GOPIO Medical Webinar concludes that Ayurvedic and modern medicine can both be effective for certain diseases

New York, NY: August 19 :
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) held its webinar series on September 13th, 2025, with a compelling session titled “Indian Medicinal Wisdom: Strategies for Modern Maladies.” The event brought together subject matter experts on ancient medicine and modern medicine, practitioners of combined healthcare approaches, community leaders, and global participants to share insights and best practices.

Moderated by Public Health Leader and Community Advocate Aparna Hande from Southern California, who also serves as GOPIO Medical Council Co-chair, told the audience in the outset that the Webinar session was to encourage active global Indian Diaspora participation with discussions emphasizing the effectiveness of combining modern medicine with evidence-based traditional practices for both prevention and treatment.

The program started with welcome remarks by GOPIO Associate Secretary Sunil Vuppala, who also serves as the Chair of the Webinar Series. Vuppala said that the last few webinars have galvanized the Diaspora community to a common platform to discuss topics of common interest. He then introduced the GOPIO Chairman and President for their remarks.

GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, who could not be present in person, provided a video message sharing brief history of GOPIO International, which was founded in 1989 in New York, now spanning 35 countries with life members and 100 chapters worldwide. Dr. Abraham explained that the primary purpose of GOPIO when it was established as a nonprofit was to integrate the Indian diaspora into the mainstream political community—a goal he noted has been successfully achieved. He further emphasized that OPIO has evolved to address current and relevant issues facing the global Indian diaspora, benefiting both the Indian and global communities. Dr. Abraham also highlighted GOPIO’s proactive role during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizing numerous health-related programs for the benefit of the Indian Diaspora.

GOPIO President Prakash Shah in his remarks highlighted the series of webinar initiatives aimed at educating the Indian Diaspora on relevant issues. He explained that this is the third webinar in the series, held every other month on the second Saturday since July. The first webinar focused on immigration, the second on the AI era, both of which he described as successful and impactful. This third session explores "Ancient Medicinal Wisdom for Modern Maladies." He also announced the upcoming event on October 11 of this year, which will focus on investment growth and the role of the Diaspora

The Chief Guest for the session was Padma Shri Recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, an Allergist & Immunologist who is also a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold. Dr. Parikh is also President-Elect of Global Asso. of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), which represent 1.4 million Indian physicians worldwide. Dr. Parikh in his remarks concluded, “Ayurvedic and modern medicine can both be effective for certain diseases, provided the ancient remedies meet standard dosage and quality requirements,”

Dr. Indranill Basu-Ray (Tennessee, USA), Cardiologist, Prof. of Public Health, Director of Research and Chair, GOPIO Medical Council has been a Yoga advocate. Author of “Yoga for Cardiovascular Disease and Rehabilitation,” he demonstrates how yoga and holistic traditions can transform modern healthcare and medicine.

Dr. Basu-Ray said, “Yoga is not a religion; it is a lifestyle practice. Adopting healthy lifestyle changes is the best medicine for a healthy life, supported by both research and modern medicine.”

Dr. Nirmal Joshi (Pennsylvania, USA), who is a physician, filmmaker and CEO of Joshi Health Foundation spoke on the topic. “The Epidemic of Heart Attacks in Young Indians – The Crisis and the Solutions,” he uncovered the reasons behind this growing crisis in our communities. Dr. Joshi said that there is an alarming epidemic of early and severe heart attacks in Indians and we need to act now.

Pulmonologist Dr. Tina Shah, a puclic health advocate, currently a Democratic candidate for a Congressional seat in New Jersey (NJ-07) shared her insights under the theme “Ancient Wisdom in Healthcare and Medicine,” bridging modern science with timeless health traditions.

 Dr. Tina Shah said, “Clean air is essential for the health of every organ in our body, and we must take a public health approach in our society to promote policies that reduce air pollution.”

 Endocrinologist. Diabetes Expert and population expert Dr. Renu Joshi (Pennsylvania, USA), spoke on the topic, “Not So Sweet! – Unmasking Diabetes in Indian Communities.” She further highlighted the alarming rise of diabetes and explored lessons in prevention from Ancient India.

Dr. Renu Joshi said, “Diabetes, though an ancient disease, can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle, meditation, and regular screening. Traditional medicines may help with prevention, while modern medicine plays a key role when the condition is not controlled.

Dr. Dinesh Upadhyay (India), Naturopathist and Yoga & Ayurvedic expert and former National Co-Convener, BJP Medical Cell, joined from India. He serves as the Sampark Pramukh for Delhi Pradesh with Chikitsak Sangh and Arogya Bharati.

Dr. Upadhyay said, “Ancient Indian medicine can be integrated into mainstream healthcare to promote preventive care, wellness, and effective treatment.”

Ms. Chhavi Chawla (California, USA), Health Advisor, Environmental Advocate and Millet Ambassador was the final speaker. Chawla is also author of “Live Healthy, Lifelong” and founder of a philanthropic trust, she inspires communities through holistic living and her platform @Saveragirl. With a special focus on millets as “diet as medicine,” she promotes sustainable, cost-effective practices that support both wellness and planetary health.

Chawla said, “When food is right, medicine is not needed; when food is wrong, no medicine works. Small millets are exceptional in offering therapeutic properties for disease prevention & reversal… To decode the truth & learn how Small Millets help both us & the planet, follow @Saveragirl on YouTube.”

GOPIO General Secretary Siddharth Jain gave the vote thanks. Ms. Vatsala Upadhyay, Founder & CEO of AI Junction, provided technical support. The event concluded with calls for collaboration, education, and ongoing dialogue among Diaspora communities.

 About GOPIO - Founded in 1989, GOPIO is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, secular organization with Individual Life Members and chapter delegates from over 100 chapters in 36 countries. GOPIO’s volunteers are committed to enhancing cooperation and communication between NRIs/PIOs and the local communities, building networks, bonds, friendships, alliances, and the camaraderie of citizens and colleagues alike. GOPIO volunteers believe that when they help network the global Indian community, they facilitate making tomorrow a better world for the Indian Diaspora, the countries they live in and India.

 For more info on GOPIO International Monthly Programs, contact Sunil Vuppula +1 (732) 331-3084.

 For more info on GOPIO contact Sid Jain at +1 (201) 889-8888 or email at Secretary@GOPIO.net