The 2nd International Ayurveda & Yoga Conference
3-5th April 2009

In early April 2009, Sydney saw a mass migration of spirituality and knowledge flow into the city’s CBD. The 2nd International Ayurveda and Yoga Conference, which was held at the stunning City Recital Hall at Angel Place, is a unique event which brought together a massive line up of international and local speakers, Gurus, Masters, Ayurveda physicians, scientists, yoga experts, authors and teachers in the fields of Ayurveda, Yoga and their allied healing sciences.

Never before had Australia seen such a diverse and extensive line up of local speakers and authorities who inspired and educated on maintaining health, wellbeing and happiness.

The primary goal of the conference was to raise awareness about India’s ancient health sciences – Ayurveda and Yoga – and how these time-tested health modalities can contribute to Australia’s healthcare system and offer significant benefits to the community as complementary health services, just as Traditional Chinese Medicine has. Already many small businesses, health professionals and importers are investing in these sciences and it is a growing industry.

Organised by Ayurveda Yoga Australia, which was founded in 2005 by Farida Irani together with Dr. Rama Prasad, Seva Devi Glover and Dr Shaun Matthews, the conference was preceded by events held at various venues around Sydney including the Taj Blue at Woolloomoolloo and the Dockside Convention Centre at Darling Harbour where the Gala Dinner was held, with a great assortment of classical Indian and fusion dances and performances. The local artists were, Sri Raghavan Nair and Poornima Sharma from the Indian Dance Centre, performing the Vandanas and a classical Kuchupudi dance performance to Shiva Shakti in the most graceful way; Cheryl Khurana from Ruchi Sanghi’s School of Dance, performing classical Kathak in her energetic and technical manner; Ustad Sarsha and Yamah who entertained their audience in their dynamic style of instrumental Indian classical music with the tabla and sitar and Kaizad Panthaki and Khursheed Irani who performed a fusion dance item to the powerful Hanuman Chalisa composition.

Highlights of the 3 day conference included the opening and closing ceremonies and lectures by the Doyens in these sciences as mentioned below who gave such inspirational talks in their respective fields of expertise as delegates attended their lectures and workshops diligently taking notes on ancient wisdom and health tips to get in touch with their own inherent nature, as well as information on current research findings. The culmination of the above events ended in an impressive panel session which saw most of the above speakers line the stage to answer questions put forward by the delegates and engage in an exchange of ideas, which left the audience totally spellbound and captivated.

Following the conference was a series of in depth workshops spanning across three more days.

At the end of the six-day conference one felt overwhelmed with all the ancient wisdom, enlightened and armed with all the knowledge, books and other spiritual goodies.

The motto had been drummed to all:

“It can all be achieved by simple living, in harmony with oneself and the nature can bring health at all levels of body, mind and spirit if we set our mind to it with a genuine conviction and belief in the power of Divine.”

The speakers included Professor Dr P H Kulkarni, ex Dean of the Ayurveda faculty of Pune University and founder of Ayurveda academy, India; Swami Paramhans Maheshwarananda, Founder of Yoga in Daily Life, Brother Satyananda from Self-Realization Fellowship USA (founded by Paramahansa Yogananda – author of ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’); Dr Robert Svoboda, a well known Ayurveda physician and a Tantric vedic scholar from the USA; His Excellency Khejok Rinpoche, Abott of the Dhe-tsang Monastry and a Geishi Tibetan Physician of a high order (doctor’s degree); Dr Gopalakrishnan, a scientist and vedic scholar from CSIR, India; Shakta Kaur of Kundalini Yoga in the Loop, USA; Dr Ram Kumar, Ayurveda physician from Punarnava grass roots project, Coimbatore; our local experts and authorities such as Reverend Pravajika Ajayaprana Mataji a the Senior Nun from Ramakrishna Sri Sarada Math; Simon Borg-Olivier, with his amazing posture dance and in depth knowledge on the Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga from Yoga Synergy; Prof Marc Cohen from the RMIT University on his research on Yoga in Australia together with Stephen Penman, President of YTAA; Dr Ajit from New Zealand, founder of Planet Ayurveda; Dr Swami Shankardev Saraswati, Ayurveda and Yoga expert from Big Shakti; Swami Samnyasanand (Dr Philip Stevens) a research expert on Pranayama (breathing techniques) from RMIT University and Satyananda Yoga; Petrea King from the Quest for Life Foundation and Dr Ian Gawler from the Gawler Foundation; Dr Vijayendra Murthy, a physician and teacher from New Zealand; Swami Govindananda from Bhakti Yoga; Dr Satya Prakash Choudhary, an astrologer from India and Noel Butler an expert on Aboriginal medicine.

Our Master of Ceremonies were, Dr. Mark Donohoe a medical practitioner and great supporter of Integrative health sciences and medicine, Bob Hughes a well known radio presenter, PR consultant and communications coach, Kumud Merani a professional presenter for SBS radio and an expert on India’s heritage and culture.

This year we saw the world sink into global recession and in amongst all the fear, the conference still received a vast array of delegates attending from all across Australia and every corner of the globe including India, Japan, Iran, New Zealand, the Americas, Malaysia, Singapore and all across Europe.

Not even the darkness of the Sydney Blackout on the 4th of April could dim the light that was this event.

“Through this event, the exchange of ideas that existed not just through our speakers but through all the delegates themselves, sets the foundation for growth and progression of these systems, just as they did thousands of years ago in the conferences of old, at the foot hills of the Himalayas”  

Farida Irani: One of the Founders and directors of Ayurveda Yoga Australia

We thank our platinum accommodation sponsors the Taj Blue, our Bronze sponsors, VFS Global and India Tourism Australia for their whole hearted support in making this conference a success.

We also thank our wonderful Delegates who made this conference happen with their support, our Respected Speakers, our Masters of Ceremonies who gave of their precious time so freely, all the Media Sponsors, Exhibitors and our strong Volunteer Team for their valuable contribution towards this conference. Our main media sponsor Indian Down under gave raving reviews of the conference.

Thank you to AYUSH (the department of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddhi, Homeopathy, a branch of the Ministry of Health India for their sponsorship and Mr B Anand, the joint secretary for personally gracing the occasion.

Our Dignitaries who supported us and we are thankful to:

The Honourable Mrs Barbara Perry, the Minister for Juvenile Justice and  Minister assisting in Mental Health, the Honourable High Commissioner of India, Mrs Sujatha Singh and the Honourable Consul General of India, Mr Amit Dasgupta.

Our heartfelt thanks to Bhakti, our AYA advisor and consultant( National coordinator of Yoga In Daily Life Australia) and to her husband Dharmpuri for his support on our website initially

To Jo Thomas for all his valuable time and assistance with designing of the Initial brochures, flyers together with Dr Ramaprasad and to Allan Fernandes for his valuable assistance with Media, as well as Cynthia Sciberras

Our Book stall team headed by Jo Tauro and Sheriar Irani. The stall was a huge success thanks to their efforts. The concept was introduced to us at the last conference by Swamini Mayatitanandaji and we are very grateful for this excellent idea. 

We thank our video producer Madan of Linkit Blue production, our photographers Neelesh Kale and Adrian Ward and our young and dynamic Graphic designer and creator of our website George Gallo  for a job well done!

Our floral decorator Mithi Daver  for adding such a wonderful ambience to the Hall.

Last but not the least we would not have achieved this without our dynamic Event  Managers
Khursheed and Nekzad Irani assisted by Nerissa Jayasingha

We at AYA our committed to the growth of Ayurveda & Yoga and with your support.
We hope to continue our work and bring you many more events.

A few of the many testimonials received.

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of you for your amazing efforts and generosity in organizing the Conference.  It was a privilege to have such close access to such a feast of wonderful scholars and teachers.  Quite an incredible event.  I know it was an enormous amount of work for you all and it’s so very much appreciated.  I especially loved Dr Gopalakrishnan, who was an absolute delight,  and lovely to see Dr Kumar again. And of course, having Robert Svoboda there was the icing on the cake!   All the speakers were good and all had something of real value to inspire and nourish.  

Thank you again with love and appreciation, Petrina Milas Ayurveda Life style consultant Petrina Hair and Makeup Studio

Enjoyed the AYA conference very much and realize what a lot of hard work went into the organizing of it. I am on the management committee of the IYTA (International Yoga Teachers’ Association) and we are just beginning to organize an IYTA World Yoga Convention for next September/October time. It will be on a smaller scale than the AYA but there are still a multitude of tasks ahead of us with hardly enough time to do everything. Again congratulations on such a successful and enjoyable event. I have a DVD of the first conference and would like to purchase a DVD of this last one when they are ready. If you let me know the cost, I will be able to include it in the payment I will make later today for the gift voucher.

In light of Yoga Patricia

Professional, beautiful, and informative. My mind boggles at the amount of work and organisation it must have taken to pull it together.

Jai Guru Michael Lee ( Self Realization Fellowship)

It was a pleasure to be part of an inspiring event. Looking forward to future alliances in the spirit of spreading the light of yoga. Thanks so much for including me in the experience. It made positive impressions on me on multiple levels. Peace. Om and Prem

From Pragyadhara & Kaanchan Satyananda Yoga

I think I would not be alone in saying that it was my honour to be invited to participate and compared to all other yoga conferences i have seen this had more integrity and was more about the spirit of yoga than anything i have seen so far. Warm thanks and appreciation to all the wonderful organisers. You have enriched our lives

From Simon Borg Olivier Synergy Yoga

I would like to echo the sentiments in Simon's reply. The positive feeling, depth and spirit of the conference was tangible. It was a pleasure to be involved, even in a small way. I would like you all to know that I would certainly like to be more involved at the next conference, particularly in the area of mental health and yoga psychology.

From Michael deManicour Yoga Sanga

HI and thank you.... it was a wonderful event... and a much appreciated and needed teachings for the community of Sydney. Your hard work and efforts where valued. Many thanks for the opportunity to be a part of this event.. and certainly look forward to next years. I was fortunate enough to attend the Robert Svoboda talk on the tuesday night.... and hung off every word he said.... so much information to absorb at one time...

Many thanks for the opportunity, From Eileen Hall Yoga Moves

Thank you for inviting me to teach at the Conference. It was wonderful to attend the day and have the opportunity to teach kundalini yoga. I thought you had great depth of speakers and topics, and hopefully next time I can attend the full program.

From Suraj Kaur Kundalini Well being Yoga and meditation Sat Nam

A thousand thanks! Thank you for such a wonderful event. The organisation was seamless and great. The care you took of all the speakers and delegates was outstanding. Wendie and I felt very welcome and honoured. It was a privilege to be included amongst your speakers.We have nothing but fond memories of our time with you.

From Petrea King - Quest for Life - Keynote speaker

Touching the deep core of my heart  I would like to  write that the  program was a memorable  one  which none can forget,  I would like to  express my deepest gratitude for  giving this opportunity to  present my papers and views  in two places  and showing  such a great  affection and  respect which are beyond what I deserve.  Anything from my side is  needed I shall be available  at anytime  for the service of the motherland's heritage

From Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan, M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D., D.Litt., DirectorIISH (Institute of Indian Scientific Heritage)- Scientists from theCouncil of scientific and Industrial Research India- Keynote Speaker

Just to let you know how much I enjoyed the 2009 Ayurvedic Yoga Australia Conference, held recently in Sydney.  I very reluctantly agreed to accompany my wife to the conference but was pleasantly surprised to hear the speakers and the range of topics they covered.  I found it most interesting and informative.  The speakers were extremely professional, knowledgeable and varied and I came away having learnt so much.  Leela and I both enjoyed the day immensely.  The stalls were a nice diversion in between sessions and the lunch was deliciously adequate. 
Thank you for organizing such a wonderful event.

Bart Pacheco (delegate)

Dear clients, friends and family
I am not due for a newsletter until next month however I came home with so many things in my head and heart from an amazing International Ayurveda & Yoga conference in Sydney the week before Easter that  I just had to share – you even get 2 pages this time! It felt like I went from a drought to a feast with 3 days conference and 3 days of workshop with some of the worlds most renowned eastern and western teachers in both sciences.
 From amongst their words of wisdom I have selected some wonderful one liners that say so much with so little.
Plus I have elaborated on a couple of the concepts that I really resonated with – following your heart and working with all levels of our being.

From Mary Woolley – Delegate - Ayurvedic -Lifestyle Consultant- Editor Anandaveda news

Thank you for a wonderful Conference, for caring for Ruth and me so well, for taking Yoga and Ayurveda to a wider audience and for your kind thanks for our participation. It was a delight to be part of such a well organized and worthwhile Conference. More power to you and your wonderful team. Be well

From Dr Ian Gawler – keynote Speaker, Founders The Gawler Foundation

Thank you for a great International Conference in April.   It was a privilege to listen to so many enlightened speakers and to learn from masters in their field.  Thank you for all the planning and organisation that resulted in a jam packed few days!  so much to choose from, so many fascinating workshops.   The catering was excellent and the venues too.   Everything worked really really well, I look forward to the next one.

From Melanie Kirkbride- Delegate- Manifest consulting

Greetings from Double Bay. I hope you all have recovered from the hectic Ayurveda Conference. I thoroughly enjoyed your seminar and follow up meetings. I am 73 years old and your conference was a crowning experience of my life. What an rear opportunity meeting Indian and other Ayurveda and Yoga authorities within a short span of 5 to 6 days. The consultation with Dr Kulkarni was a rare privilege. I am trying to follow his advice to the best of my ability.

From Mr Maung 73 year old feed back - Delegate

I attended the outstanding Ayurveda conference in Sydney and want to congratulate you all on an amazing job.......it was just wonderful.

Maureen Chapman – Delegate

Thank you so much for a wonderful conference. The lectures and workshops I attended were truly inspiring. Sandy and I are meeting on Sunday to see when it is possible to go to the Centre in the Himalayas- sounds like a great place of healing and rejuvenation- thank you. How humbling it is for all your kind words to those who helped at the AYA Conference!- Sandra Hartley

From Satya prem - Delegate and a great supporter of AYA together with Sandra Hartley

Many thanks for all your efforts putting together such an outstanding conference. I think there will be many positive outcomes from it.

From Professor Marc Cohen – Key note speaker - Professor of Complementary MedicineSchool of Health SciencesRMIT University