agnibodh-conference: 2025

Agnibodh –  Conference 2025 Highlights and Report

 

 

Report of Confernce:

 

Report on

AGNIBODH: National Conference on Digestive Health through Ayurveda

 

Introduction

The “AGNIBODH: National Conference on Digestive Health through Ayurveda” was successfully organized over two days, on December 19th and 20th, 2025. The conference was hosted by the Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal’s Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Sion, Mumbai, an institution established in 1954. This renowned Ayurvedic teaching and research institution contributes significantly to Ayurvedic education, research, and healthcare, offering Undergraduate (BAMS), Postgraduate (MD/MS Ayurved), and Ph.D. programs. The institution also runs the Seth R. V. Ayurvedic Charitable Hospital, providing affordable healthcare, particularly benefiting economically weaker sections of society.

Concept and Aim

The term “Agnibodh” signifies an enlightened understanding of the digestive and metabolic principle (Agni). In Ayurvedic science, Agni represents the fundamental bio-chemical force responsible for digestion, metabolism, and cellular transformation. This force is central to maintaining homeostasis and overall physiological vitality. The conference aimed to re-establish scientific awareness of Agni as the key determinant of nutrient assimilation, tissue nourishment, systemic equilibrium, and its role in sustaining health, preventing disease, and promoting longevity.

The conference provided a national platform for academicians, clinicians, researchers, and students to discuss challenges and management related to digestive health through Ayurveda. The sessions focused on the Ayurvedic concepts of Agni, Annavaha Srotas (digestive channels), and the core concept of Agni types, including Jadharagni, Dhātvagni, and Pañchamahābhutāgni, along with related diseases and their management.

Conference Dates and Venue

The conference was organized over two days:

• December 19, 2025: Paper and Poster Presentations. The venue for these presentations was the Ayurved Mahavidyalay, Sion, Mumbai.
• December 20, 2025: Plenary Sessions. The venue for the main plenary sessions was the Smt. Radhabai Thimappa Bhandary Auditorium, Bunts Sangh, Bantara Bhavan, Kurla (East), Mumbai- 400070.

Participation and Presentations

The conference received support and recognition from multiple governing bodies, including the Directorate of AYUSH, Govt. of Maharashtra, NCISM-DELHI, MUHS Nashik, and MCIM-Mumbai.

• Delegates: A total of 992 delegates from across India registered for the conference. Registration had to be stopped due to limited seating capacity.
• Presentations: The event included 131 research paper presentations and 11 poster presentations, which took place on December 19, 2025. These paper presentations were organized across four classrooms with multiple chairpersons and co-chairpersons.
• Exhibition: A special Vanauṣadhi (medicinal plant) Exhibition was organized, and its inauguration occurred after the main inaugural function on December 19th.

Inaugural Functions and Dignitaries

The inaugural function featured several dignitaries:

• Chief Guests: Hon. Dr. Jyoti Gaikwad (MLA, Maharashtra State), Ranjeet Puranik (President, Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal, Sion, Mumbai), and Hon. Dr. Varsha Gaikwad (MP, Lok Sabha, India).
• President of Conference Inauguration: Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Ex-President BERISM, NCISM, New Delhi.
• Guests of Honour: Dr. Raman Ghungralekar (Director of AYUSH, Maharashtra), Hon. Dr. Milind Aware (Dean, Ayurved & Unani Faculty, MUHS, Nashik), and Dr. Dilip Wange (Registrar, M. C. I. M., Mumbai).

Key Plenary Sessions and Speakers (December 20, 2025)

The main plenary sessions featured a host of eminent Ayurvedic experts:

• Vd. Vinayak Tayade:

 Ex- Professor, Kayachikita Dept. Hon. Physician Govt. of Maharashtra

Topic: Grahani: lock and key of GI diseases! (Session-1)

• Prof. (Dr.) Rajendra Prasad: Professor and HOD of Kayachikitsa at BHU Varanasi, specializing in areas including cardiorespiratory disorders and digestive disorders

Topic: Integrative approach to Hepato biliary diseases (Session 2).

• Prof. Dr. Anupkumar Thakar: Professor and HOD of Panchakarma at ITRA Jamnagar, recognized internationally for his expertise in Panchakarma and Rasayana (Session 3).

Topic: Panchkarma Management in Digestive Disorders

• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Rakesh Sharma delivered the Keynote Address (Session 4).

• Dr. Mangirish D. Rangnekar: (Session 5)  Executive Vice President, Head Fraud Risk Control, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance

Topic:             Rights and Privileges of AYUSH practitioners.

• Vd. Mahesh Thakur: A distinguished Ayurvedic physician and academician specializing in Kayachikitsa and Panchakarma, known for his clinical excellence and research in digestive disorders

Topic: Applied Aspect of Agni in Metabolic Disorders (Session 6).

• Dr. Anand Katti: Professor and Head of the Dept. of Samhita-Siddhanta at Govt. Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, who served on the Technical Advisory committee on Covid 19 Topic: Gut Wisdom : Ancient insights in to modern digestion (Session 7).
• Dr. S. R. Sarashetti: An Ayurveda Nano Medicines Expert, Professor, and Dean at Rajiv Gandhi Health University, Karnataka, who previously served as the AYUSH Chair in Russia. Topic: Mystery of Ayurveda Concepts in Digestive health (Session 8)

Organization and Leadership

The conference was organized by the Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal’s Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Sion, Mumbai. The Organizing Committee leadership included:

• Advisory Committee:
  • Dr Shivraj Sawant, (council member, APM); (Mob: 9819207390)
  • Dr. Sunil Katkar (council member, APM),  (Mob: 9223269165)
• Organizing Committee:
  • Principal & Organizing Chairman: Dr. Ravidas More.
  • Organizing Secretary: Dr. Arun Dudhmal.
  • Joint Secretary & Treasurer: Dr. Hemant Paradkar.
  • Dr. Anaya Pathrikar, Vice-principal & Co organising secretary
  • Dr. Gangaprasad Aosre, Co organising secretary
  • Dr. Sheela Kohad, Vice-principal & Co organising secretary
  • Dr. Pravin Patil, Co Ordinator

Patrons

• Mr. Ranjit Puranik, (President, APM) 
• Dr. Ashanand Sawant, (Secretary, APM) 
• Dr. Sham Nabar, (Treasurer, APM)
• Dr. Ajit Charatkar, (Trustee, APM)   
• Dr. Dilip Lokhande, (Council Chairman, APM)    
• Dr. Vishwajeet Patade, (Trustee, APM)

 

The organizers acknowledged the vital support from the institutional leadership, including President Mr. Ranjit Puranik and Secretary Dr. Ashanand Sawant, who granted permission and encouragement for hosting the national conference.

The success of the conference was heavily attributed to the efforts of all faculty members of Institute serves in various committees, particularly the Treasurer, Vd. Hemant Paradkar, for managing the finances.

Conclusion:

The AGNIBODH National Conference served as a crucial platform for directing the field of Ayurveda towards the core concept of Agni in diagnosis and treatment. The high level of delegate participation and the presence of nationally recognized experts underscore the event’s significance in promoting the integration of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific perspectives for better digestive and metabolic wellness.

            Organizing Secretary,                                                                         Principal,

 

 

Dr. Arun Dudhamal                                                                       Dr. R. W. More

(9664340199)                                                                                   (9967483930)