International experts join Auckland’s Ayurveda Day celebrations
The Consulate General of India in Auckland commemorated the 11th Ayurveda Day on October 8, 2026. (Supplied photo)
Diet, yoga and connections with nature were among the themes explored at the event.
Practitioners and health professionals from New Zealand, India and the United States joined a commemoration of the 11th Ayurveda Day at the Consulate General of India in Auckland on October 8.
The programme brought together community leaders and members of the Indian and wider community to discuss Ayurveda, research and wellbeing.
Ayurveda Day is an annual observance promoting awareness of India’s traditional system of medicine. The official 2026 observance fell on September 23, under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”, with the Auckland event taking place later.
Head of Chancery Sanjeev Kumar delivers the opening remarks. (Supplied photo)
Sanjeev Kumar, Consul and Head of Chancery, opened the programme with welcome remarks, followed by a video presentation on Ayurveda. Six expert speakers participated through a combination of in-person addresses and international webinars.
Speaking in Auckland were Dr Ajit Singh, CEO of Planet Ayurveda Auckland and director of the Australasian Institute of Ayurvedic Studies, and Dr Pooja Maddela, a yoga and naturopathy physician and health services researcher.
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Joining online from India were Prof Sreenivasa Prasad Buduru, director of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Services and Research at KLE University; Prof Rammanohar Puthiyedath, research director at Amrita School of Ayurveda and a member of the WHO TCIM Evidence Board; and Dr Partap Chauhan, founder director of Jiva Ayurveda.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear international speakers through a video link. (Supplied photo)
Dr Priya Punjabi, an Ayurvedic physician and educator, joined online from the United States. The iscussions explored evidence-based Ayurveda, innovation, research and integrative healthcare.
Speakers also addressed a broader understanding of wellbeing, including diet, thought, healthy relationships, yoga and connections with nature.
The consulate described the gathering as an opportunity to reflect on Ayurveda’s continuing relevance and its holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
