Ayurveda as a department in itself - B.V.Pundit's long standing vision

An attempt at translating the memorandum Addressed to the First Governor of the princely state of Mysore, Shri Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar Bahaddur. His Higness, was a noted philosopher, musicologist, political thinker and philanthropist and the Founder-President of Vishva Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council). He was the only son of Yuvaraja Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar and Yuvarani Kempu Cheluvaja Amanni. Wodeyar dynasty is the only Royal Family from Mysore and belong to Lunar Dynasty (Chandrvanshi Kshatriya lineage). He graduated from the Maharaja's College, Mysore in 1938, earning five awards and gold medals. He signed the Instrument of Accession with the Dominion of India on the eve of India attaining Independence in August 1947. The princely state of Mysore was merged with the Republic of India on 26 January 1950. Kannada National Poet Kuvempu brings out his greatness, "ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಸಿಂಹಾಸನಾಧೀಶರಾಗಿ ಮಹಾರಾಜರಾದರೆ ಇವರು ಅದನ್ನು ತ್ಯಜಿಸಿಯೇ ಮಹಾರಾಜರಾದರು", which means everyone became kings ascending thrones, while he became the greatest king descending one. He held the position of Rajpramukh of the State of Mysore from 26 January 1950 to 1 November 1956. After the integration of the neighboring Kannada-majority parts of the States of Madras and Hyderabad, he became the first Governor of the reorganized or unified State of Mysore, 1 November 1956 to 4 May 1964 and was the Governor of the State of Madras from 4 May 1964 to 28 June 1966.The Maharaja died at the age of 55 on 23 September 1974, and he was the last living premier prince of the Indian Empire with a 21-gun salute.

From: Shri B.V. Pundit, Dhanvantari Vilas, Nanjangud Memorandum Representing: College of Indian Medicine, Mysore Occasion: Laying of the pillar for the Children's ward in the hospital premises Date: 17-3-1959 You, the Honorable Governor of Mysore,have accepted our humble invitation and have taken the opportunity and time in the midst of several of your important and pressing responsibilities, to be present at this occasion for laying the pillar (Shankhu Sthaapana) for the 'Children's Ward' in the premises of Ayurvedic College of Mysore. I consider it my foremost duty to express my deep felt gratitude to you for this.

Today's children are the future citizens. The good health of the children is the wealth of the nation. We cannot gauge the extent to which God's glory is reflected in each child. It is the prime duty of parents, the citizens of this country and the doctors to ensure that the diseases that befall on children for various reasons be cured and good health be restored to them. In view of this, it is imperative for the good health and eradication of ill health and diseases of the children that many more wards be setup.

Our great sages have found ways to ensure our children do not suffer ill health and have also prescribed easy and simple remedies for general illnesses. But as a result of urbanization, the faith in these remedies is getting diluted. Bad eating habits, binging on food and malnutrition due to poverty have all given rise to various diseases in children. As a result the establishment of children's wards, medicines relevant to diseases, correct diet, and unadulterated milk are all essential in ensuring the good health of children. The onus of this pious responsibility lies with all the well wishers of this country.

Your ancestor and late paternal uncle, the Honorable Nalmadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar Bahaddur, in the year 1908 had established the College of Ayurveda in Mysore, in the best interest and welfare of his subjects. I had enrolled as a student in the very first year and graduated in the year 1913 when I established my company The Sadvaidyasala in Nanjangud. Having understood the greatness of Ayurveda, I have placed my complete faith in it; have been practicing authentic Ayurveda and have been manufacturing authentic and traditional Ayurvedic medicines in the way of offering my miniscule service to humanity. Ayurveda is complete in itself, is God given and all inclusive.

To be effective as a Vaidya, one has to learn the chapters of Charaka, Sushrutha, Vagbhata and others as taught and recited by the Gurus. The secrets of the herbs and the secrets of their preparation should be learned as handed down over the generations. A Doctor (or Vaidya) using his expertise, skills and experience, would have to also understand the methods of medicinal preparations. Medicines should be used as per their essence (Rasa), their potency (Virya) and their transformation state and effect (Vipaka) as per Ayurveda principles. This will have to be the basis for prescription along with the nature of the patient in terms of the region of dwelling, the times he lives in, the nature of his body and the age too. If the modern science is infused along with this knowledge and used for effective research, then such a treatment will elevate the doctor (The Vaidya) to a level of supreme capabilities. Added to this the Doctor (The Vaidya) according to the disease he / She is treating can discover and use new herbs to eradicate sickness and be called a Siddha Vaidya.

Ayurveda means the Life Science and the Healing Science of all the living beings in the Universe. The Sad truth of the present day is that this word 'Ayurveda' is not too familiar on the ears of teachers and the students.

Thadevayuktam Bhaishajyam Yadarogyaaya kalpathe|

Sa chaiva bhishajaam shrestaha rogebhyo yahapramochayeth||

What gives good health is Medicine; The one who cures disease is Vaidya. The science that combines the two philosophies is Ayurveda.

In the last decade or so the Mysore Ayurvedic College has lost its glow in terms of complete expertise and faith in this science of Ayurveda. It seems to have suffered a very bad state as a victim to poor administration. I am saddened to highlight this in a celebrative occasion as this one. If Ayurveda has to thrive and be of use and benefit in the real sense, It becomes extremely important that Ayurveda be considered as a department in itself, under the guidance of capable administration that poses complete faith and is dedicated to Ayurveda as a Science, including its medicinal preparations and methods of processing herbs.

In concern with pediatrics the role of Ayurveda is admirable. Continue to manufacture these medicines, continue to use these very herbs in treatments and strengthen the resolve and faith of patrons and contributors. This is my humble request with this institution. The Hon. Governor has created this blessed opportunity and allowed me to be of miniscule service, for this I pray to Lord Dhanvantari to bless all with long life and good health.

About the Author

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Shri N.B.Ramagopal is the Director - Operations of The Sadvaidyasala Pvt Ltd - Nanjangud. N.B.Ramagopal is the son of B.V.Balasubramanyam and Smt Seeta. Shri B V Balasubramanyam is the 7th son of Shri B V Pundit. Shri N.B.Ramagopal is an engineer by qualification (B.E, M.B.A), and handles operations. he feels humbled by the continued response of the patrons to the trust and quality maintained over the century. This article is his effort to bring to light the vision and the seeds of service sown by the great visionary Bhishagarathna Shri B.V. Pundit in the field of Ayurveda. The vision has now turned into reality and the seed has sprouted into a huge tree whose evergreen branches continue to grow as a family that believes continuing the great man's service to humanity is their only tradition.