CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD OF AYURVEDA

1. Research around the genetic basis of Prakriti, the Ayurveda concept of constitutional body types. Principal investigator for a multi-center initiative that examined the relationship between Prakriti and biological determinants including physiological characteristics and cellular/molecular signatures that are known to distinguish between groups of individuals and are related to differential susceptibilities to disease. Role involved the formulation of research questions based on the understanding of Ayurveda concepts of Prakriti and the importance of Prakriti in susceptibility to diseases, diagnosis of disease and clinical management. Also contributed to the expert clinical assessment of Prakriti as a senior Ayurveda physician in the published works,

2. Coordinated (1995 – 2003) a pan-India program on Local Health Traditions and Ayurveda which made significant contributions to the revival of ISM and LHT in India by the name Lok Swasthya Parampara Samvardhan Samiti (LSPSS).

3. Was the editor of a well-known journal of Ayurveda in India – ANCIENT SCIENCE OF LIFE. Co-authored books on medicinal plants and has many research papers to his credit.

4. Made significant contributions to bring Ayurveda into limelight through Global Ayurveda Festivals (GAF) a prestigious biennial event and was instrumental in bringing the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Sri. Narendra Modi twice to inaugurate the vision conclave of GAF in 2016 and for the virtual event in 2021.

5. A regular Consultant for departments of AYUSH, DST and NMPB (Govt. of India) on Medicinal Plant related Projects (Proposal and Work evaluation). Member of multiple technical committees in the capacity of senior advisor in the government and private sector involved in the promotion of Ayurveda and medicinal plants.

6. Centrally involved in the conception and execution of a landmark event on national biodiversity called the Indian Biodiversity Congress. Also, was instrumental organizing several major events including ‘Annam’ on food security focused on India’s wholesome food traditions.

7. Delivered numerous invited lectures on Ayurveda across India and abroad on topics related to treatment of lifestyle diseases, Panchakarma and promoting use of herbs in primary healthcare. Conducted a 3-day Panchakarma workshop at Columbia University, New York in 1996.