In an Exclusive Interview with Editor-in-Chief of NewzVille Network Dusmanta Behera, Co-founder of Ayushakti & Swadshakti, Dr Smita Naram speaks the various aspects of food particularly Sattvik Food and growing popularity of Ayurveda. She is trying to bring back the glory of old and traditional food basket to her customers plate using long years of experiences.
NVN: Our pleasure to have you Dr Smita Naram to talk to Sattvik Food and Ayurveda. Some days back we observed the World Diabetes Day. The report from World Health Organization is not only alarming for India, but for the world as well. How do you see nearly 830 million people worldwide are living with Diabetes?
Dr Smita Naram: Thank you for having me to discuss Sattvik Food and Ayurveda, especially after World Diabetes Day. The WHO’s report on nearly 830 million people worldwide living with diabetes is alarming.In just one generation, diabetes has shifted from rarity to epidemic, raising urgent questions: why are so many suffering so suddenly, and how have our health authorities failed to find effective solutions? They’ve largely given up on cures, labeling type 2 diabetes as a chronic, progressive disease and focusing on managing it with lifelong medication and procedures, while neglecting nutrition.
Many people are unaware they are prediabetic until it’s too late. Complacency, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute significantly to this crisis. In our fast-paced, social media-driven world, we often overlook the toll this takes on our health, leading to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Sattvik Food—rooted in Ayurveda—emphasizes wholesome, natural ingredients that nourish the body and promote balance. By adopting a Sattvik diet, individuals can help regulate their metabolism, enhance digestion, and reduce inflammation, ultimately preventing the onset of diabetes or managing diabetes.
Moderation and balance are essential. As an Ayurvedic expert, I feel it’s my duty to highlight this. I want everyone to be healthy, strong, and loving because nature’s love extends beyond just animals and plants; we are part of nature, and Ayurveda teaches us this essential truth.
NVN: You said food is the main cause of these Non-Communicable Chronic Disease. What is Sattvik Food and how do you see Food as a Medicine?
Dr Smita Naram: Sattvik food, rooted in Ayurveda, embodies purity, balance, and nourishment, contributing to physical and mental well-being. It consists of fresh, seasonal, and predominantly vegetarian ingredients, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods. The philosophy behind Sattvik eating is to enhance “ojas,” the vital energy that strengthens immunity and promotes overall health.
Ayurveda emphasizes that our diet directly impacts our physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance. The famous proverb, “When diet is correct, medicine is of no need; when the diet is incorrect, medicine is of no use,” highlights this philosophy. By prioritizing a balanced Sattvik diet, we not only nourish our bodies but also harness the healing powers of food, helping to prevent disease and improve our quality of life
NVN: You are into India’s age old system of healing system….Ayurveda. The Government of India separated Ayush Ministry back in 2014 and National Ayurveda Day is observed from 2016 on the day of Dhanteras. After all these developments, are really people adopting Ayurveda to remain healthy?
Dr Smita Naram: Absolutely, people are increasingly embracing Ayurveda, a practice deeply rooted in Indian culture. For generations, families have relied on traditional remedies, like kada, soups, and ginger-turmeric mixtures, passed down from mothers and grandmothers to treat common ailments like colds. Nowadays, the popularity of Ayurveda is evident, especially on social media, where DIY remedies and Ayurvedic principles are widely shared, although some sources may lack authenticity. It’s encouraging to see younger generations becoming interested in these ancient practices. The establishment of the Ayush Ministry in 2014 and the observance of National Ayurveda Day since 2016 have significantly boosted awareness and credibility. The government’s efforts are crucial in promoting Ayurveda not just within India but also on an international scale, helping to expand its reach and influence.
NVN: Recently Secretary of Ayush Ministry Vd Rajesh Kotecha released the special edition of JDRAS, which is dedicated to the emerging field of Ayurveda Aahara. How do you see the development of Ayush Aahara?
Dr Smita Naram: The release of the special edition of the Journal of Drug Research and Ayurveda Sciences (JDRAS) dedicated to Ayush Aahara is a significant milestone in recognizing the importance of food and nutrition within Ayurveda. Ayush Aahara encompasses the principles of using food as medicine, emphasizing the role of dietary practices in promoting health and wellness.
This development reflects a growing understanding of how diet plays a crucial role in maintaining balance in the body, supporting the immune system, and preventing diseases. By integrating Ayurvedic concepts with modern scientific approaches, we can create a holistic framework for dietary practices that align with individual health needs.
Furthermore, this focus on Ayush Aahara supports the broader goals of Ayurveda, which aim to promote holistic health and well-being. It encourages research and education in this domain, fostering a deeper appreciation for the preventive and curative roles of food in our daily lives. Overall, the evolution of Ayush Aahara could lead to enhanced health outcomes and a more comprehensive approach to care.
NVN: Tell us about the Ayushakti Ayurveda Hospital and your Swadshakti Restaurant, why you started an authentic restaurant like this?
Dr Smita Naram: In 1987, my late husband Dr. Pankaj Naram and I founded Dr. Pankaj Naram Herbal Remedies Pvt Ltd, which was renamed Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd in 1994. For over 37 years, Ayushakti Ayurved has provided proven herbal remedies and authentic ancient treatments worldwide. Our experienced Vaidyas are pioneers in pulse reading and offer effective natural health services, detox programs, and carefully researched herbal supplements.
As the Co-founder of Ayushakti Ayurved, I am grateful to have helped over one million people across 108 countries with conditions such as asthma, allergies, arthritis, diabetes, psoriasis, and more. Our herbal remedies have been exported to the USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Russia for the past 32 years.
Swadshakti began to serve authentic sattvic food to those at our center, but as word spread, we now attract visitors from all over Mumbai and beyond, including many foreigners seeking Ayurveda treatments. I feel blessed that our Indian traditions, food, and medical systems are appreciated globally.
NVN: I was going through the reviews people have written that it is an an amazing place to have food in Swadshakti Restaurant, So how are you different in serving people the unique and lost cuisines on their plates?
Dr Smita Naram: At Swadshakti, we’re passionate about serving Sattavic food that nourishes body, mind, and spirit. Our expert chefs and researchers recreate unique, lost Indian cuisine using locally sourced ingredients and ancient recipes.
What sets us apart is our commitment to preserving traditional flavors and techniques while providing an immersive culinary experience. Every aspect of our service is designed to transport guests to a bygone era, reconnecting them with their roots and the benefits of holistic eating.
We’re not just serving meals; we’re curating memories, sharing stories, and preserving the legacy of our ancestors. When you dine with us, you become part of a grand tradition that honors the past while embracing innovation.
NVN: Ok, if you can share what are the special cuisines, I mean according to your customers choice?
Dr Smita Naram: Our chefs’ creations are a hit with our customers, especially:
Sol Kadi made with coconut milk, Mung Khichdi, Vegetable Soup, Moong Soup, Sattvik Frankee and Russian Sandwich. These dishes are consistently in high demand and receive great reviews. Personally I love our signature dish Moong soup & Sattvic Frankee a lot.
-Some of the Signature Cuisines at Swadshakti Restaurant at Malad, Mumbai
NVN: Do you have any future planning to establish a solid chain of both Ayushakti Hospital and Swadshakti Restaurant?
Dr Smita Naram: We have plans to expand our ventures. Currently, the same taste of food can be found at our wellness center in Goa & we are also making a health village that will have the same restaurant.
For Swadshakti Restaurant, we’re considering locations in various centers based on customer feedback. As for Ayushakti Hospital, we currently have over 30 franchise centers in India. We’re open to collaborating with like-minded individuals who share our mission of promoting health through Ayurveda.
(For more Information about Ayushakti and Swadshakti contact to newzville2024@gmail.com and give your response in the comment box)
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