Books for the teaching of Ayurveda

The Government of India donated a collection of approximately five hundred volumes to the University of Debrecen. The books on Ayurvedic Medicine were presented to Prof. Zoltán Szilvássy, Rector, by Mr. Rahul Chhabra, the Ambassador of India to Hungary, on Monday.

Famous books of classical Ayurveda medicine translated from Sanskrit to English on therapeutics, diagnostics, pharmacology, gynaecology, otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, surgical interventions, database of medicinal plants, various textbooks, journals summarising major publications and electronic research databases etc. are part of the collection donated by the Government of India to the University of Debrecen. These will be useful to support the teaching and research of Ayurveda.

At the ceremonious presentation of the books held on 11 December, Zoltán Szilvássy, Rector of the University of Debrecen, explained that different schools of medicine have different approaches to diseases, and for this reason it is very important that professionals are exposed to the knowledge of the various systems.They should be aware and learn about the new happenings in field of medicine.

At the ceremonious presentation of the books held on 11 December, Zoltán Szilvássy, Rector of the University of Debrecen, explained that different schools of medicine have different approaches to diseases, and for this reason it is very important that professionals are exposed to the knowledge of the various systems.They should be aware and learn about the new happenings in field of medicine. “Ayurveda, the Indian medical system having the legacy of approximately 4,000 years, is very efficient in the treatment of chronic illnesses. Diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and the degenerative diseases of the central nervous system like Alzheimer's, Huntington’s and Parkinson's diseases, which Western medicine is still unable to cure reliably; may find an answer from Ayurveda. Our goal is to examine the methods and the effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine with the tools used in European medicine by combining traditional Indian methods of treatment with Western ones,” Szilvássy explained.

The Rector also added that the former Indian ambassador to Hungary, as well as the current ambassador, Rahul Chhabra, both contributed in a significant way to the success of this joint effort. A new gesture of the effort is the books donation that  is crucial for both education and research.

Mr. Rahul Chhabra, Ambassador of the Republic of India to Hungary underlined the fact that in recent years the economic, academic and cultural relationships between India and Hungary have strengthened significantly. The volume of trade between the two countries also increased and the number of students from India studying in Hungary multiplied. The Ambassador further added that, in addition to the book collection now presented, most important awaited result is the further development of academics. According to the plan, an additional 6 to 8 professors from India are expected to arrive at the University of Debrecen to engage in teaching and research activities.

Asmita Wele, Ayurveda Chairperson at University of Debrecen, gave a presentation with the title ‘Ayurveda in the new age’ She emphasised that Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine, but it does not mean that it is obsolete. In fact, it evolves continuously by adopting new knowledge and techniques and is open to new research results.

The professor also added that the Ayurveda specialisation launched in February of this year is very popular among students. The two-semester course aims to present the foundations of Ayurveda medicine. The optional programme was originally started for those studying pharmacy, medicine and dentistry, but since September the course has been opened for students of the Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Public Health as well.

 

In her speech, Gyöngyi Karácsony, Director General of the University and National Library of the University of Debrecen, appreciated the donation. She added that books will contribute significantly to the faculty and students. It also takes the cooperation between the University and CCRAS at a different level. She reiterated that supporting the teaching and research activities conducted at the university is the most important mission of library.

Press Office