Ayurveda Union of Midwest celebrates National Ayurveda Day with focus on women’s health and empowerment

By Dr. Avi Verma

The Ayurveda Union of Midwest (AUM) celebrated National Ayurveda Day at the National India Hub in Schaumburg, Illinois, on Sunday, October 27, 2024. The event, titled “Strong Women, Strong Communities,” brought together over 75 in-person attendees and 20 online participants for an enriching afternoon focused on women’s health, empowerment, and the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga.

The event kicked off with a traditional Dhanvantari Puja, a ritual honoring the deity of health and healing, followed by the recognition of three guests of honor for their contributions to wellness and community. These honorees were Misty Soderholm, Founder and Manager of SoderWorld; Dr. Ulka Nagakar, a respected Ayurvedic physician; and Usha Shedge, Founder of the Smart Sakhi Project, an initiative focused on empowering women through education and support.
The centerpiece of the event was a panel discussion featuring prominent figures in the fields of Ayurveda, Yoga, and holistic wellness. Vaidya Ashlesha Raut, President of AUM, addressed the topic of hormonal health, while Dr. Trupti Gokani shared her holistic approach to stress management. Vaidya Swati Mhaske, a member of AUM’s Board of Directors, spoke on the important topic of menopausal health, and Vidya Nahar, a yoga instructor, led a session on pranayama (breathing exercises) for stress relief.

The panel was followed by a live Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the experts. The event concluded with a healthy meal, providing an opportunity for participants to socialize, connect, and browse Ayurvedic merchandise available for purchase.

This special event was made possible through the leadership of Ruchi Saxena, the event’s moderator, and the generosity of Harish Kolasani, Founder and Chairman of the India Hub, which hosted the event.

AUM is a non-profit organization serving the five-state Midwest region, dedicated to promoting the ancient practices of Ayurveda and Yoga for the well-being of individuals and communities. The organization’s mission is to empower individuals through knowledge, holistic wellness practices, and a commitment to fostering strong, healthy communities.

To learn more about the Ayurveda Union of Midwest and its programs, visit ayurvedaunionofmidwest.org.