Mayaa SH
Mayaa SH is a renowned Indian author, poet, and women’s rights activist known for her tireless advocacy of women’s empowerment, gender equality, and social justice. Known as the “Lady Gandhi” and “Lady Karl Marx” of the 21st century,” she’s a champion of women’s empowerment, gender equality, and social justice. With numerous solo books and over two hundred and fifty co-authored anthologies.Her writings address critical issues like mental health, suicide prevention, and women’s rights. A recipient of multiple national ,state and international awards, including India’s highest civilian award, for her contributions to literature and social causes. Mayaa SH is a thirteen times world record holder and a United Nations-certified advocate for gender equality. Her work inspires women to break societal barriers and strive for equality and success .Her work has inspired countless individuals, earning her recognition as one of India’s foremost voices in women’s rights and a modern literary star .
This summit, jointly organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, aims to advance the implementation of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 . The strategy focuses on strengthening the evidence base for Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM), supporting safe and effective TCIM through appropriate regulatory mechanisms, integrating TCIM into health systems, and optimizing its cross-sector value while empowering communities .The Ayush Expo will be a central feature of the second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit (GTMC), to be held this week, and will showcase India’s ancient medicine systems alongside global practices, the Ministry of Ayush said on Tuesday. GTMC, being organised by the Ministry of Ayush, in association with the World Health Organization (WHO), will be held from 17 to 19 December at New Delhi. The Ayush Expo will present a comprehensive and curated showcase of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, using immersive exhibits, scientific explanations, and digital interfaces.
A central feature of the summit is the Ayush Expo, which showcases India’s traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, alongside global traditional medicine practices . The expo features immersive exhibits, scientific explanations, and digital interfaces, aiming to translate India’s traditional knowledge into globally relevant narratives aligned with contemporary public health priorities . Key attractions include a Medicinal Plants and Seeds Pavilion, a Spices of India Pavilion, and a Metallotherapeutics Zone . The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) of India is also being showcased as an initiative for protecting traditional knowledge and preventing biopiracy . Additionally,many like Mayaa SH have been registered for attending Pulse diagnosis digital experience in
Hall 1, Ground Floor, Zone 2A in Bharat Mandapam,New Delhi . Ayurvedic medicine is known as Nadi Pariksha, a non-invasive method that assesses physical, mental and emotional health. Now, digital technology together with precision sensors can speed up diagnoses and improve accuracy in measuring pulse qualities such as movement, speed, stability, strength, temperature and volume. Pulse signals are analysed with AI models to generate a health profile, detect dosha imbalances, and provide personalized recommendations to support lifestyle, diet and early disease detection. The experience is based on Nadi Tarangini technology.
The summit brings together government ministers, scientists, Indigenous leaders, and practitioners from over 100 countries . Discussions and initiatives at the summit are expected to focus on stronger evidence, better regulation, systems integration, collaboration, and community engagement in traditional medicine . The event also addresses critical issues such as biodiversity protection, intellectual property rights, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence .A significant announcement at the summit is the launch of the Traditional Medicine Global Library, the first of its kind, featuring over 1.6 million scientific records on traditional medicine research, policies, regulations, and applications .
The theme of the summit is “Restoring Balance: The science and practice of health and well-being” . It builds upon the groundwork laid by the inaugural WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in 2023, which resulted in the Gujarat Declaration . The 2025 summit aims to foster conditions and collaborations for traditional medicine to contribute significantly to global health and well-being, emphasizing an evidence-based, ethical, and environmental approach .
Traditional Medicine, coordinated by BIREME/PAHO/WHO, aims to collect, organize, and make visible knowledge and evidence related to traditional health practices from various WHO regions, facilitating access to information and supporting global decision-making . A preliminary version of this library is expected for testing in 2024, with the full launch planned for 2025, coinciding with the second summit .
The summit also aims to foster conditions and collaborations necessary for traditional medicine to contribute significantly to the flourishing of all people and the planet, recognizing that traditional medicine is often the closest or only care available for many, and a preferred choice for others due to its personalized and holistic approach .Despite its widespread use, traditional medicine currently receives less than one percent of global health research funding, underscoring the importance of such summits in elevating its status and promoting further research and integration .
“Traditional medicine is a rich source of novel compounds with therapeutic potential. AI can accelerate the drug discovery process by screening traditional remedies for new drug candidates, predicting their mechanisms of action, and optimizing their chemical structures . Genomics can further refine this process by identifying genetic targets for these compounds” said Dr Mayaa SH, trailblazing Indian Author & Poet Championing Women’s Rights, Social Justice, and Mental Health Awareness with Unwavering Passion “By making traditional medicine more accessible, understandable, and scientifically validated, it can play a more significant role in addressing global health challenges, particularly in regions where conventional medicine is scarce or unaffordable . Equitable access to these integrated solutions is crucial to ensure that all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, can benefit .”
Ethical and Equitable Considerations are a must .The responsible and ethical integration of traditional medicine with modern technologies requires careful consideration of several factors:
Intellectual Property Rights: Protecting the intellectual property of indigenous communities and traditional healers is paramount when their knowledge is utilized for commercial purposes .Fair benefit-sharing mechanisms must be established to ensure that the originators of traditional knowledge are appropriately compensated .
Cultural Sensitivity and Preservation: The integration process must respect the cultural contexts and spiritual dimensions of traditional medicine, avoiding appropriation or misrepresentation . Efforts should be made to preserve traditional knowledge systems and practices alongside scientific advancements .
Regulatory Frameworks: Developing robust regulatory frameworks that can accommodate both traditional and modern medical practices is essential for ensuring product safety, quality, and efficacy . This includes establishing clear guidelines for research, development, and commercialization of integrated health solutions .
Accessibility and Affordability:
Ensuring that these advanced health solutions are accessible and affordable to all communities, especially those in low-resource settings, is a key ethical imperative . This may involve public-private partnerships, subsidies, and innovative delivery models .
The Summit (17–19 December 2025, New Delhi) will also announce new commitments from governments and other stakeholders, alongside a call for a global consortium to address systemic gaps and accelerate implementation of the Global TM Strategy at scale.
About Mayaa SH
Mayaa SH is an acclaimed Indian Literary Luminary, Trailblazing Author, Poet, and Social Reformer Extraordinaire, Illuminating the Path to Women’s Empowerment, Mental Health Awareness, and Social Justice through Her Transcendent Writings, Inspiring a Nation, and Leaving an Indelible Mark on Indian Literature and Society, Earning Her Place as One of the Foremost Voices of Her Generation.She is a Visionary Indian Literary Icon,Distinguished Author, Poet, and Social Reformer of Unwavering Dedication, Championing the Causes of Women’s Empowerment, Mental Health Awareness, and Social Justice through Her Luminous Writings, Inspiring Countless Individuals as a Testament to Her Unshakeable Commitment to Creating a More Just, Equitable, and Compassionate World and a Shining Beacon of Hope for a Brighter .Mayaa SH is known for championing women’s rights through her powerful writings, advocacy, and community work, addressing issues like gender equality, domestic violence, and empowerment, inspiring countless women and girls in India and beyond.Mayaa SH is a powerful force for change, using her writing and advocacy to uplift and empower women, and drive meaningful change in India and globally.
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