Speech by H.E. Mr. Ajannesh Kumar, Ambassador of India to Argentina, on the occasion of the celebration of the tenth Ayurveda Day and Indian Naturopathy Day at the University of Buenos Aires on November 29, 2025.

Namaskar, Buenas Tardes,

Hon’able Senator Silvina Larraburu, Guest of Honor

Mr. Ricardo Gelpi, Rector of University of Buenos Aires 

Mr. Emiliano Benjamín Yacobitti, Vice Rector of UBA 

Mr. Vijay Anand, CEO Sitaram Co. 

Distinguished Ayurvedic practitioners, health experts, faculty members, students, friends, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure and privilege to welcome all of you here today as we celebrate the 10th Ayurveda Day and Indian Naturopathy Day here at the prestigious University of Buenos Aires. I would like to extend a special welcome to the Chief Guest.

2. I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Ricardo Gelpi and                              Mr. Emiliano Benjamín Yacobitti for their kind support and generosity in hosting this event. The University of Buenos Aires has long been a beacon of learning and intellectual curiosity in Latin America, and it is fitting that today we gather here to celebrate one of India’s oldest and most profound sciences, Ayurveda.
   
3. I also extend my sincere appreciation to Mr. Vijay Anand, whose dedication and vision have helped organise this event. 
   
   
4. It would be a mistake not to mention how Ayurveda came to Argentina. In 1972, Dr. Domar Singh Madariya arrived in Argentina with the aim of spreading Indian philosophy and yoga. In 1981, he graduated as a physician from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Buenos Aires and specialized in rheumatology at the Rivadavia Hospital. In the mid-1980s, he began practicing homeopathy and Ayurveda. His mentor and guide was his father-in-law, Dr. Jogeshear Prasad Deshmukh. He was the first physician to practice Ayurveda and treat patients with great success. In 1999, he created the Dr. Domar Singh Madariya Ayurvedic Medicine Foundation, which operated until 2010, one year after his death on September 27, 2009. 
   
   
5. As Ambassador, I met him during my visit to the country in early 2002. I witnessed his work and his enormous commitment to sharing Ayurveda with as many people as possible. The Embassy recognizes all his achievements and efforts to promote it. Many professionals visited his office to learn and find a path in Ayurveda, as it considers all aspects of life. It is healing and prevention. It is a lifestyle.
   
   
6. This year marks a special milestone, the 10th Ayurveda Day, with the global theme “Ayurveda for People and Planet.” This theme captures the very heart of Ayurvedic philosophy that the health of each individual is deeply connected to the health of our environment. Ayurveda teaches us that when we live in harmony with nature, we nourish both ourselves and the planet. In today’s fast-paced world, where we face environmental challenges, stress, and lifestyle-related disorders, Ayurveda offers timeless wisdom. It reminds us that well-being is not something to be chased after in hospitals or clinics; it begins with how we live, how we eat, think, sleep, breathe, and relate to the world around us.
   
   
7. “Ayurveda for People and Planet” therefore calls on us to rediscover balance — within ourselves and with our surroundings. It tells us that healing the planet begins by healing ourselves.
   
   
8. Modern medicine has achieved extraordinary progress in treating diseases, yet millions around the world struggle with anxiety, fatigue, and chronic illness. Ayurveda complements modern science by addressing the root causes of imbalance rather than only its symptoms.
   
   
9. Through its principles of dinacharya (daily discipline), ritucharya (seasonal rhythm), and sattvic ahar (wholesome diet), Ayurveda provides practical tools for sustainable living. It teaches that prevention is the best medicine, and moderation the greatest healer.
   
   
10. As more people worldwide seek a balanced and mindful way of life, Ayurveda’s relevance grows stronger than ever. It reminds us that true health is not merely the absence of disease, but the presence of harmony — in body, mind, and spirit.
    
    
11. This profound understanding encourages respect for the natural world and compassion for all living beings. Ayurveda invites us to take responsibility for our own health, to listen to our bodies, to live consciously, and to act with care for the world we inhabit.
    
    
12. In this sense, Ayurveda is not just a medical system, it is a philosophy of living. It asks us to live in balance, not in excess; to seek peace, not constant stimulation; and to view health as harmony, not as perfection.
    
    
13. Argentina has embraced Ayurveda with curiosity, openness, and enthusiasm. Over the years, several institutions, wellness centers, and individuals have introduced Ayurvedic studies, consultations, and therapies to local audiences.
    
    
14. We also see an increasing number of young practitioners, researchers, and students exploring Ayurveda as a complement to modern healthcare, promoting a holistic understanding of health. The Embassy of India has been privileged to partner with these efforts through collaborations, workshops, and Ayurveda Day celebrations over the years.
    
    
15. Today’s event continues that tradition and I am delighted that we are joined by so many scholars, students, and health professionals eager to learn more about this ancient science.
    
    
16. Today, we are witnessing a beautiful and impactful synergy between India and Argentina. Ayurveda is a powerful bridge between our two countries, fostering a mutual respect and curiosity that enriches both our cultures. The Embassy is proud to support this collaboration, which enhances people-to-people ties and contributes to a global wellness community. As we celebrate the 10th Ayurveda Day, let us take a moment to reflect on how we can bring Ayurveda’s timeless message into our daily lives. Let us remember that every mindful choice, the food we eat, the way we breathe, the care we show for others, can be an act of healing for both ourselves and our planet.
    
    
17. May the spirit of Ayurveda for People and Planet inspire us to live more consciously, act more kindly, and care more deeply for our shared home, the Earth. 
    
    
18. To our honored guest and to everyone present here today, I extend my sincere gratitude for supporting this event.Thank you for being a part of this special day. May Ayurveda continue to inspire us towards a path of health, harmony, and resilience.

Thank you all for being part of this celebration.

Dhanyavaad. Namaskar.