<span style="color: #222222;">India has said that to promote universal holistic health, it is important to recognize and respect cultural diversity and integrate traditional healing practices into modern healthcare systems.<br />''<br />''Addressing the opening session of the Science 20 Thematic Conference on Universal Holistic Health at Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep, co-chair of Science 20 and President of Indian National Science Academy Prof. Ashutosh Kumar Sharma said this approach will promote not only health and well-being, but also helps to maintain cultural identity and values.<br />''</span><br />''He said, a bouquet of approaches is needed to achieve holistic health care delivered to everyone in an inclusive, equitable and just fashion.<br />''<br />''Prof Sharma also called for a strong mental health policy to promote mental health, prevent mental illness and ensure access to quality mental health services for all. He said mental health is not a luxury, but a fundamental human right that affects individuals, families, communities and societies as a whole.<br />''<br />''He observed that mental health is often overlooked, stigmatized and neglected in many parts of the world, leading to a global mental health crisis. He urged the scientific community to prioritize mental health and take concrete steps to address the challenges.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">48 delegates from G-20 countries are participating in the two-day meet, held as part of India's G20 Presidency.</span>