For his selfless contribution to the field, Coimbatore Arya Vaidya Pharmacy chairman and managing director Krishnakumar was recently honoured with Padma Shree. It was an honour for Ayurveda also.
AFTER THE studies at the Ayurveda College in Shornur, Krishnakumar was active in examining the production of quality medicines, promotion of Ayurveda education, research and clinical services. And, Krishnakumar was instrumental in conducting the first-ever clinical research in traditional medicines to study the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment on Rheumatoid Arthritis under the joint auspices of the WHO and the ICMR in 1977.
Later, he conceived and implemented a unique seven-and-a-half-year educational programme in Ayurveda totally free. The programme was first affiliated to the Madras University and later to the Bharathiar University. It was also approved by the Central Council for Indian Medicine (CCIM).
Ayurveda honoured
“No practice though I have an Ayurveda degree and no marriage,” he had taken a firm decision. He had only one vision - promote authentic Ayurveda globally. For his selfless contribution to the field, Coimbatore Arya Vaidya Pharmacy chairman and managing director, Krishnakumar was recently honoured with Padma Shree. It was an honour for Ayurveda also.
In a freewheeling chat at the AVP’s Majlis Health Park at Thrissur, Krishnakumar airs his views. Excerpts:
The main challenge that you face today?
FRANKLY, WE are lacking good physicians these days. The peculiarity of Ayurveda is that to know the science we must have thorough knowledge of other subjects such as Sanskrit, Vedas, Astrology etc. Our ancient Ayurveda acharayas were masters of this and they had spiritual consciousness. By just looking at a person, the acharayas were able to diagnose the disease and prescribe treatment. Though, it’s not applicable in this modern world, the present physicians should at least develop spiritual consciousness.
On moulding new generation doctors
Knowing the requirement of good physicians and the need for a bunch of creative youngsters, we set up an Academy – DIVYAM - of values with emphasis on meaningful and value-based education. The main aim of the academy is to enhance and optimise the individual potentiality of each child. Here, the child learns yoga, meditation, dance, music, drawing, painting, craft, karate, astrology and Ayurveda.
More than this, astrology plays an important role in one’s life. So, before giving admission, we will check the horoscope of the child and if the child is fated to be an Ayurveda physician, we will give training for that also in the initial stage.
In short, DIVYAM academy is the heaven of children. Here, they can think according to their interest, no burden of syllabus and home work. And they learn they are the masters of their lives.
On integrating Astrology in Ayurveda
A critical examination of the horoscope of a patient will show the disease of the patient and then the treatment can be prescribed easily. But we cannot rely totally on Astrology as nowadays hoax astrologers are also there. However, it is good if an Ayurveda doctor knows Astrology. It makes the diagnosis easier and helps to give a clear picture of the disease.
According to Astrology, infertility and spinal cord diseases occur due to snake’s curse. From my experience, I can vouch that poojas had brought about good results in some cases.
For example, Ravi Shastri had no child for 18 years after marriage. When he consulted Dr KG Raveendran, medical director, AVP, he first checked the horoscope of Shastri and his wife and told them about the curse of snake. Within one year of performing poojas, Shastri was blessed with a kid.
On the need of revamping Ayurveda syllabus
Nowadays, the BAMS students are learning outdated syllabus. Though we submitted several proposals to the Central government, it has not taken any action yet. By this apathy, the authorities concerned are killing our ancient medicine system.
On receiving Padma Shree
It is a recognition for Ayurveda and it’s not at all a personal success. It’s a new beginning in my life and the honour makes me more responsible as I have to do more for the field. Anyway, this award is a green signal for the remaining work and I know I have “miles to go before I sleep…. ’’
Message to the society
All branches of science should think and contribute for the development of Ayurveda. For example, invention of stethoscope was a contribution of Physics to Allopathy. Like that new developments in technology (bio-technology, nano-technology) should work for the development of our medicinal system which has a history of 5000 years.
On expansion plans of AVP
We are not in a hurry to grow. At present, we are aiming at providing quality treatment for the patients rather than opening up new centres in every nook and corner.
However, the dream course (Allopathy and Ayurveda) started by Krishnakumar at Coimbatore is now awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court. He said that if the verdict is not in his favour, he will think about starting the course in foreign countries.
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