Distinguished Colleagues & Delegates of the First G20 Health Working Group,

Namasakaram!

I welcome you all to G20’s 1st Health Working Group meeting here in Thiruvananthapuram. Being a native of Kerala, I welcome you all with pride to Thiruvananthapuram, the city of Lord Sri Padmanabha. I hope you will enjoy your stay here.

This is the land which is known for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful and extensive beaches, and rich cultural heritage. I would miss something, if I do not mention its beautiful backwaters and tasty local cuisines like Appam, Puttu, Aviyal, Banana Chips, Idiyappam, etc. 

While you attend important meetings and produce important outcome documents, I urge you all to explore the beautiful places, cherish local cuisine and shop unique handicraft items.

You are in a land where Ayurveda originated and practiced in its purest form, extensively. You visit cannot be complete if you have not encountered or experienced Ayurveda. Literally, Ayurveda translates to science of life. The practice of Ayurveda includes use of herbal medicines, massage therapy, and dietary changes to maintain or restore perfect balance in the body. 

I am confident that after you explore, you will understand why its named God's Own Country.

Friends,

I would like to mention a historical fact. Even before Independence, Kerala had a strong public health tradition.
In 1813 a vaccination department was established here in Thiruvannathapuram by the Travencore queen Her Highnesses Rani Gouri Lakshmi bhai. It was against small pox. As people showed signs of fear against vaccination,the queen set herself an example by getting all members of the Royal family vaccinated first, to reassure her subjects.

That is our legacy and it is apt to have this meeting here. 

This state had social reformers like Sree Narayana Guru, Chayttambi Swamikal, Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, all these people who stressed on the point of education and health.

The modern Kerala model of health system evolved from this strong premise.

Friends,

Three thousand years ago, a great poet of India, Kaniyan Poongundranar wrote in Tamil, “Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kaelir..” 

It means ‘we belong to all places, and everyone’. PM Shri Narendra Modi ji said that 'adding this sense of belonging beyond borders was unique to India'. 

And our G20 theme is based on Universal brotherhood i.e. ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. It reminds us to see the world as a family in working towards a healthier tomorrow. It is in the interest of human kind that we should be prepared for any health emergency in the future. 

Finally, I wish all the delegates the very best for upcoming deliberations.

Thank you!
###

NS

***

(Release ID: 1891892) Visitor Counter : 248