Padma Shree Krishnakumar: An interview
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
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
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
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
Commenting 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.
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.
.I fully agree with hari and sreejith regarding their concepts about ayurveda ,astrology and abt Krishnakumar Sir.Being an ayurvedic doctor makes us think more holistically and open. We should welcome such changes to make the world without diseases "Jagatyevam Niramaya". Jai Hind
.I fully agree with hari and sreejith regarding their concepts about ayurveda ,astrology and abt Krishnakumar Sir.Being an ayurvedic doctor makes us think more holistically and open. We should welcome such changes to make the world without diseases "Jagatyevam Niramaya". Jai Hind
.That was an inspiring interview and I wish the Government wake up to this ancient form of medicine. By innovating the Allopathy-Ayurveda course, Shri Krishnakumarji will create a revolution in the medical world. I think it is a brilliant move to start such a kind of course. Together, both streams of medicines will be able to conqueror and cure all kinds of diseases. I wish the Supreme Court gives a positive go ahead to this brilliant innovation in medical studies.
Dear Manoj Warrier, Really it was a good move from Krishnakumarji, a visionary. But what to say. Due to the opposition of people in our country, the course is stalemate now. Anyway, we can wait for the verdict of Supreme Court. Thanks a lot for your valuable comment and keep in touch. And try to tell your friends to read the interview.
.Dear Govindan Namboothiri, Thanks for presenting such a wonderful person and sharing his views on various aspects of ayurveda. Hope there will be more attempts to talk to him further and illuminate us with simple yet powerful insights on how to live happily by balancing thought, mind body etc. In that respectI watched an interview with Dr. Krishnakumar in Asianet Suprabhatham program and I was trhrilled to observe his wisdom and deep knowledge about humanity and it's overall well being. I hope his contributions for the society will become manifold in the coming days/years and there should be initiatives to make use of his deep knowledge and understanding in many braches of study.
Thanks again for sharing your discussion with Dr. Krishnakumar
Yes Mr Hari, P R Krishnakumar is a wodnerful personality as he devoted his life for promoting authentic Ayurveda. Despite his health problems, he still wants to deliver more. And he's man who also wants to promote traditional values of our country through DIVYAM Academy @ Coimbatore. So, It's pleasure to meet people like this.
Anyway, thanks for your valuable feedback & try to tell your friends to read this article.
.Wow!!! That��s a very interesting chat with Padmashree Dr. Krishnakumar. I��m really very glad to read this interview. Words of such an eminent scholar would always lighten up my future paths in field of Ayurveda...
His opinion about revising the old syllabus of Ayurveda in our colleges has been a dream of every students of Ayurveda�� Hope our Govt. takes necessary steps before it��s too late, or else we may witness another era of downfall of our ancient heritage helplessly. Study of Indian Astrology and its integration with Ayurveda treatment is undoubtedly a top-edge for every Ayurveda physicians in practice. I��ve decided to learn Astrology in a very authentic way soon after completion of my BAMS.
All the Ayurveda physicians must become aware of our existing social health requirements and work towards achieving the targets laid down for a healthy society in coming future. For this, every Ayurveda student must learn a curriculum which is essentially prepared to understand the prevailing health status and future health demands around the globe.
I personally believe that Ayurveda has much greater contribution to make for a healthier mankind in future.
My hearty congratutlations to Govind for covering such an inspiring interview with a great legend of Ayurveda.
Regards,
sreejith
Thank you Mr Sreejith for posting your valuable feedback. Yes, the new BAMS students should be aware of how they can develop Ayurveda to a new level.
Login
 Login through Social ID
|