G20 Programme

     Science 20 Engagement Group Meeting on Universal Holistic Health under India’s G-20 Presidency commenced

        The Science 20 Engagement Group Meeting on UNIVERSAL HOLISTIC HEALTH  under India’s G-20 Presidency commenced at the pristine island, Bangaram on Monday, May 01, 2023. 48 delegates from G-20 countries took part in the 2 Day-Meet. All the 48 delegates from G20 countries arrived at Agatti airport by a chartered aircraft. he distinguished delegates were accorded a warm welcome with a traditional folk dance and a special honoring by draping a shawl at Agatti Airport.

        The Hon’ble Administrator, UT of Lakshadweep, Shri Praful Patel was the chief guest of the inauguration function. Shri. Praful  Patel in his welcome address emphasized that India’s G20 Presidency -guided by the inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had placed human-centric development at the heart of its agenda. He highlighted the PM’s unwavering dedication to involving stakeholders at all levels of society, across multiple states, cities, and regions. He also expressed his happiness and pride in seeing India lead a G20 Presidency that truly reflects and responds to the needs of the people. He further put, it rightly that from telemedicine to distance learning, access to digital health solutions through initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) will provide quality medical care, reduce costs, improve disease management, boost last mile centricity, and empower patients across Lakshadweep. He also lauded the efforts of the Government of India at the national level in the health sector. Further, 500 million Indians are now insured under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), the world’s largest publicity funded health insurance scheme, which is roughly 50% more than the entire population of the United States of America. Shri Praful Patel also appreciated and recognized the Indian Government’s initiative to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets encouraging a balanced, fiber-rich diet and sustainable farming practices globally.

               The meeting was chaired by Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President, Indian National Science Academy (INSA). The discussion was focused on holistic health that is a comprehensive approach to healthcare that considers the whole person including their physical, emotional and mental well-being. The conference also highlighted the risk of  diet-related non communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The meeting brought together healthcare experts to discuss and promote the concept of ‘One Health’ for all. Under the overarching theme of holistic  health,  the meeting in Lakshadweep was focused on holistic health, an approach to life that considers multidimensional aspects of wellness.

            The meeting also addressed about lack of awareness about healthy eating and the rising issues of Antimicrobial-resistant resistance which can quickly spread through communities, the food supply, health care facilities, and the environment (soil, water) making it harder to treat certain infections in animals and people. The possible solution was also explored including public policy changes, public awareness and education initiatives. The conference also discussed about environmental degradation due to increasing  frequency of  food-borne, water-borne and zoonotic infectious diseases, resulting in large adverse  impacts on health. The discussion also included the role of Artificial Intelligence for big data analysis in the health care system. The meeting provided an excellent platform for experts in the field to exchange ideas, share knowledge and discuss the latest developments in holistic health. The Lakshadweep Administration hopes that the conference has inspired participant to continue their research and work towards improving the health and well being of individuals and communities around the world.

            On the second day of the Science 20 Thematic Conference delegates were engaged themselves in a yoga session and visited Thinnakkara island. All the delegates visited the coral nursery site developed in Bangaram lagoon by Department of Science & Technology Lakshadweep. The event was colorful with culture night organized by Lakshadweep Administration showing the cultural of Lakshadweep and South India.

          All the delegates returned to Kochi by a chartered flight on 3rd  May 2023. Altogether, it was a fruitful and productive G20  Science 20- Engagement Group Meeting.