SAHYADYUTI – VALEDICTORY SESSION

The Continuing Medical Education programme SAHYADYUTI conducted from 22nd to 27th September, was sponsored by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India and the Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), New Delhi. The programme concluded successfully after six days of intensive academic deliberations, leaving valuable insights with the participants. The primary objective of the CME was to explore the rich medicinal plant resources of the Western Ghats, particularly the SAHYADRI ranges, and to connect this traditional wealth with contemporary approaches in drug research.

The sessions highlighted several key areas, including endemic flora of the Western Ghats and the significance of their correct identification; challenges of adulteration and substitution in herbal raw drugs; ethnomedical practices prevalent among tribal communities of the Sahyadri region; and the study and relevance of the classical botanical compendium Hortus Malabaricus.

In addition to lectures and discussions, delegates participated in a practical field survey to study flora in their natural habitat. The CME also introduced advanced research methodologies such as network pharmacology and bioinformatics, complemented with hands-on demonstrations, thereby bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific validation.

The valedictory function was held on 27th September. Dr. Deepa M. S, Dean, Faculty of Ayurveda, Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), was the Chief Guest in the function. In her address, she appreciated the academic depth and practical relevance of the programme and emphasized the importance of integrating traditional wisdom with evidence-based research.

Overall, SAHYADYUTI successfully fostered awareness of the biodiversity of the Western Ghats while promoting scientific approaches in Ayurvedic drug research. The programme concluded on a note of scholarly enrichment, collaboration, and renewed commitment towards advancing Ayurveda through both traditional knowledge and modern science.