Udupi, September 30: The sixth international conference
‘Kshamatvam–2026’, organised by Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara
(SDM) Ayurveda College, Hospital and Research Centre, Udupi, focusing on
“Translational Ayurveda in Autoimmune Disorders: Bridging Classical
Knowledge with Global Healthcare,” was inaugurated at the Bhavaprakasha
Auditorium on Wednesday.
The conference aims to explore the scientific potential of Ayurveda in the
management of autoimmune disorders and to bridge classical Ayurvedic
knowledge with contemporary immunology, medical research and global
healthcare practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Manisha Upendra Kothekar, President,
National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), emphasised
the need to integrate the rich classical knowledge of Ayurveda with modern
scientific research and global healthcare practices in addressing autoimmune
disorders.
Dr. Kaustubh Upadhyay, Ayurveda Advisor, Ministry of Ayush,
Government of India; Dr. Sunil Panwar, IFS, Commissioner, Department
of Ayush, Government of Karnataka; and Dr. Anita Karilievio Arcas,
President, Ayurveda Russia–India Association, were present on the occasion.
The programme was presided over by Prof. Dr. Prasanna N. Rao, Director,
SDM Ayurveda Institutions. In his presidential address, he described
Kshamatvam–2026 as a global initiative, noting that experts, researchers and
participants from different parts of the world had gathered to participate in the
conference. He highlighted the importance of creating international platforms
for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange in Ayurveda.
Dr. Mamatha K.V., Chief Organising Secretary and Principal, SDM
Ayurveda College, Hospital and Research Centre, Udupi, welcomed the
gathering and delivered the introductory remarks. The dignitaries formally
inaugurated the conference by lighting the traditional lamp.
A message from Padma Vibhushan Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade was read out
on the occasion. In his message, he expressed happiness over the organisation of
Kshamatvam–2026 and emphasised the importance of integrating classical

Ayurvedic knowledge with global healthcare through translational research. He
also highlighted the extensive healthcare, education and research network of
SDM and its contribution to taking Ayurveda to a global platform.
As part of the inaugural ceremony, two important publications were
released—‘Panchakarma Shloka Manjari’ authored by Dr. Padmakiran C.
and ‘English Translation of Sushruta Samhita – Part 1’ authored by Dr.
Arhanth Kumar A. The publications were recognised as valuable contributions
towards preserving, disseminating and strengthening classical Ayurvedic
knowledge.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Emeritus Dr. Srinivas
Hejamadi, who highlighted the complexities of autoimmune disorders and the
need for focused scientific research to explore the potential of Ayurveda in this
emerging area of healthcare.
Dr. Prasanna N. Mogasale and Dr. Arhanth Kumar A., Organising
Secretaries, were also present and were instrumental in coordinating the
conference proceedings.
The inaugural ceremony was followed by a series of scientific sessions
featuring eminent experts from India and abroad. Dr. Vishweshwaraiah
Prakash, Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan, Dr. Jorge Luis Berra, Dr.
Rammanohar Puthiyedath and Dr. Prasanna N. Mogasale delivered
scientific presentations on various aspects of immunity, autoimmune disorders,
Ayurveda research and contemporary approaches to healthcare.
The scientific sessions provided a platform for interdisciplinary academic
exchange, with discussions focusing on immunology, autoimmune disorders,
evidence generation, research methodology and the scope of translational
Ayurveda.
This was followed by parallel scientific paper presentations by scholars and
researchers, providing opportunities to showcase ongoing research and
facilitate interaction among academicians, clinicians and young researchers.
The day concluded with a vibrant cultural programme presented by SDM
Kalavaibhava, adding a cultural dimension to the academic proceedings.
The programme was compered by Dr. Arun and Dr. Shubha P.U., while Dr.
Ashok Kumar B.N. proposed the vote of thanks.
Dr. Shailaja, Principal, SDM Ayurveda College, Hassan; Dr. Jagadish K.,
Principal, SDM Ayurveda College, Bengaluru; Dr. Niranjan Rao and Dr.
Nagaraj S., Vice-Principals, SDMCAHRC, Udupi, along with faculty
members, researchers, scholars, students and delegates from India and abroad,
were present.