My Israel Experience...

Israel... There is so much more to it than those six alphabets. These six alphabets define a unique identity, an ethos, an ability to not merely survive every formidable challenge but create superlative bench marks for the entire world to emulate.

Some places. like some people. leave their imprint on our minds. I have always been very fascinated by the way the people of Israel go about their lives. They value expression, friendship, professionalism and are equally open hearted once they get to know you.

It has been almost six years since I have been visiting this great nation of equally great people and I can't still get that OMG feeling out of my heart when I meet people there! Some of them didn't just move into my life but landed with a pleasant Bang! Tali, ofra Bar Gil, Mira and Nathan, Anne and Yael to name just a handful, are people who have become my extended family and the mere thought of meeting them brings a huge smile on my face... always!

These are some of the most successful professionals in their chosen fields. But what brings them together to India and binds me in with them is a common love and a huge respect for the oldest Indian wisdom...AYURVEDA!

This common bond once again saw me winging my way to that fantastic city of Tel Aviv. This time these friends had organised a week full of packed schedule for me starting with a lecture on 'Women In Ayurveda' at our very own embassy in Tel Aviv.

However my recent visit added yet another dimension... The working of our embassy there! My experience before, during and after my lecture there can be expressed in just one word...Overwhelming! The amount of courtesy and attention that was accorded to me, especially by the Deputy Chief of mission and the Counsellor (press, information...) was simply next level!

And do you know that the government of India under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush has also introduced special scholarships for the citizens of Israel so that they could come to India and learn Ayurveda to be able to carry the ancient wisdom to their country and benefit others!

My trip to Tel Aviv began with a lecture on the premises of Indian Embassy there. The topic chosen was 'life stages of women in Ayurved' which was attended by a mix of all age groups, both males & females.

While there was time for reunions with friends there, the day schedule was packed with workshops and patients.

I have received quite a few follow up calls and as my friends there tell me that there are a lot of people interested in following the Ayurved way of life style!