Mandi's initiatives for holistic health, including studying the therapeutic effects of Indian classical ragas, investigating the benefits of Odissi dance, and examining the effects of chanting the maha-mantra on brain networks.