DUT has successfully signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian government on ayurveda, at Ritson Campus, Hotel School Conference Centre…

DUT has successfully signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian government on ayurveda, at Ritson Campus, Hotel School Conference Centre.

Ayurveda is an Indian traditional way of healing which has been used more than 5 000 years. DUT’s Vice-chancellor Professor Ahmed Bawa couldn’t hide his delight as history was being made in his welcoming address to the Indian delegation.

“It is time to expose our students to different ideas of developments and health, ayurveda offers that. In our messy democracy we need to learn and India has much to teach us” said Professor Bawa.

The deputy dean of Health Sciences at DUT, Greg Bass said the Indian government made no mistake in building this strong link. He said that even though there are challenges in his department, they pride themselves on an 84% success rate with 22% of drop outs compared to the national average of 50% drop outs.

Indian bureaucrat Anil Kumar said the eight hours that stand between India and South Africa was finally justified as the site took him to another level of spirituality.

“The fact that we are a billion in India means we are alive and well. Believe me, ayurveda has helped us and why would we want to get rid of science practiced for more than 5 000 years? Health is a serious issue and you can ignore it at your own peril” concluded Kumar.

Experts from various fields agreed that scientifically ayurveda causes no harm as it made out of natural plants and has been well researched. They explained that it meets the basic needs of safety, efficiency, with experiments having been done, results kept and well documented. They said patients must be given the liberty to choose whether they want traditional medicine or Western treatment options.

DUT chancellor Ela Gandhi also raised her concerns at the disrespect being shown at traditional ways of healing including the African ways, she said the huge loss of traditional plants will unfortunately leave us with no other option in health, but drugs.

Professor Bawa said they will sit down and explore the possibilities of offering the course at DUT, but cautioned that it is still early days and emphasized that its success also depends on partnerships with other universities. The event was graced by the presence of eThekwini Municipality Speaker Logie Naidoo amongst other dignitaries.

-By Nqobizizwe Zwane