Motivation and Aim

The Institute of Advanced Sciences (IAS) in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is launching the inaugural I-COAST Conference at Jawaharlal Nehru University, (Postponed). The Conference will feature presentations by academics and scholars on interdisciplinary cutting edges of research and scholarly knowledge about Ayurvedic science and technology relevant to modern academics, scholars, practitioners, technologists, linguists, artists, businesses, medical doctors, and teachers. Topics will cover the fundamental knowledge in science and technology related to health and the environment through research and education for the public good. IAS will work with several institutions in US, India, Europe, and in fact the whole world to advance the goals of the Consortium. The Consortium will connect to local and folk traditions of the entire world – Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. One basic strategy being employed for advancing fundamental sciences is to focus on the Ayurveda system of health. Because it is an applied science and of practical value, Ayurveda can play a significant role in society through its impact on public health. At the same time, since Ayurveda is based on a sophisticated philosophical and scientific approach to this world, it lends itself to fundamental research that can validate its ancient principles using modern scientific tools and ideas. Lastly, Ayurveda being a holistic lifestyle system, has relevance for environment, business, and public policy and education.

The triangular perspective on Ayurveda establishes a firm foundation for a comprehensive examination of most of the modern scientific, technological, social, business/economic, environmental, and educational issues facing the global society. Further details of I-COAST is available at http://inads.org/indic/ResearchScholarshipDetails3.aspx. The objective of the International Consortium of Science and Technology (I-COAST) is to understand and advance the fundamental and applied knowledge of Ayurveda in the language of modern science and technology to improve Ayurveda practice and utility for public health in the world.

A major problems in understanding Ayurveda is lack of rigor currently used in science, basic research, interdisciplinary analysis, and access to authentic and traditional of Ayurveda. Those who have training in rigor of science and research do not have either interest or access to Ayurvedic knowledge. The vice versa is true for Ayurveda practitioners and manufacturers.

I-COAST challenges and goals are to provide a practical platform to scientists, modern doctors, vaidyas, manufacturers, academics from business, linguistics, philosophy, etc., publishers, and others including medical schools, to advance clear understanding and an effective strategy for advancing use of Ayurveda readily to international public. We believe this approach will address several critical issues being faced in the world - healthcare and cost, environmental pollution, climatic upheaval, and overall sustainability.

I-COAST's major challenge is to manage a diverse group of scholars and interest groups in a scientific endeavor. This requires proper a academic structure, leadership, and resources. I-COAST has already enlisted many scholars and institutions encompassing nearly dozen projects.

I-COAST's plans are to support and promote interdisciplinary projects, approach government agencies for support, publish articles and books, hold workshops and conferences, arrange for summer internships and fellowships, and provide funding. It will further promote journals, translation of ancient texts, and linkages of Ayurveda with academic programs and medical schools.

I-COAST currently has a strong advisory board of prominent scholars, manufacturers, publishers, and philanthropists. The inaugural I-COAST Conference will feature prominent scholars and practitioners, who are already part of the consortium, and will encourage others including students to participate in the conference.