New Delhi: The Ministry of Ayush, through CCRAS-CARI Bengaluru, is hosting a two-day international conference (1–2 Dec 2025) at IISc Bengaluru to explore evidence-based integrative approaches combining Ayurveda and modern biomedical science to address obesity, type-2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders.
Background of the Integrative Approaches to Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Obesity, metabolic syndrome, type-2 diabetes and related disorders have emerged as some of the most pressing public health challenges globally — and India is no exception. Sedentary lifestyles, shifting dietary patterns and urbanization have contributed to an alarming rise in the number of people afflicted with overweight, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and other metabolic abnormalities.
In response, there is a growing realisation that biomedical interventions alone — while important — may not suffice. Long-term prevention, personalised care, lifestyle modification, and holistic approaches are increasingly being recognized as essential.
Ayurveda + Modern Science: A Confluence of Strengths
Ayurveda — the ancient Indian system of medicine — offers a holistic approach to health, focusing on prevention, balance, diet, lifestyle, and personalized care. For centuries, it has addressed not just disease, but the maintenance of overall well-being.
The intent behind the upcoming conference is to build bridges between this traditional wisdom and contemporary biomedical research. By subjecting Ayurvedic principles and interventions to modern scientific scrutiny, the aim is to build robust, evidence-based integrative models for prevention and management of metabolic diseases.
This approach also aligns with broader global trends: integrative medicine, personalised healthcare, and preventive public health strategies are increasingly being promoted as sustainable, cost-effective solutions to chronic diseases.
Conference Overview: Key Details
The two-day international event — International Conference on Ayurveda and Integrative Approaches to Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome — is being organized by Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) through its Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bengaluru (CARI), in collaboration with Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). The venue: A.V. Rama Rao Auditorium, Bengaluru.
The initiative reflects a growing emphasis by the Ministry of Ayush on “research-driven integrative healthcare,” and underscores India’s ambition to play a leading role globally in combining traditional wisdom with modern biomedical science.
Organisers:
- CCRAS (via CARI, Bengaluru)
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
- NIMHANS, Bengaluru
Timeline and Event Place
- Date: 1–2 December 2025
- Event Place: A.V. Rama Rao Auditorium, IISc, Bengaluru
Special Occasion: The conference coincides with the 57th Foundation Day of CCRAS.
Participation & Submissions: More than 700 delegates are expected. So far, the academic programme includes:
- 267 oral presentations
- 120 virtual paper presentations
- 70 poster presentations
- 16 keynote / plenary talks by eminent scientists, clinicians and researchers.
Program Highlights:
- Plenary sessions
- Parallel scientific sessions
- Symposium on translational science and integrative management of Type-2 Diabetes, Obesity and Dyslipidemia.
- A dedicated workshop on Nanotechnology & Molecular Biology (to be held 2 December at TCS Smart-X Hub, IISc) — aimed at leveraging cutting-edge research tools to study metabolic diseases.
- A health-screening camp, jointly run by entities including “Samatvam,” “PathShodh,” and CARI — reflecting the conference’s outreach intentions.
Publications: During the conference, a special issue of CCRAS’s research journal Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (JDRAS) focused on obesity & metabolic disorders will be released — along with 10 other books showcasing ongoing research in this domain.
Key Statements on This Conference
According to Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (IC) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare:
“Obesity and metabolic disorders are among the most pressing public-health challenges of our time. This conference reflects our resolve to strengthen evidence-based approaches that combine the knowledge of Ayurveda with the rigor of modern medical science. The Government of India is committed to promoting research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance global health outcomes.”
The Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush added that while metabolic diseases are growing at an alarming rate, Ayurveda’s holistic, preventive and personalised approach — when integrated with contemporary biomedical advancements — can become even more powerful. The conference is a key step toward consolidating India’s leadership in integrative research, strengthening clinical evidence, and shaping future health policies.
Rabinarayan Acharya — Director General, CCRAS — emphasized the urgency: in an era where metabolic diseases are escalating globally, leveraging Ayurveda’s holistic insights offers “powerful and practical solutions.”
The conference aims to bridge traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with cutting-edge biomedical research through evidence-based dialogue.
Expected outcomes include contributions to integrative care frameworks, translational research, and shaping global health policy.
Significance & Potential Impact of this Conference in 57th Foundation Day of CCRAS
For Public Health in India and Beyond
- By integrating Ayurveda’s preventive and lifestyle-oriented practices with modern diagnostics and therapy, the conference could pave the way for comprehensive strategies to manage obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and related conditions.
- The emphasis on scientific research, translational medicine, and biomedical tools (like nanotechnology and molecular biology) might help validate and standardize Ayurvedic interventions — boosting their acceptability in mainstream medicine.
- Outcomes from the conference could inform public-health policies, guidelines for integrative medicine, and national programmes aimed at curbing the metabolic disease burden.
- Given that obesity and metabolic disorders are global issues, if evidence-based Ayurvedic protocols show effectiveness, they might gain traction internationally — offering a model for integrative, accessible, low-cost healthcare globally.
For Research & Academic Community
- The event brings together researchers from Ayurveda, modern medicine, life sciences, and public health — fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration which is often necessary for addressing complex, multi-factorial diseases.
- With sessions and workshops dedicated to translational science, molecular biology, and cutting-edge research tools, there is a clear drive to move Ayurvedic concepts from theoretical/traditional frameworks into evidence-based clinical research.
- The release of new literature (special issues, books) will enrich the scientific and academic repository on integrative management of metabolic disorders, encouraging further research and discussion.
- With 267 oral presentations, many posters, and virtual papers, the conference provides a platform for upcoming researchers, PG/PhD scholars, and clinicians to share findings — promoting academic rigour in integrative medicine.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
As the conference unfolds on 1–2 December 2025, the following are likely outcomes to watch for:
- Release and dissemination of the new special issue of JDRAS and 10 accompanying books — which might contain fresh data, clinical trials, reviews, and guidelines on integrative management of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
- Keynote insights from leading domestic and international experts — possibly unveiling novel integrative protocols, research studies, or policy suggestions.
- Outcome statements or consensus recommendations around combining Ayurveda + contemporary medicine for metabolic health, which could influence national-level health programmes.
- Increased interest and investment (academic, governmental, perhaps even private) in integrative medicine research, especially focused on lifestyle and metabolic disorders.
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