H.E. Mr. Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of Brazil, lauds Ayurveda as a 5,000-year-old treasure of health and wisdom during visit to AIIA, New Delhi
H.E. Mr. Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of Brazil, lauds Ayurveda as a 5,000-year-old treasure of health and wisdom during visit to AIIA, New Delhi
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, had the distinct honour of hosting H.E. Mr. Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Federative Republic of Brazil, during his official visit to India today.
In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Geraldo Alckmin expressed deep appreciation for India’s leadership in promoting traditional and integrative health systems. He said, “Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old treasure of health and wisdom. I congratulate the All India Institute of Ayurveda for its wonderful work in promoting health, treating diseases, and advancing education and research through a holistic approach.” He further said, “The world needs Ayurveda’s timeless wisdom for preventive and sustainable healthcare.”
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Acknowledging the global relevance of Ayurveda, he further remarked that, “Life expectancy is rising, and so is the demand for natural and preventive healthcare systems such as Ayurveda. If this were not a short visit, I would have surely taken the treatment for my back pain here at AIIA.”
He also thanked the Government of India and the AIIA team for the warm reception, stating,“I am grateful for the hospitality extended to me and my delegation in India and especially at AIIA.”
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H.E. Mr. Geraldo Alckmin was accompanied by his spouse Ms. Maria Lucia Alckmin and a high-level delegation of 14 officials, including H.E. Mr. Kenneth Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, and H.E. Mr. Romison Rodrigues, Director of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA), along with other senior representatives.
They were warmly received by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush and Prof. (Vaidya) Pradeep Kumar Prajapati, Director, AIIA, along with senior faculty and officers of the institute. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha welcomed the Vice President and his delegation and urged for greater collaboration between India and Brazil in the field of traditional medicine, integrative health research, and wellness industries.
During the visit, the Vice President and his delegation were given an overview of AIIA’s pioneering contributions in Ayurveda education, clinical services, and advanced research. The delegation visited various departments including the Hospital Block, Academic and Research Wings, and the Centre for Integrative Health Sciences, and interacted with faculty, researchers, and students.
A presentation highlighting AIIA’s global initiatives, success stories, and ongoing collaborations in promoting evidence-based Ayurveda and integrative medicine was made before the visiting dignitaries.
The visit reaffirmed the ongoing cooperation between the two nations through existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that promote academic exchange, joint research, and capacity building in traditional medicine.
AIIA currently has research and academic collaborations with reputed institutions in Brazil and has signed three MoUs:
These collaborations aim to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of traditional medicine practices and regulations while fostering the exchange of scientific knowledge and protection of traditional medical heritage.
Both India and Brazil, rich in biodiversity and traditional health practices, share a common vision to develop sustainable healthcare models rooted in ancient wisdom and validated by modern science. Ayurveda, Yoga, and other Indian traditional systems continue to gain popularity in Brazil, reflecting the growing global acceptance of holistic and preventive healthcare approaches.