An Intellectual Conclave on Ayurved'' is to be held in New Delhi on February 13, 2003 along with an award function. IASTAM - India, a quasi-academic body which functions as an open forum for the practitioners of ISM and the scholars from various areas of sciences is organizing this event. According to a release, IASTAM India has a natural inclination to protect and promote ISMs in academicand practical applications in the interests of Indian people.

A group of Indian participants at ICTAM V held at Halle, Germany in August 2002 had the opportunity to meet Hon. Minister of Health and Secretary, Dept. of ISM & H, Govt. of India on August 20, 2002 where several issues were raised on Ayurvedic Education, Research, Profession, Industry and National Health Care Deliver. It was proposed to organize an Intellectual Conclave at Delhi to discuss these and other related issues, particularly with participation of multi-faculty representatives.

The objectives of the conclave are:
1. To discuss the major issues related with Ayurvedic Education, Research, Profession and its Role in National Health Care Delivery.

2. To discuss the relevant items enlisted in the recently available draft ISM document 2001.

3. To brainstorm about the strategies to be adopted and give suggestions for productive implementa-tion of recommendations emerging from the ISM National Policy.

4. To discuss the modalities of collaborating with the Government programmes and policies on ISM.

Format of the Conclave:
Discussion aimed at productive outcome will form the basis of the Conclave. A working Paper will be prepared by IASTAM Expert to facilitate the discussion. The program is structured as follows:

Inauguration
Conclave Approach, Key Note Addresses, four sessions of the discussions lead by a chairperson & convener on each of the subjects of education, research, profession and health care delivery, recommendations & Award Function.

About 50-60 participants are expected at the Conclave with all India coverage and covering the various disciplines relevant for ISM national policy and senior officials from Dept. of ISM&H.

IASTAM India will essentially organize the Conclave along with its Award Function. ADMA (Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers'' Association) has agreed to bear partial cost and the Dept. of ISM&H will be approached for any possible financial help. This conclave on Ayurveda is expected to be followed by similar conclaves on other systems belonging to ISMs.