‘We will continue to collaborate to promote research, education and the exchange of best practices between our two countries,’ he said while celebrating the 9th Ayurveda Day at Indian cultural centre in Dhaka.

The acting envoy stressed the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the field of traditional medicines.

This year’s theme for the day is ‘Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health’.

‘As we mark Ayurveda Day, let us all resolve to embrace the principles of this ancient science and incorporate them into our daily lives. By doing so, we can create a healthier, happier, and more balanced world for ourselves and future generations,’ said the acting envoy.

‘Bangladesh and India share bonds of history, language, culture and multitude of other commonalities. Ayurveda is an integral part of our shared heritage.’

‘Traditional medicine is an important element of Bangladesh’s health policy. Ayurveda, Unani, Yoga and Homoeopathy are important traditional health care systems existing in Bangladesh,’ he continued.

Pawan Badhe said that a large population in Bangladesh was using Indian traditional medicine and homoeopathy, Ayurveda, and Unani systems of medicine. There were also a large number of medicinal plants, particularly those found in the tropical region, which were common to the two countries given similar geo-climatic factors. A sizable number of students of Bangladesh also travelled to India to study traditional medicines.

‘As we face new challenges in healthcare, it is essential that we draw upon the wisdom of our ancestors and integrate their knowledge with modern medical practices,’ said the acting high commissioner.

Indira Gandhi cultural centre, high commission of India, Dhaka hosted the programme.

The programme brought together Ayurveda experts, practitioners, students, representatives from the pharmaceuticals sector and eminent members of the Bangladeshi civil society.

Professor Sitesh Chandra Bachar, faculty of pharmacy at Dhaka University, Mokhlesur Rahman, head of research at the Ayurvedic Research Centre for Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dhaka, Mohammad Zamal Uddin, deputy managing director of Hamdard Bangladesh Foundation and Munawwar Husain Kazmi, academic chair at Hamdard University, an institute under the ministry of AYUSH, Indian government, also addressed the event.

The event was followed by a live musical performance by renowned sitar player Ebadul Huq Shaikat.