Second World Ayurveda Summit begins in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: The second edition of the World Ayurveda Summit began at Palace Grounds on Thursday, bringing together experts, practitioners and students to discuss the future of Ayurveda and its role in modern healthcare.
According to a report published by Deccan Herald on Friday, the four-day event is being organised by the Kaje Ayurvedic Charitable Foundation in association with the Union Ministry of AYUSH and the Karnataka AYUSH Department.
This year’s summit is centred on the theme “Ayurveda for a healthier future”, with a focus on integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary medical practices and nurturing the next generation of Ayurveda professionals.
A unanimous demand was raised at the summit to increase evidence-based scientific research related to the Ayurveda system of medicine and that both union and state governments should take concrete steps in that direction.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade reportedly said expanding research would help improve medicine formulation and disease treatment within the Ayurveda system. He encouraged students and practitioners not to hesitate in choosing Ayurveda, noting that it is gaining increasing recognition worldwide.
After the inauguration, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said Ayurveda plays a significant role in helping people lead a healthy life. “Ayurveda and yoga are preventive lifestyles that help in avoiding diseases. They were developed thousands of years ago on a scientific foundation,” DH quoted him as saying.
The minister also highlighted the need for specialised training in Ayurveda, similar to specialisations in modern medicine. For instance, in modern medicine, people easily trust certified specialists such as nephrologists. Similarly, in Ayurveda too, there should be a proper system of certification with clear standards for specialised practitioners.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka gram panchayats achieve record 89 pc tax collection in 2025-26: Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has achieved a significant milestone in grassroots governance, with 5,943 gram panchayats across the state recording higher tax collection and revenue realisation in 2025-26 compared to the previous financial year, Minister Priyank Kharge said on Thursday.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj reported total tax collections of Rs 1,382.57 crore in 2025-26, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore over Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25, the minister’s office said in a statement.
This represents a record 89 per cent realisation of the current demand, the highest in recent years, it added.
The Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj said, “Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities.”
“It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he added.
Karnataka had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.
In 2024-25, gram panchayats had, for the first time in the department’s history, collected Rs 1,272.54 crore, achieving 80 per cent of the current demand.
Building on this momentum, the state further improved performance in 2025–26, reaching a record 89 per cent collection efficiency, the statement said.
This achievement has been driven by extensive awareness campaigns, targeted tax collection drives, and the sustained efforts of officials at all levels—from gram panchayat bill collectors to senior administrators, the minister said, congratulating all staff and officers for their contribution.
Highlighting district-level performance, Priyank noted that Raichur district recorded an exceptional 129 per cent tax collection, while 11 districts across the state achieved over 100 per cent collection, demonstrating strong local-level execution and compliance.
Over the past three years, Karnataka has witnessed a steady upward trend in tax collection. The increased revenue is being channelled into public works, improved civic services, and local development initiatives, contributing to the overall progress of rural communities, he added.
