Correspondence Address:
Dr. Pradnya D Dandekar
Department of Kriya Sharir, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College Hospital and Research Centre, Salod, Wardha, Maharashtra
India

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The Department of Kriya Sharir had organized a 1-day national webinar Kriyanveshan 2022 with the theme “Scope of Research on Fundamentals of Ayurveda” on October 11, 2022 [Figure 1].{Figure 1}

The aim of the webinar was to explore the scope of research on fundamentals of Ayurveda. The main objectives of the webinar were as follows:

To explore the need for research on fundamental aspects

To discuss the applicability of Ayurveda physiology in biomedical research and

To elaborate different tools and techniques for conducting fundamental research.

This program was started with the traditional culture of taking blessings of God by lighting a lamp and recital of Dhanvantari Stawan by Mrunal Umap, a first-year undergraduate student on virtual platform in the presence of Honorable Chief Guest Dr. S. S. Patel, Director of Centre of Excellence, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences University, Wardha [Figure 2]. Dr. Vaishali Kuchewar, principal of Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Wardha and Dr. Anita Wanjari, dean academics, Faculty of Ayurveda presided over the function. The welcome speech was delivered by Dr. Pradnya Dandekar, professor and head, Department of Kriya Sharir and organizing chairman of this event. She emphasized the need of research in Ayurveda to explore its fundamental concepts. She also put in the picture that fundamental concepts of Ayurveda are eternal. But their exploration is needed on the basis of available basic sciences to make them comprehensible to the society. Considering the need of research analysis, the objectives were planned and planning of webinar was done. Honorable Chief Guest Dr. S. S. Patel in his inaugural address highlighted that even though Ayurveda is evidence based, its exploration was needed as per current available parameters.{Figure 2}

The inaugural function was followed by scientific sessions. In the first scientific session, Dr. Pranita Joshi, professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, Sumatibai Shah Ayurved College, Hadpsar, Pune was guest speaker [Figure 3]. She spoke on the topic “Insights of Ayurveda Physiology for Biomedical Research”. The session was chaired by Dr. Pradnya Dandekar, professor and head, Department of Kriya Sharir. She highlighted the need and scope of basic sciences for conducting fundamental researches in Ayurveda. She has also enlightened audience about the role of Ayurveda physiology in conducting biomedical researches.{Figure 3}

In the second scientific session, Dr. Vandana Verma, assistant professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, Banaras Hindu University, was guest speaker [Figure 4]. She spoke on “Development of Tools for Fundamental Research: Challenges and Possibilities”. The session was chaired by Dr. Anita Wanjari, dean academics, Faculty of Ayurveda, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences University, Wardha. Dr. Vandana Verma elaborated on the need and process of development of different tools to conduct fundamental researches. She also explained the validation process for the same.{Figure 4}

After two scientific sessions, in the post-lunch period, paper and poster presentations were conducted. From all over India, a total of 85 responses—70 papers and 15 posters—were received. We planned parallel five paper presentation and one poster presentation sessions. Out of five sessions, two sessions were for faculty and Ph.D. scholars and three sessions were for postgraduate students. For each session, two judges evaluated the presenters. After evaluation, the best presentation was awarded for each session. In all, five best paper presentations and one best poster presentation were selected for awards.

The valedictory function was held in the presence of honorable guests on virtual platform. Dr. Renu Rathi, Dr. Punam Sawarkar, Dr. Pravin Nandal, Dr. Khushali Balpande, and Dr. Varinder Singh were awarded for best paper presentation and Dr. Divya Muneshwar was awarded for best poster presentation virtually. The program was ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Swapnali Mate, assistant professor, Department of Kriya Sharir and organizing secretary of this event.

Overall, 129 participants attended the webinar. Out of these, 70 were faculties, 54 were postgraduates, and 5 were Ph.D. scholars. The learning gain was calculated by conducting pre- and posttest through Google Form, and was found to be 73%. The webinar was well organized and held successfully.