Ayurveda is a profound gift from India to the world: Prem Bhandari

PORT OF SPAIN / NEW YORK  (TIP): The High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago celebrated Ayurveda Day on Saturday, December  7, with Senator The Honorable Rohan Sinanan, Minister of Works and Transport, as the Chief Guest. The event witnessed active participation from Ayurveda practitioners, medical professionals, spiritual organizations, and the Indian diaspora.

High Commissioner Dr. Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit emphasized Ayurveda’s timeless relevance as a science of holistic well-being and its growing global acceptance. He urged the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to revive the Ayurveda Chair at the University of the West Indies (UWI), enabling further collaboration and research in this ancient field.

Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, New York, delivered a special address, stating:

“On this auspicious Ayurveda Diwas, we honor Maharishi Dhanvantari, the ‘Father of Ayurveda,’ who blessed humanity with the Charak Samhita, a timeless guide to natural healing and holistic wellness. Ayurveda is a profound gift from India to the world, promoting health, harmony, and balance.”

Bhandari also highlighted the humanitarian efforts of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the parent organization of Jaipur Foot USA, which has transformed the lives of over 2.2 million differently-abled individuals in 42 countries through 114 international camps since its inception in 1975 by Padma Bhushan D.R. Mehta.

The event featured insights from spiritual leaders Swami Brahmaswarupananda Ji (Brahma Vidya Peetham International, Trinidad) and Swami Sarvalokananda Ji (Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi), who spoke on Ayurveda’s benefits for physical and mental health. An Ayurveda exhibition organized by Bryden Pi Limited showcased herbal products, including samples from renowned brands such as Himalaya.

Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, was quoted as saying: “India is a treasure trove of herbal plants; it is, in a way, our Green Gold.”

Bhajan Sandhya at Dattatreya Yoga Centre –

A spiritually uplifting Bhajan Sandhya was held at the Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapachima. The event took place in the divine presence of the world’s third-largest Hanuman Murti (85 feet), consecrated by His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Ji.

The gathering was attended by High Commissioner Dr. Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit, Prem Bhandari (Founder, Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir, New York), Hon. Rudranath Indarsingh (MP, Couva North), Hon. Ravi Ratiram (MP, Couva South), and esteemed spiritual leaders such as Swami Brahmaswarupananda Ji, Swami Sarvalokananda Ji, and Swami Brahmadev Ji.

Dr. Rajpurohit announced plans for an upcoming Jaipur Foot Camp in Trinidad, expressing its significance for the differently-abled. He also commended the Hindu community for its vibrant cultural contributions, particularly the grand Ayodhya Ram Mandir celebrations.

During his address, Prem Bhandari shared his heartfelt admiration for the spiritual atmosphere in Trinidad, saying:

“Everywhere I go, I see temples dedicated to Sita Ram and Hanuman, making Trinidad feel like Ramayana City. I recall witnessing over 5,000 devotees celebrate the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha, and another gathering of 15,000 people chanting Hanuman Chalisa together, showcasing the deep-rooted devotion of this land.”

A historic moment unfolded when Amit Alagh, President of the Ram Janmabhoomi Sthapana Committee, presented a Ram Lalla Murti memento from Ayodhya to Prem Bhandari. He described it as a once-in-a-lifetime blessing and extended an invitation to everyone for the grand Murti consecration ceremony in April 2025.

The evening concluded with soulful and mesmerizing devotional music by the Datta Kirtan Mandali and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Cultural Relations, leaving a profound spiritual impact on all attendees.