New Delhi, 15 December 2015 – Ambassador Ma. Teresita C. Daza and Cultural Officer and Attaché, Ms. Jeanette B. Ramos, attended the AROGYA, a Comprehensive Health Fair on Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Sigpa and Homoeopathy organized by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on 11–13 December 2015 at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The choice of the Banaras Hindu University coincides with the BHU’s centenary year (2015–2016) and is in recognition of its support for alternative medical systems. AROGYA 2015 is also the first time AYUSH and FICCI organized the annual event with the participation of the diplomatic community in New Delhi.

Ambassador Daza met AYUSH Minister Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Secretary Ajit M. Sharan, Joint Secretary Jitendra Sharma, BHU Vice Chancellor, Professor Girish Chandra Tripathi, FICCI and other local officials, where collaboration on traditional medical systems was explored.

At the Opening Ceremony, the Philippines, among other countries, was also mentioned by key officials for possible collaboration.

The fair was also participated by/or leading manufacturers of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy systems, who displayed their latest products. Research Councils and National Institutes of Ministry of AYUSH also displayed their achievements in the field of AYUSH at national and international levels.