CHIRAYU – 2026
Date: 18-09-2026 Place: JSS Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital, Mysuru
A National-Level CME on Geriatrics & Rasayana — Theme: "Adding Life to Years – Bridging Classics to Contemporary"
In commemoration of the 111th Jayanthi celebration of His Holiness Jagadguru Rajagurutilaka Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji and the 11th Ayurveda Day Celebrations, the Dept. of PG Studies in Kayachikitsa of our Institution organised CHIRAYU – 2026, a National level CME on Geriatrics & Rasayana with the theme “Adding Life to Years – Bridging Classics to Contemporary” on 18th September 2026.
The CME was organised with the objective of bringing together classical Ayurvedic wisdom and contemporary scientific perspectives in the field of Geriatrics and Rasayana, while providing a platform for academic exchange, research dissemination, interdisciplinary learning and meaningful discussion on healthy ageing and quality of life in the elderly.
The conference was formally inaugurated in the august presence of distinguished dignitaries: Chief Guest Dr. Chidambara S., District Surgeon, Mysuru; Sri R. Mahesh, Director, Medical Education Division, JSS Mahavidyapeetha; Keynote Speaker Dr. Pratibha Pereira, Professor and Head, Department of Geriatrics, JSS Medical College & Hospital, Mysuru; Dr. Sarbeswar Kar, Principal and Medical Superintendent, along with the Vice Principals and Organising Secretaries, graced the inaugural ceremony.
The academic programme commenced with an insightful Keynote Address by Dr. Pratibha Pereira, who set the context for understanding integrated care in geriatrics. This was followed by a scholarly session by Dr. Jithesh M., Professor and Head, Department of Kayachikitsa and PG Studies in Manasa Roga, VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, Kerala, on “Integrating Ayurvedic Principles in the Management of Dementia,” and a session by Dr. Deepa C. Patil, Professor & Head, Dept. of PG Studies in Kayachikitsa of our Institution, on “Rasayana as a Geroprotective: From Classical to Clinical Evidence.”
As an important component of the CME, 54 offline Scientific Oral Paper and 5 Poster Presentations by faculty members, PhD scholars and postgraduate students, along with poster presentations for undergraduate students and interns, were conducted, aligned with the central theme of the CME and covering its diverse subthemes.
Another major highlight of CHIRAYU 2026 was the Quiz Competition, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from five teams representing different colleges across Karnataka. The final quiz was conducted in 6 rounds, coordinated by quiz masters Dr. Vineeth C. P. and Dr. Maithri G. M., proving to be an engaging and intellectually stimulating component of the CME.
The Valedictory Ceremony of CHIRAYU 2026 culminated a day filled with enriching academic sessions, scientific presentations, and meaningful exchange of knowledge. Dr. Jithesh M. was the Chief Guest, and the ceremony was presided over by the Principal along with the Vice Principals and Organising Secretary. Prizes and certificates were presented to the winners and participants of the Paper Presentation, Poster Presentation, and Quiz Competitions.
The CME served as a meaningful academic initiative towards understanding ageing not merely as a natural process, but as an opportunity to promote healthy longevity, preserve functionality and enhance quality of life, through the integration of classical Ayurvedic principles with contemporary scientific evidence.
The conference received an overwhelming response, with more than 130 delegates participating from various institutions and different parts of the country, including Jamnagar, Hyderabad and Maharashtra, among others. The participants included UG and PG students, PhD scholars, faculty members, academicians, researchers and practitioners.
