 Honourable Prime Minister Moody, Honourable Prime Minister Juvnath, Director General W.H.O., and all the other distinguished dignitaries on the days and off the days, ladies and gentlemen. It's a pleasure and delight and an honour to be welcoming all of you on this very momentous, historic and a path-breaking event. Shortly, we are going to be witnessing the groundbreaking ceremony of W.H.O.'s GCTM, the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, which is coming up here in the vibrant state of Gujarat, and the dynamic city of Jamnagar with the support of Government of India. And the Centre, ladies and gentlemen, which is being established to harness the potential of traditional medicine from across the globe through modern science and technology so that it can benefit the entire mankind. And it is so very befitting, ladies and gentlemen, that as we have the Centre coming up, it is coming up, the first of its kind centre, the first and the only global outposted centre of traditional medicine coming here in India, which is the hub of traditional medicine. And then being inaugurated by none other than, but Honourable Prime Minister Moody. Ladies and gentlemen, as you know, he's been a very strong promoter and propagator of traditional medicines and systems and practices, and also beyond that, himself, he has been an ardent follower of that. The world knows him also as a yoga sadhak. And ladies and gentlemen, not a single day goes when our Honourable Prime Minister Moody does not practise yoga and the meditation, the avatandhyan, the cyclic meditation. And it has been because of the persistent and the consistent efforts of Honourable Prime Minister Moody that today we have seen the world accepting yoga, moving towards accepting Ayurveda and then moving towards the more integrated and holistic system of medicine for overall wellness. And that we have seen the world also accepting his leadership during the Covid times. That, ladies and gentlemen, is our charismatic leader, Honourable Prime Minister Moody. We also very delighted to have our special invitee, His Excellency, Mr. Praveen Kumar Jugnath, the Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius. Ladies and gentlemen, as you might be aware, Mauritius is one of the rare countries outside India which has a very dedicated policy framework towards traditional and complementary medicine. The Ayurveda medicines there are legalised and are governed by law. And then the Mauritian endemic flora has been recorded to be used almost now for 300 years. We have the Honourable Prime Minister of Mauritius along with the huge delegation of Mauritius present here. Thank you Honourable Prime Minister Sir for joining us today. And then, ladies and gentlemen, this global centre is coming under the visionary leadership of the Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanam Gaviasus, who has been foreseeing the implementation of the WHO's traditional medicine strategy 2014-23, which supports countries in developing their action plans and their policies so as to strengthen the role of the traditional medicine as they move towards achieving universal health coverage in their respective countries. Must be also mentioned here, ladies and gentlemen, that of the 194 member states of WHO, 170 have already recognised the use of Ayurveda and of the traditional medicines. And in fact, the governments around the world have asked WHO for the support towards creating a body of reliable evidence and data on traditional medicinal practices and products. We thank Dr. Tedros for the initiatives which he has been taking towards promoting traditional medicine from across the globe and taking the rich heritage of India and also choosing India as the hub for the global centre. And then, ladies and gentlemen, as you all know, that Jamnagar already has the centre of repute, the ITRA, which is there, Jamnagar in fact has been able to carve a niche as a pioneer of Ayurvedic medicine research and academia. And it is further casting impressive footprints under the leadership of the Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat Shirdi, Bhupendra Rajnikan Patel. It's a proud moment for the whole state, Chief Minister. Thank you, Honourable Chief Minister sir. Further, ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, the government of India has been working towards building synergies of energy between the health ministry and the ministry of Ayush so as to catalyse the potential of traditional medicine and the modern science, so as to take the benefits to the people and for the greater well-being of the entire mankind. Towards that, we also have Dr. Mansur Mandaviyaji, the Honourable Minister for Health and Family Welfare. Government of India is also the Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers. And as we extend our greetings to all, I would like to now request the host ministers, may I request Shirdi Sarvanan Sonawal, the Honourable Minister of Ayush, and requesting also the Honourable Minister of State for Ayush, Dr. Munjapara Mahendra Bhai, to please felicitate our dignitaries by presenting them to Sean. It's a great moment for us, felicitating our Honourable Prime Minister, Prime Minister Modi. Ladies and gentlemen, under the able leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Modi Ayurveda today is not just an alternative, but in fact it is the basis of India's health on the stage. Felicitating now the Honourable Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Tetroz already, I am then felicitated. And also, may I request that Sean be presented to the Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat. Ladies and gentlemen, let's mark this auspicious occasion as per our Indian traditions. In India we strongly believe that whenever we take a new work, we invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha, who's the Lord of many happy new beginnings and the Lord of prosperity. And we also invoke the blessings of Lord Dhanvantari, the benevolent Lord who's the remover of all fear and diseases from the face of humanity. So we have the Ganesh Vandana and the Dhanvantari Vandana by the students of Ayurveda and they have come from different parts of the country. So that's the auspicious beginning with an invocation to the Vignaharta and to Lord Dhanvantari. And at the onset, I now request the host minister, the Honourable Minister of Ayush, Shri Sarbanand Sunawan, under whose guidance, ladies and gentlemen, the Ayush Mantralya has been taking various research and development activities. I request him and invite him for his welcome address. Namaskar. Most respected Honourable Prime Minister of India, Sri Naranda Modiji, Honourable Prime Minister of Mauritius, Sri Praveen Kumar Jagnaji, Honourable Director General W.S.O., Dr. Tredos, Adhanam, Gavre Yaswajji, Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Sri Bhupendra Bhai Patelji, Honourable Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Sri Mandavyaji, Honourable Minister of State of Ayush, Sri Manjuparaji, respected Minister from the State of Gujarat, Honourable MPs and MLAs, invited Ambassador, High Commissioner, Diplomats of Foreign Ambassadors, International Guest, Officers from the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, Officers from the State of Gujarat, Members from Media, Organisers, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is my proud privilege to welcome you all at this historic event of the history that is the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of World First Global Center for Traditional Medicine. W.S.O. has been effectively fostering collaboration amongst the member nations in the realm of traditional medicine since year of establishment. It has identified and acted upon various priority areas of cooperation amongst member states. The establishment of Global Center for Traditional Medicine in India is a remarkable fulfilment of the commitment by W.S.O. met during one of the toughest time currently faced by humanity is beyond missed. I am happy that the difficult times of COVID-19 has not constrained us from going ahead on this agenda. The commitment of ensuring public health as the foundation for sustainable social and economic development and poverty reduction can be realized only by strengthening the traditional system of medicine. This is the wisdom developed of observation, experimentation and practices over thousands of years which are documented in coded form. It is of prime importance for member states to work together to integrate modern science with their codified system of traditional medicine. This would help the scientific community and the states to achieve the challenges like anti-microbial resistance, growing incidence of AIDS-related disorders, non-communicable diseases as well as to achieve the objective like tuberculosis free world. I am sure that the upcoming center would certainly address such important issues. India has been proven pioneer in the field of traditional medicine since time immemorial. The knowledge sharing and cooperation has been documented in history and in continuation of the same focused effort have been relentlessly undertaken by the Ministry of Iowa's Government of India. The establishing of the Global Center is an effort to bring synergy and cooperation in this domain would benefit all the member states. While mentioning the exponential growth of the IUS Ministry in India under the visionary leadership of our Nobel Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modiji, we have noticed increased budgetary allocation, launch of central government national IUS mission for the development of IUS sector in a focus way to the state and administrative government. Performance of yoga, where Ministry of IUS has successfully organized, seven International Day of Yoga on 21st June every year since 2015, the International Day of Yoga main event in our country is led by Honorable Prime Minister, who is also involved to generous wall records. This has been also characterized involvement of technology where access to people is through mobile apps and portals and through education reforms as well as doing business. The Ministry is under a state of transmission transition, so much so that the present turnovers of Indian IUS industries is 18.1 US billion from 3 US billion in 2014. India has been a sound strategic partner to WSO since years by establishing WSO Global Center at Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, it will provide for closer interaction among the academician, resources and expert who should in turn result in a synergistic and expansional growth of traditional system and practices. This new center will support to implement WSO traditional medicine strategy and support to the nation in developing policies and action plan to strengthen the role of traditional medicine as part of their journey to universal health coverage. On behalf of the Ministry of IUS, Government of India, I profoundly thank Honorable Prime Minister of India, Sri Narendra Modiji for his outstanding initiative and continuous guidance for making WSO Global Center of Traditional Medicine a reality in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. I also thank Honorable Prime Minister of Mauritius, Sri Praveen Kumar Jagnath for gracing the occasion and expressing his solidarity through his presence today. I especially thank Director-General WSO Dr. Trados Adhanam Gabriasis for his visionary decision towards establishing WSO Global Center for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. Thank you. Jai Hind. Thank you very much, sir. And ladies and gentlemen, as we mentioned to you earlier, Jamnagar has been able to cover niche as a pioneer in Ayurvedic medicine research and academia. It already has an Institute of National Importance with the ITRA and now another feather in the crown with the Global Center coming up here. The Global Center's interim office is going to be there in ITRA. And while Jamnagar will continue to be the hub, the center has been designed to cater to the needs to engage and to benefit all regions of the world. That way Jamnagar is going to be soon becoming the hub of traditional medicine. A very happy occasion and of course a proud moment for all in Jamnagar and especially for the Chief Minister of Gujarat. And we now look forward to his views and expressions on this important occasion, inviting the Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupin Rajnikan Patelji. Vishwa Aruge Sasta, WHO and Bharat Sarkarna Ayur Mantra Lai and Sahyokthi, Saruthanar Global Center for Additional Medicine, Bhoomi Piyu Janapasit, Vishwa Neta Adhani and Vada Pradhan Shri Narendra Bhai Modi Saheb, Moresheshna Pradhan Mantri Shri Pravindukumar Jugnet, WHO Director General, Dr. Tedros Adnom, Kendriya Mantri Shri Sabaananan Sonewal, Dr. Mansukh Bhai Mandeviya, Dr. Mahendra Bhai Punjbara and all Mahanubhav and Bhaiyu and Bhaiyu and all of them. Jyot Katha Ayurvedu Ji, Gnyana Ne Paramparagat Chikitsa No Je Prachin Varsoche Te Aje Sauni Aarugyav Ruddin Ahetu Di, Ek Alagat Swarupy Prasatut Thayi Rehoche. Bahujan Hithayi, Bahujan Sukhaina Sutra, A Holistic Chikitsa Di Vishwa Ma Sakar Thawan Uche. Vada Pradhan Shriye Global Health Facilities Naaksa Upar Jamn Nagar Ne Kayam Nath Dhon The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, which is a state-of-the-art institution, was founded by the Global Center for Traditional Medicine. Now, I would like to thank the Global Center for Traditional Medicine for the help of the WHO and the WHO for the help of the WHO. In India, Ayurveda has been a treasure of ancient traditions. It is said that Ayurveda's father, Dhanvantari, was born at the end of the Samudra Mantra in Amrutkadas. The Global Center for Traditional Medicine has been founded by the Global Center for Traditional Medicine in Amrutkadas. The Ayurvedic Foundation of the Center for Traditional Medicine has been founded by the Global Center for Traditional Medicine in India. The Global Center for Traditional Medicine in India is not only for health reasons, but it is also a program for health purposes, so that it does not affect the health of the people. The Ayurvedic Foundation has been founded by the Global Center for Traditional Medicine in India. The Ayurvedic Foundation has been founded by the Global Center for Traditional Medicine in India. The Ayurvedic Foundation has been founded by the Ayurvedic Foundation in four parts of the world. The Ayurvedic Foundation has been founded by the Ayurvedic Foundation in India. The Ayurvedic Foundation has been founded by the Global Center for Traditional Medicine in Amrutkadas. The Ayurvedic Foundation has been founded by the Global Center for Traditional Medicine in Amrutkadas. The Ayurvedic Foundation has been founded by the Global Center for Traditional Medicine in Amrutkadas. The Ayurvedic Foundation has been founded by the Global Center for Traditional Medicine in Amrutkadas. The Ayurvedic Foundation has been founded by the Global Center for Traditional Medicine in Amrutkadas. Thank you, Honorable Chief Minister for your address. Ladies and gentlemen, as you know that Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal are among the 11 SEER members of WHO. Bhutan's national health policy includes the traditional and the complimentary medicine and in Nepal and Bangladesh the national policy on traditional and complimentary medicine is integrated into their national drug policy. On this momentous occasion we've also received the messages from the Honorable Prime Ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Let's listen in to their message. BismillahirRahmanirRahim. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, As-salamu alaikum. I congratulate Prime Minister Nihendra Modi and WHO Director General for opening the Global Center for Traditional Medicine. It is my great pleasure to join you on this special occasion. The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic has showed us the need to revisit our focus in ensuring good health and well-being of our people. I believe if the traditional medicine is practiced in tandem with the modern medicine we may expect better outcome in ensuring basic healthcare for all. As envisioned in the SDZ Code 3. In this regard, I would like to thank WHO for playing its due role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Ladies and gentlemen, I am confident that the Global Center for Traditional Medicine will emerge as a global hub for evidence-based research and standards for traditional medicine. We appreciate the Center's strategic focus on sustainability, equity and innovation. It is important that the ancient knowledge base of traditional medicine be combined with modern science and technologies to optimize its benefits. In Bangladesh, traditional medicine has always been a part of our history and cultural tradition. Our government integrated traditional medicine into our National Health Policy 2011. We have officially recognized the potential contribution of uniting, diabetic and homeopathic medical services to our efforts in achieving SDZ-3. We have 73 institutes that offer four-year diploma courses and four colleges that offer bachelor degrees in traditional medicine. In addition to offering outpatient services by traditional medicine experts, most of our district and sub-district levels, public health facilities are equipped with medical plant gardens. We look forward to pertaining with the Global Center on Critical Issues like quality control, curriculum development and regularity standards. We shall positively consider joint medical research projects in areas of our mutual interests. Excellencies, the efforts of the Government of India under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narayana Modi in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and achieving massive vaccination coverage are really commendable. Bangladesh has also successfully controlled the pandemic and the first dose of vaccine covered 100% of the targeted population while second dose 97%. The engagement, collaboration and exchange of COVID-19 related medicines and medical equipment between Bangladesh and India during the search of pandemic has been considered role model of good neighborhood diplomacy. The whole world has seen how two neighbors support each other and work together during the time of crisis. I thank the Government of India and WHO once again for taking this much needed initiative. I wish this center all success. Thank you all once again. Your Excellency Srinayana Modi, Prime Minister of India, Dr. Tedros, VGWHO, ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor of conveying the warm greetings and good wishes of my King, the Queen and people of Bhutan. Although virtual, I am really excited to be part of this landmark initiative that is taking place in Gujarat today. The coming about of the WHO Global Center dedicated to traditional medicine first of its kind means a lot to us here in Bhutan. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be part of this historic event. History has it that our country is also referred as the land of medicinal plants. This is because Bhutan's high mountains and valleys are fertile for varieties of medicinal plants and herbs and we Bhutanese at large attach lots of spiritual values to it and for me personally anything that contributes to a progressive health care and healing is an area that touches my heart the most. Like every medical practitioner I also believe that traditional medicine complements allopathic treatment in offering wholesome health care. Traditional medicine is time tested and plays a vital role in the health care system of 21st century. Just like the growing mood for healthy lifestyle and our obsession for organic food, the importance of traditional and alternate medicine is re-emerging as more people realize its real value. For the same reason Bhutan always plays to equal if not more importance to traditional medical services. In Bhutan we offer both traditional and allopathic medical services under one roof giving people the option to choose between the two. We also have the system of cross referral operations between the practitioners of the two arms of the medicine. We consider this practice of integrated modern and traditional medicine as the best approach to wholesome health care of an individual. In the world where traditional medicine and its knowledge are put aside, Bhutan enjoys its unique blend. With the landmark global center coming up in Gujarat we are hopeful of sharing our unique practices and resources at such global forum. As we all know research, innovation and technology for traditional medicine or in the field of traditional medical practice is not widely explored or straight forward. We have to be cautious and be unique in the design of such research works in the field of traditional medicine. We should be able to retain its authenticity while infusing technology to it. Random integration of technology and conventional research approach into traditional medicine may not necessarily take us to the right direction. I am so happy that the center is taking this difficult task ahead. One immediate need would be to study the decline in natural medicine resources which I feel is mostly aggravated by climate change and human habits. We must explore ideas and technology to preserve and replenish the medicinal flora. This will also help in documenting and preserving the traditional medicine knowledge before it disappears. And as expected, your Excellency Shri Naradar Modi once again rise to the occasion. Remember how your renewed efforts and dedication brought nations to celebrate international yoga and Ayurveda day every year. This time you are stepping up to strengthen the traditional medicine at global stage. These commitments reflect your kindness, generosity and compassion and this will go a long way in the pursuit of healthy living. I thank Prime Minister Modi and Dr. Tedros for this kind initiative. We put these belief in tendril, an auspicious beginning which will lead to promising outcomes. We see the right destination in India which has the oldest and most diverse practices in traditional medicine. The perfect timing as we finally see light at the end of the pandemic and compassionate beings like PM Modiji and Dr. Tedros to lead this initiative. With this beginning, we are ensuring that traditional medicine and its benefits are harvested for the present and preserved for the future. I have no doubt that this initiative will be hugely successful and will offer traditional medicine its rightful place in our modern healthcare system. I thank you all and Tashi Dele. His Excellency, Prime Minister of India, Sri Narinam Modiji, Director General of WW2, Dr. Tedros, religion gentleman, Namaskar. I am delighted that India is hosting the first WW2 global center for traditional medicine in the German language. On this special occasion, I congratulate the Government of India and the WW2 policy-worthy initiative. It will go a long way in the promotion and development of traditional medicine, including Ayurveda for the well-being of mankind. As global health problems continue to increase, the role of traditional medicine is vital in ensuring holistic healthcare, including affordable healthcare, prevention of diseases, wellness and overall improvement in human health. Our region is rich in traditional medicine since the same time. Nepal and India are home to rich biodiversity, herbs and medicinal plants. Our indigenous medical practice is based on natural and local values. India has emerged as a global pharmaceutical and technology hub. India is already a leader in Ayurveda with its rich legacy of traditional medical practices. In this context, the establishment of WW2 global center for the traditional medicine in India will serve to advance the knowledge and practice of traditional medicines and contribute to global health and wellness by utilizing their vast potential. I believe that WW2 involved in promoting traditional medicine to provide immediate-based research, innovation, use of science and technology, and sharing of knowledge would contribute towards achieving health-related STG3. Before I conclude, I recommend Prime Minister Modiji for this noble undertaking. This will be an important contribution towards universal access to health based on the synergy of medical traditions and knowledge and scientific development. Thank you very much. That, ladies and gentlemen, were the Honorable Prime Ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal sharing with us the initiatives which they are taking in their respective countries and also congratulating Prime Minister Modi and Dr. Tedros. And I'm sure for Dr. Tedros, it's a moment of happiness and a moment of satisfaction as the center comes up. Dr. Tedros, ladies and gentlemen, he has spoken on various platforms that he strongly believes that harnessing the potential of traditional medicine when founded with evidence, innovation and sustainability can be a game-changer for the healthcare. And towards that, various initiatives he has been taking and today, the passion with which he had been driving has come true in the form of the global center coming up here. So we look forward to his futuristic vision and his progressive views. Please join me, ladies and gentlemen, as I invite Director-General W.H.O., Dr. Tedros Adhanam Gaviasius for his address. Thank you. Thank you very much. Namaskar. Thank you. Thank you. Namaste. Your Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Your Excellency Prime Minister Praveen Kumar, Jughnaud, Honorable Cabinet Ministers, Your Excellency Chief Minister of Gujarat, Pubendra Patel. I'm very, very happy to be here today with you. Before I start, I should say that I have a special connection with India. I told this to His Excellency Prime Minister a number of times. I was told by teachers from India in my high school years and later in university when I was studying biology. And in fact, I learned about traditional medicine in India from an early age through those teachers of mine from India. So the W.H.O. Global Center for Traditional Medicine is not a coincidence. My Indian teachers taught me well also about traditional medicine and I'm very grateful to them. By the way, I also grew up watching Bollywood films. And I understand that the Swiss Alps are a favorite destination for Bollywood fans. And the first film which I remember and which probably affected me like the Indian teachers of mine were Mamma India. The W.H.O. Global Center for Traditional Medicine that we're launching will help to harness the power of science to strengthen the evidence base for traditional medicine. I'm grateful to Prime Minister Modi and to the government of India for their leadership in supporting this important initiative. And the investment of 250 million years dollars to establish the center with an interim office, new location and building and a tenure commitment for operating costs. From the day I spoke to his excellency, Prime Minister Modi, his commitment was amazing. And I knew that this center would be in good hands and that's what we're seeing. So thank you so much for your leadership, your excellency. This is a truly global project. 107 W.H.O. member states have national governmental offices for traditional and complementary medicine. So this means India will go to the world and the whole world will come to India. Examples of traditional medicines being turned into modern medicines abound around the world from throughout India with such products as turmeric, neem and jamun and from indigenous communities in Brazil to the Kalahari Desert. But when it comes to how these products are identified, developed and tested and how the benefits are shared with the communities that nurtured them on that, there is still much work to be done. Today marks a critical step in helping to bring the promise of traditional medicine to fruition, to the benefit of people around the globe. Helping to ensure that all people have access to safe and effective treatments is an essential part of W.H.O.'s mission. For many millions of people around the world, traditional medicine is the first part of call to treat many diseases. The new center will complement W.H.O.'s work on traditional medicine in headquarters, regional and country offices. It will focus on evidence, data, sustainability and innovation to support national policies and optimize the use of traditional medicine for health and well-being all over the world. Because traditional medicine is tied to the earth and the communities that have nurtured it critical to the center's mission will be sustainability and equity and the importance of respecting local resources and rights including sharing intellectual property. The center's five main areas of work are first, leadership and partnership in working with our global networks to support countries' research priorities for traditional medicine. Second, evidence and learning as we expand the knowledge base on traditional medicine including with clinical trials and new holistic research methods appropriate to traditional medicine. Third, data and analytics. The 11th revision of the international classification of diseases by W.H.O. will help to establish reliable data on the use of traditional medicine with the inclusion in W.H.O.'s global service including at the household level. Fourth, sustainability and equity for biodiversity, sociocultural resources, intellectual property and other issues. And fifth, innovation and technology including an artificial intelligence project which has already started global mapping of patents and research as well as links to the new W.H.O. Innovation Hub. As W.H.O., universal health coverage is a top priority. At the same time, we recognize that countries face many challenges to provide essential health services for all people in a sustainable way. Traditional medicine has been an integral resource for health for centuries in communities around the world. It's still a mainstay for some within equities in access to conventional medicine but also because of their trust in traditional holistic knowledge, practices and resources. W.H.O.'s traditional medicine strategy aims to help countries develop policies and plans to strengthen the role of traditional medicine based on solid science and evidence. Where appropriate countries can integrate traditional medicine into modern health systems especially at the primary health care level and to promote its use by individuals and communities in holistic efforts to promote well-being. I know that India offers its citizens regulated services of Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, unani, sida, soha, rigpa and homeopathy. And the health workforce of registered Ayush practitioners is more than 800,000 which is almost equivalent to that of conventional medical practitioners. W.H.O. is now working with the government of India as well as several other member states to study how this integrated approach has worked including in health emergencies. In an ideal world, traditional medicine would be an option, a choice offered by a well-functioning people-centered health system that balances curative services with preventive care in harmony with natural environments. In fact, the 2018 Declaration of Astana on Primary Health Care took traditional medicine into account and it can help countries on their path to universal health coverage. Improving equitable access to safe quality and effective traditional and complementary medicine services can both help to meet communities needs and help to build culturally and environmentally sensitive primary health care. Traditional medicine is also part of the growing trillion-dollar global health, wellness, beauty and pharmaceutical industries. Over 40% of pharmaceutical formulations are based on natural products highlighting the vital importance of conserving biodiversity and sustainability. In fact, the discovery of aspirin drew on traditional medicine formulations using the bark of the willow tree. The contraceptive pill was developed from the roots of wine-deand plants and child cancer treatments have been based on the rosy periwinkle. A Nobel Prize-winning research on Artemisinin for malaria control started with a review of ancient Chinese medicine. WHO's COVID-19 research database has over 2,500 citations of traditional medicine and traditional medicine publications are among the top five most downloaded on the WHO website. Today, traditional medicine faces challenges with regulatory issues such as the lack of systematic data and evidence in sufficient financial support for research and not enough mechanisms to monitor the safety of traditional medicine practice. So as yet the contribution of traditional medicine to national health systems is not yet fully realized. This new global center for traditional medicine will be a powerful vehicle for taking their journey forward. So let me leave you with four priorities for going forward. First, for governments, academics and practitioners around the world to engage with the WHO Global Center for Traditional Medicine to share knowledge and research from your own countries so that it can benefit the whole world. Second, to open health systems to relevant traditional and complementary medicine so that people have a choice to access services for their health and well-being in a way they find most acceptable and accessible. Third, for innovators, industry and governments to develop traditional medicines in a sustainable, environmentally sensitive and equitable manner. And fourth, to make sure that the communities which nurtured the traditional medicines also benefit from their development including through sharing the fruits of intellectual property. I look forward to our continuing collaboration through the WHO Global Center for Traditional Medicine and to realizing the fruits of its work with global public goods that can be of benefit to all. Finally, before I end, I would like to close by again appreciating His Excellency the Prime Minister from the start from day one who has given it all he can and made it to this level. And I know this center, as I said earlier, is in good hands because I have seen the commitment in him, but not only in him, but I have seen the commitment at all levels. So thank you so much for agreeing to host this center and indeed, as I said earlier, the world will come to India, Jamnagar, and India will also go to the world through traditional medicine. And I hope this will be one of the important things that will bring the world together because it will have training component, it will have research component, it will have other things that will advance traditional medicine. Then maybe to my teachers, I will just, in respect of them, I will say a bit in Hindi. I hope I said it well, but this is my respect to the teachers, to all Indian teachers who have told me and who have influenced me to express my greatest respect and appreciation. And really glad to start this partnership with India also, very important initiative that I hope, and I believe, not I hope, I believe will be a success. Abhajjo. Thank you Dr. Tedros for your appreciative message for India and for Honorable Prime Minister Modi showing that confidence in India and the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Modi. And also sharing with us the promise, the vision, and the mission of this global center. And you definitely stole the heart of everyone present here by speaking in Gujarati. Thank you sir. And now, ladies and gentlemen, I take the distinct owner of inviting our special invitee, his excellency, Mr. Praveen Kumar, the Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius for his address. Your Excellency, Sri Narendra Modiji, Prime Minister of India. Your Excellency, Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Gabriel Jesus, Director General of the World Health Organization. Your Excellency, Sri Sarbananda Sunawal, Honorable Union Minister of Ayush and ports, shipping and waterways. Your Excellency, Sri Gupendra Bhai Patel, Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Greetings. This is my first meeting with Gujarat Raji. And the Prime Minister of Sri Narendra Modi's name is Raji Maavi. I am very happy. It is indeed with great pleasure for me to attend this groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of the World Health Organization Global Center for Traditional Medicine. I would like to thank all the organizers, the Government of India, and especially Sri Narendra Modiji, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, for kindly associating Mauritius with this very important event. Since time immemorial, naturally occurring products, such as plants and minerals, have been used in the treatment of diseases. The use of herbal remedies transmitted to generations to cure the sick is still prevalent today. The World Health Organization recognizes that traditional medicine is the sum total of the knowledge, skill and practices based on the beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures. We have reached a critical moment in the use of herbal medicinal products. Many people worldwide rely on them for at least some part of primary health care. In view of the significance of natural products and traditional medicines, measures have to be taken to protect public health and address challenges associated with the effective monitoring of the safety of all herbal medicines. There could not be a more opportune time to set up this global center for traditional medicine than now. The center will compile evidence and data for the formulation of policies, standards and regulatory frameworks for safe, cost-effective and equitable use of traditional medicines. At the very outset, allow me to commend His Excellency, Dr. Tedros Adhanom-Gabrielsus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, for his vision to set up the WHO Global Center for Traditional Medicine. The center will no doubt contribute significantly towards harnessing the potential of traditional medicine. I would also wish to emphasize that this important institution would not have seen the light of the day without the contribution of the Government of India, and especially the personal contribution of Srinarendra Modiji, the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, for its financial support to the center's establishment, infrastructure and operations. We are extremely grateful to Prime Minister Srinarendra Modiji, Government of India and the Indian people for this generous contribution. We appreciate that the WHO Global Center for Traditional Medicine, the very first and only global outpost of the WHO on traditional medicine, will be an accessible, eco-friendly and interactive facility showcasing global traditions and modern scientific advances in traditional medicine. Excellencies, let me seize this opportunity to recall that the practice of Indian traditional medicine in Mauritius started back in 1834 with our forefathers who arrived from India as the first indentured immigrants. The practice became part of our tradition and maintained its importance in the treatment of common ailments. Indeed, this prompted the official recognition of Ayurveda in the late 1980s. Mauritius introduced the Ayurveda and other traditional medicine act in 1989. Our country thus became one of the rare countries outside India where the practice of Ayurvedic treatment is duly regulated. I must point out here that soon after the adoption of the legislation, Mauritius hosted the first international Ayurveda conference in 1990 at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Moka. On this note, I wish to express our gratitude to the Jamnagar Gujarat University for offering scholarships to young Mauritian students who were admitted to the bachelor in Ayurvedic medicine and surgery program in the early 1990s. Excellencies, Ayurvedic medicine started to be used officially at two medical clinics in Mauritius as from 2004. With a good response and increasing demand for such therapy, new outlets were later opened. Presently, we have six dedicated public clinics that provide Ayurvedic services and medicine to our people. In Mauritius, Ayurvedic clinics are run not only by the government but also by NGOs as well as the private sector. Additionally, the Ayurvedic unit at the Ministry of Health and Wellness of Mauritius ensures training in Ayurvedic practice. Many in our country recalled the visit to Mauritius in April 2016 of Sri Jesu Naik, then Minister of Ayush, during which a proposal was made for the observance of Ayurveda Day. The government of India subsequently accepted our proposal. The first Ayurveda Day was celebrated in Mauritius in October 2016 and after that on Dhanteras Day every year. The Ayurveda Day has now become an annual celebration in Mauritius. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness and sensitize the population on the benefits of Ayurvedic medicines, treatment and plants. Now, Sri Modi Ji, you will recall your state visit to Mauritius in March 2015, during which our two countries signed a memorandum of understanding for the strengthening of cooperation in the field of traditional medicine and homeopathy, including the setting up of an Ayush chair. Significant groundwork has been completed towards the establishment of an Ayush centre of excellence, including a state-of-the-art Ayush hospital in Mauritius, a consultant provided by the Indian government in assisting us in a feasibility study. And I am pleased to announce that the centre will be constructed on 12 acres of land at Koddo city in the centre of Mauritius with the support of the government of India. Excellencies, let me conclude by highlighting that traditional medicine is increasing its prominence in the world of modern science. Some 40% of approved pharmaceutical products in use today are derived from natural substances, and this underscores the vital importance of conserving biodiversity and sustainability. The potential for the sustained development of Ayurveda is immense, and the WHO Global Centre in Jamnagar will be an accessible, eco-friendly and interactive facility, showcasing global tradition and modern scientific advances in traditional medicine. In this regard, Mauritius is committed to working with the WHO and partner countries like India. I have no doubt that refocusing on the traditional ways of healing will enable us to mitigate and cure various diseases and ailments that are afflicting the whole of humanity in today's stressful world. Thank you for your kind attention. Thank you, Prime Minister Jignot for sharing with us the progressive vision which you have for your country towards promoting traditional medicine and further very closely working with WHO and India. And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment for which all of us have been waiting. We have now the groundbreaking ceremony of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, and I would like to request Honourable Prime Minister Modi, Honourable Prime Minister Jignot, Dr. Tedros and all present kindly, and we let the WHO GCTM plaque. May I request Honourable Prime Minister Modi, Honourable Prime Minister Jignot to please move towards the plaque area. So, ladies and gentlemen, this is the place where the main centre is going to be coming up in the nature of 35 acres and that's close to one like 21,640 square metres unveiled at the hands of Honourable Prime Minister, Prime Minister Modi. GCTM, ladies and gentlemen, this Global Centre is going to be performing five main functions, leadership in management, evidence in learning, data and analytics, innovation and technology, sustainable development and equity. And the Centre is going to be further ensuring the safety, efficacy, quality, accessibility and the rational use of traditional medicines. Thank you once again to Honourable Prime Minister Modi for unveiling the plaque and laying the foundation for the GCTM. We now bring you a short video on GCTM. We began looking into its healing powers to cure our aches and pains and discover our own remedies. Our understanding of traditional practices began to grow. Over 80% of the world's population use traditional medicine. It's also the foundation for many modern medicines and practices. Some 40% of the approved pharmaceutical products in use today come from natural substances like tree barks and plant roots. So why don't national health strategies fully take all this into account? To answer these and other questions, we welcome the World Health Organisation's new Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. A bold new vision that starts in Jamnagar, Gujarat in India but has a truly global reach. A centre to support evidence and data, sustainability and innovation. Bringing together the latest knowledge and technology to advance our understanding of methods already in use by billions of people. Catalyzing ancient wisdom and modern science has never been more needed as we strive towards our global health objectives. To keep the world healthy and safe, to serve those in the most vulnerable situations and promote good health and well-being for everyone. Let's take a bold new look at this most ancient and most modern practice. Welcome to WHO's Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. You've been wondering why Jamnagar is the strategic choice for this global centre. We have the answer with this video. Many of the state-of-the-art traditional medicine systems that the world is familiar with in these contemporary times were born and bred in India. These practices were established thousands of years ago. Under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the path-breaking policy initiatives and new ideas of Government of India have ensured a monumental surge in the worldwide popularity of yoga and traditional Indian medicine on the world stage. And now a landmark step in sync with the vision and efforts of the PM Narendra Modi towards Ayush and universal well-being is the establishment of the WHO Global Centre of Traditional Medicine in Gujarat. WHO has chosen India from the world for global centre for traditional medicine. And now India will work in this direction for the world. This will strengthen India's position as a global leader in research and innovation in the traditional medicine sector. This will also help in making traditional medicines more accessible to the masses. The state will also benefit from the growth of medical value travel as the milestone event puts India in the driving seat of the global traditional medicine sector. With an investment of $215 million from the Government of India, the global centre will give a significant push to preventive and curative healthcare for the people of the state. It will greatly enhance the scope of affordable and accessible healthcare to all. As the GCTM aims to strengthen and streamline the research and development activity in the traditional medicine sector through education and training, Gujarat is set to become a hub for education, learning and skill development. The reason, ladies and gentlemen, by India and Gujarat for GCTM. Now for India, ladies and gentlemen, in the year 2022 holds a special significance for this year. We are celebrating 75 years of our independence, Azadika Amrit Mahotsav. This is a milestone year for us and in this milestone year, ladies and gentlemen, India is a rise in power under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Modi, whom the entire world looks up to for his very bold and decisive leadership, and then for the humanity-oriented programmes which he has been undertaking for the entire mankind. We have seen it during the Covid times. And once again, ladies and gentlemen, under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Modi, India is ready to take the lead, taking its heritage of traditional medicine to the furthest corners of the world, so as to benefit the entire mankind, wishing the well-being of everyone. Ladies and gentlemen, as we look forward to the guidance and leadership of the outstanding global leader, Prime Minister Modi, with your applause, I invite Honourable Prime Minister Modi to address this order of gathering. Namaskar! Mr. Prime Minister Modi, Mr. Praveen Kumar Jughnath Ji, Director General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr. Bhupendra Bhai Patel, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Cabinet, Mr. Sri Sarvanand Ji Sonwal, Dr. Mansukh Mandavya, Dr. Munjpura Mahendra Bhai, here on behalf of all the great women, ladies and gentlemen, today we are all witnessing a very big event for health and wellness in the world. I am Dr. Tedros, Director General of the WHO, in a special way. Now, Dr. Tedros, in the presence of India, I would like to thank him on behalf of every Indian. And in a way, he has made Gujarati, Hindi, English, in a way, he has made the presence of Trivairi, and he has touched every Indian's heart. I would especially like to thank him for that. Dr. Tedros is my old acquaintance, and whenever I met him, he taught me how India's teachers taught him. He is so proud of him, and he is such a happy person. And his attitude towards India is being expressed here in the form of a society. And he tells me that he is my child, and I am giving him to you. Now, you are also responsible for this. I trust Dr. Tedros that the trust you have given to India, and the enthusiasm and hope that our Chief Minister, Bhupendra Bhai Patel, has taken this responsibility on his shoulders. I am sure that as per your expectations, we will stand up. I would also like to thank my friends and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Mr. Junaad. He has been a member of our family for almost three decades. Whenever I went to Mauritius, to visit his home, to meet his father, to meet his family, he was the oldest grandson of three generations. And I am happy that today, my nephew, my home state, came to Gujarat. And he too, with Gujarat, with Gujarati language, has made us all happy. Now, we have the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, and the Prime Minister of Nepal. WHO, for Global Center for Traditional Medicine, everyone has done their best. I am grateful to everyone. Friends, WHO has created a new partnership with India as a traditional medicine center. In the area of traditional medicine, India's contribution and India's potential are both respected. India is taking this partnership in the form of a great responsibility to serve the entire humanity. This center has spread all over the world, and with the help of the traditional medicine center, it will help the people of the world to give better medical solutions. And I would also like to say that on the land of Jamnagar, in the presence of Dr. Tridos and Mr. Pamindra, this syrup has not only been used for a long time, this syrup has not only been used for a long time, but it has also been used for a long time. And I would like to tell everyone that today, when India is becoming the capital of freedom, in that time, this syrup, that syrup is starting to become a traditional medicine for the next 25 years. I am looking in front of my eyes that because of the increased interest of holistic healthcare, in the coming 25 years, when India becomes the capital of freedom, then the traditional medicine center will become the center of great importance for every family of the world. This is the source of this syrup. And Ayurveda has a great importance in the art of death. And in the art of death, this work is being started, therefore, with a new belief, I am seeing the impact of a great influence. And for me, as a person, it is very happy that the establishment of this global center is happening in Jamnagar. The Ayurveda of Jamnagar has a special relationship. More than five decades ago, in Jamnagar, the first Ayurveda university of Vishwa was established. This is a great Ayurveda institution, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda. Now, this global center of Vishwa Swasna Sangadhan, in the area of wellness, the recognition of Jamnagar will not be increased to the highest. Friends, to be free, to be free, the journey of life can be an important part. But wellness should be the ultimate goal. Friends, what is the importance of wellness in our lives is what we have experienced during the COVID pandemic. Therefore, today, we are looking for a new Ayam for health care delivery. I am happy that this year, our planet, our hill, by giving this slogan, W.H.N., India's one earth, one hill, has advanced this vision. Friends, thousands of years ago, in Ratchit Atharva Veda, Jeevem Shraddha Shatam, that is, lived for a hundred years. In our tradition, it was very easy to get a hundred-year-old Ayu. Because then, it was not surprising to get a hundred-year-old Ayu. And in this, our traditions and traditions were very important. The traditions and traditions of India are not limited to treatment. In fact, this is a holistic science of life. Many of you know that apart from healing and treatment, social health, mental health, happiness, environmental health, karuna, sahanhuti, samvedan siltan, and utpadakta, everything is involved in this holistic science. That is why, our traditions are explained in the form of knowledge of life and our traditions of four Vedas are called the fifth Vedas. Friends, today, the lifestyle of the ordinary world, the new diseases we are seeing, to get through them, our traditional knowledge is very important. As a direct connection of good health to the balanced diet, our ancestors believed that half of any disease is hidden in the balanced diet. Our traditional traditions are filled with knowledge of what should be eaten in this season and what should not be eaten. And the basis of these knowledge is the experience of hundreds of years. The experience of hundreds of years is difficult. For example, in India, there was a time when, especially, our elders used to give a lot of strength to the use of millets. Along with time, we saw the use of millets less. And nowadays, again, we are seeing the use of millets. I am also satisfied with this that in order to increase the use of millets, India has accepted the proposal of the United Nations. It is a very important step for the world to announce the International Millet Year in 2023. Excellencies, some time ago, in India, the National Nutrition Mission has started, even in that, our traditional and traditional knowledge has been kept in mind. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we used the use of millets. Millets, with this name, have become very popular. Ayurveda, Siddha, Yunani, the global demand for the formulation has been seen. Many countries of the world are giving strength to the use of the traditional herbal system to save from the pandemic. In the field of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, the experience of India sharing it with the world, India has its own right. Diabetes, obesity, depression, in fighting various diseases, India's traditional yoga has been very useful to the world. Because of the International Yoga Day, yoga is becoming popular and the world is helping people to reduce mental stress. Yoga is helping the mind, the body, and the mind to create peace. Yoga is also helping the world. This new culture, the role of the world, is very important. I would like to keep 5 lakhs for this Global Center on this occasion. The first lakh is used by traditional scientists to create their database. In different countries, the traditional medicine has different traditions. In this center, by communicating these traditions, a Baisvik Sangra, that is, we should make a repository. This center, the information of these traditions, by communicating the traditions, we can create a repository. This is why it is important that in different countries, there is information of the traditional medicine, which helps the future generations. Friends, the GCTM should also create an international standard for the testing and certification of traditional medicines. This could be the worst of your culture. With this, the trust of people in every country will increase. We see that many traditional medicines of India also affect the foreigners. But due to not being a Baisvik standard, their legal business is limited. That is why their profit is still less. I feel that many other countries will face this kind of problems. This Global Center should also work to solve this problem. W.H.N.B. has also prepared a benchmark document for the state of Ayurveda, Panchakarma, and Yunani. It is also important that GCTM should be a platform where experts of traditional medicines should share their experiences. These efforts can make the Global Center a third target. It can support an annual traditional medicine festival where experts of more than the world should share their experiences. Friends, I understand that the fourth target of this Center should be to mobilize the funding for traditional medicine for research. We see that for ordinary pharma companies research is available for traditional medicine for research. The fifth target is the treatment protocol. For GCTM specific diseases the holistic treatment protocol can be developed where the patient can benefit both these traditional medicines with effective integration can help fight the diseases. Friends, we are Indians, and we are living with this feeling. The whole world is one family and this whole family is a family that has always been in our sight. Today with the establishment of GCTM India is becoming more independent. This center of WHO will make people's health better. I will finish both of these guests to spend time to increase the amount of this equipment to increase the importance of this I would like to thank them once again for all of you. Thank you and for your experience views. Ladies and gentlemen today history has been created. Let's capture this moment in the cameras with all our leaders here on the stage. Once again expressing a big thank to Honorable Prime Minister Modi for the leadership. Thanking Honorable Prime Minister for joining us and thank you to Dr. Tedros. As Honorable Prime Minister said that today here in the coming time traditional medicine has begun and in 2040 when India will make 100 years of its freedom then this traditional medicine in the service of the whole world will move forward towards its own change. Once again thank you to all present here. Thank you for joining us and many congratulations to all the leaders of WHO of Ministry of Health. You were just looking at the pictures of Gujarat's Jamnagar where we have seen history global center for traditional medicine Joe