The Consulate General of India in San Francisco, in collaboration with the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA), the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM), and the Global Indian Scientists & Technocrats USA Forum (GIST-USA), celebrated Ayurveda Day 2026 on September 23 at the consulate premises. Consul General Shri Satish Kumar Sivan highlighted the Ministry of AYUSH’s ongoing global initiatives to promote Ayurveda, India’s broader efforts to integrate traditional medical systems with modern healthcare, and Ayurveda’s critical potential in driving preventive, holistic, and sustainable health. He also reaffirmed the consulate’s strong, continued support for advancing holistic health and wellness approaches across the United States.
Panel Discussion on Integrative and Patient-Centered Care:
The program featured a prominent panel discussion titled “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.” The expert panel included Dr. Shashwati Kale (family medicine and integrative medicine physician), Dr. Rucha Kelkar (BAMS, PT, DPT practitioner in Ayurveda, yoga, and integrative physical therapy), Dr. Cesar Molina (cardiologist and founder/medical director of the South Asian Heart Center), and Geetanjali Chakraborthy (Ayurvedic practitioner, CAAM president, and founder/director of Swakitch). The session explored patient-centered collaborative care, disease prevention, lifestyle modifications, and how Ayurveda can effectively complement modern medicine.
Launch of the Nutrition 360 Initiative:
The event additionally showcased GIST-USA’s “Nutrition 360” initiative, presented by Dr. Shunmathy Gurumoorthy and Dr. Rucha Kelkar. This program focuses heavily on promoting integrative nutrition, comprehensive wellness, and proactive preventive healthcare within communities, reinforcing the practical applications of traditional wellness frameworks in everyday modern life.
