Speakers
PADMASHREE
Dr. V. Prakash
Internationally acclaimed food scientist of India with more than half a Century experience and former Director of CSIR-CFTRI and DS of CSIR-India. A Ph.D. from the University of Mysore he has pioneered advancements in food science, nutrition and public health policies and Traditional Foods. Under his leadership, CFTRI was able to file over 900 patents and became a global role model Institution in R & D. He has published over 224 research papers, authored multiple books (28), and served on key committees of WHO, UNDP, FAO (HLPE) and erstwhile Planning Commission of India committees. Dr. Prakash is Honoured with more than 64 Awards and notably Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award and fellowships of Academies are noteworthy. He is decorated with Padmashree Award from the Hon. President of India.
Fulbright Scholar, physician-scientist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York. A globally respected expert in Ayurveda and integrative medicine, she directs the Dinacharya Institute, training Ayurvedic health coaches and physicians worldwide. Her pioneering work bridges modern biomedicine and ancient Ayurvedic sciences, with over two decades of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research. She has served at institutions including Banaras Hindu University and Sri Sunderlal Hospital, and was a Fulbright-Nehru Scholar to India. Dr. Bhattacharya continues to advocate evidence-based holistic health and serves as mentor to global practitioners and students.
Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya
Dr. Vijayalakshmi I Balekundri
Professor Emeritus Dr. Vijayalakshmi I Balekundri, MBBS, MD, DM (Card), DSc, FRCP (London), born in Belagavi on 6 August 1950, is Karnataka’s first lady cardiologistand a pioneer in south India’s paediatric cardiology. Former Professor and Head, Paediatric Cardiology, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, she has performed over 9,000 paediatric catheterisations and published 166 research papers and 106 publications, including textbooks. She proposed the globally recognized “Vijaya’s Echo Criteria” for acute rheumatic fever carditis. Recipient of over 70 prestigious awards—including the Rajyotsava Award and Lifetime Achievement Awardfrom Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam—she remains an inspiring teacher, researcher, and trailblazer in Indian cardiology.
Veteran Ayurveda practitioner and Senior Physician at Government Ayurveda Hospital, Sirsi. Experienced Wellness and Holistic Healthcare practitioner with over three decades of dedicated service in public healthcare. Dr. Jagadish Yaji completed his B.A.M.S. from Taranath Government Ayurvedic Medical College, Bellary in 1992. Known for his compassionate approach and clinical expertise in treating umpteen chronic medical conditions. Dr Yaji has contributed significantly in the promotion and practice of Ayurveda by nurturing the young aspirants, instilling ancient traditional medical wisdom to the knowledge seekers and professionals of Ayurveda.
Dr. Jagadish Yaji V
Dr. Vijay Murthy
Dr. Vijay Murthy, ND, BAMS, MS, MPH, PhD, IFMCP, is an internationally acclaimed physician and pioneer of evidence-based personalised healthcare focussing on root cause analysis and holistic health. Founder of The Murthy Clinic, London, and co-founder of Murthy Health, UK, he is physician to members of the British royal family and a trusted advisor to leaders and influencers across the UK and India. Trained in traditional Ayurveda in India, with a Master’s in Public Health from New Zealand and a PhD in Health Services from the University of Technology Sydney, Dr. Murthy integrates three decades of clinical expertise with groundbreaking research in health and integrative medicine. Practising in London’s prestigious Harley Street, he combines Ayurveda, Functional Medicine, and Nutrition into a uniquely personalised approach. He has served as Clinical Lead and Chief Scientific Officer for Ayurveda at the College of Medicine, UK, former Vice President of the Ayurvedic Professionals Association, and currently acts as Global Scientific Advisor and Chief of Innovation for leading nutraceutical industries worldwide.
Shri Rajendra Damodara Yenkannamoole, founder of Vasudeva Kriya Yoga, has been promoting yoga and holistic wellness in Melbourne since 2004. Under his guidance, Vasudeva Kriya Yoga has grown internationally with centres in Australia, the USA, and India. A visionary teacher and author of books including Divinity in Yoga, Life Sutra, and Arise, Awake, and Realise, he emphasizes the spiritual essence of yoga. He has conducted international yoga conferences and retreats, inspiring thousands worldwide. Holding master’s degrees in engineering and business, he was awarded a Doctorate by Yoga University of the Americas (2023) and honoured with the Rama-Krishna-Vittala Anugraha Prashasti for his community service.
Shri Rajendra Damodara Yenkannamoole
Dr. Jamuna Prakash
Dr. Jamuna Prakash is a renowned food scientist and former Professor at the University of Mysore, India, with extensive experience in teaching and research. A Fellow of IUFoST (Canada) and NAAS (India), she has published over 275 papers, 25 books/chapters, and delivered 600+ lectures. Her work has earned over 8,200 citations, with an H-index of 40. She has served globally as Visiting Professor and currently guides doctoral research at MLC University, Shillong. Her expertise spans food composition, product development, nutrition, and public health. She also advises institutions and industries, and represents India in global food safety and harmonization initiatives.
Chairperson of NAAC Peer Teams, is a distinguished academic leader and former Vice-Chancellor of North Orissa University, with over 37 years of teaching and research experience in Plant Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. He has made significant contributions in plant tissue culture, protoplast fusion, genetic transformation, gene cloning, and DNA fingerprinting. He has published 82 international and 23 national peer-reviewed papers. Prof. Chand has held several key academic-administrative positions including Director, UGC-HRD Centre; Head, Department of Botany; Coordinator, UGC-SAP; Chairman of multiple Boards of Studies and Research Committees; and Member of the University Syndicate and Academic Council, demonstrating his extensive contributions to higher education, research, and institutional governance in India.
Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep Kumar Chand
Yogacharya Rakesh
Yogacharya Rakesh is the Founder–Director of Samyak Institute of Yoga & Ayurveda, Mysore—a traditional Gurukula dedicated to authentic Yoga education. Trained under Dr. Ramachandra G. Bhatt at Veda Vijnana Gurukulam, he studied Vedas, Upanishads, Vedānta, and Yoga Darśana, integrating philosophy with practice. With over a decade of teaching experience, he has conducted 100+ Yoga Teacher Trainings, mentoring students from 80+ countries. Holding Master’s degrees in Sanskrit and Yogic Sciences, he continues to preserve the classical Gurukula tradition, blending scriptural wisdom with experiential practice to promote holistic wellbeing worldwide.
A distinguished Naturopathy & Yoga Physician with over 23 years of experience, Dr. Vinaya blends science, tradition, and art for holistic healing. She is also a graded “B High” vocalist of All India Radio, bringing unique expertise in music therapy integrated with yoga and lifestyle management. Her versatile career spans leadership roles as Director, Senior Medical Officer, Assistant Professor, and Spa Director at premier wellness institutions. With qualifications in Naturopathy, Music Therapy, and Hypnotherapy, she has pioneered sound healing with Indian ragas, contributed to public health initiatives, and guided diverse communities toward sustainable wellness.
