Prince Charles, founder Chairman, Foundation for Integrated Medicines, is expected to inaugurate the four-day World Ayurveda Congress-2002 to be held in Kochi from the first of November. According to a press communiqué from the Swadeshi Science Movement, one of the joint organizers of the event, Prince Charles would be in Kerala at the time, and was asked to inaugurate the same. "We are waiting for the Prince to give us a reply on our plea," the press communique maintained.

Nearly 2500 delegates, including 600 from over 60 foreign countries including Italy, Germany, Canada, Argentina, France and Sri Lanka would be attending the convention.

"Ayurveda and World Health" would be the focal theme of the Congress being organised jointly by the Union Health Ministry and the Swadeshi Science Movement.

This is for the first time that a World Congress on Ayurveda is being held in Kerala. The Congress will focus on prospective role of the traditional medicine system in achieving the global goal of health for all. The agenda will include formulation of a Continental based Health Care Package Programme, preventive measures, corrective measures and primary health care.

The official emblem was released in Kochi last November by the Kerala Chief Minister, A.K.Antony. Depicting the serene beauty of Kerala, the logo comprises of a pictograph of Panchkarma with two coconut trees providing shade, with the sea in the background.

The event will be conducted by a panel of Ayurveda experts led by Padmashri winner, Dr. P.K. Warrier with the support of the Union and State governments, prominent Ayurveda agencies and other organizations.