Shri Thottathil Raveendran, Mayor of Kozhikode,

Shri M.P. Veerendra Kumar, MP, 

Shri A. Pradeepkumar, MLA,   Dr. M.K. Muneer, MLA,

Adv. P.M. Niyas, Councillor of Kozhikode

Dr. P.K. Warier, Managing Trustee,

Dr. P.M. Varier, Trustee,   Shri K.S. Money, General Manager,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,

It gives me immense joy to inaugurate the Centenary celebrations of the Kozhikode Branch of the Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal.  

As we all know, Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier, who started the Arya Vaidya Sala as a village clinic in 1902, was a man of diverse interests which went beyond Ayurveda, moving into journalism, theatre, music, literature and humanitarian activities. Therefore, it is not surprising that this Branch of the Arya Vaidya Sala has enjoyed a special position in the cultural renaissance of Kozhikode not only as a center of healing, but also as a place of social interactions.

The history of indigenous Indian medical science is probably as old as the Indus Valley Civilization.  As historians have noted, the early inhabitants of the land now known as Kerala, also had their own treatment systems. History points to the presence of many physicians in Kerala who were once considered as divine persons and whose healing experiences sounded more like miracles.

It has been observed that the establishment of the Arya Vaidya Sala marked the beginning of a new phase in Ayurveda in the State. The late Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier introduced innovative methods of medicine preparation and he was the first to start preservation of classical medicines by adapting scientific methods. The Vaidya Sala also became the focal point of a re-vitalization movement which touched upon different aspects of the practice of Ayurveda including dissemination of knowledge, training, preparation and distribution of medicine etc. and, it could become a pioneer in the preparation and effective marketing of medicines.  The starting of this branch at Kozhikode was an example of the late P.S. Warrier’s interest in taking the benefits of classical Ayurveda to the people.

After the demise of the founder in 1944, the mission was carried forward by a committed team of physicians under whom the institution had a phenomenal growth. For the past six decades, Arya Vaidya Sala has been managed by a Board of Trustees headed by the founder's nephew, Dr. P.K. Warrier, whom the nation has honored with Padmabhushan.

The style of management of this Vaidya Sala is known to be of a rare quality.  I am told that the Will executed by the founder had given the assets to the public and that the institution runs under a charitable Trust. The initial turnover, which was only Rs.14,000/- a year, had grown to Rs.83 crore   by the year 2000 but, it is gratifying to note that  the entire income accrued from the activities of the Trust is dedicated to the provision of free clinical services , medicine, food  and therapies to the needy patients. I am happy to know that over 55,000 patients receive free medical consultation from the Kozhikode branch alone every year.  With 27 branches in the major cities of the country, and over 1,650 authorized dealers, Arya Vaidya Sala's coverage is an excellent evidence of the trust bestowed by the people on the Ayurvedic system of medicine.

Educational institutions are the best vehicles for the growth and propagation of any science and therefore, Arya Vaidya Sala's decision to establish the first Ayurveda College in Malabar region in as early as 1917, was a far-sighted move.  In this context, one cannot ignore the present status accorded to Ayurveda in the State. Though we find more and more people making use of Ayurveda as a trusted healing practice, a large majority is guided by its image of being ancient and not 'modern'. In spite of the modernization of the syllabi of Ayurveda courses, we still find it being deliberately excluded from the category of 'modern' medicine. We need a concerted effort on the part of institutions like the Arya Vaidya Sala in convincing society about the modernities that have changed the profile of Ayurveda. Besides, we also need research tie ups and collaboration with other systems of medicine so that the entire society is benefited.

Another issue that needs to be highlighted relates to the need for a filtering in terms of who can practice Ayurveda. As you all know, quackery is a serious issue in all systems of medicine and Ayurveda is no exception. With industries like Tourism making use of Ayurvedic practices, we need to ensure quality and authenticity in the services offered in the name of Ayurveda. Very often, we find unqualified people toying with the health of people, with tall claims of expertise and no formal training. Here also, an effort is required from Ayurveda institutions in identifying such threats and cautioning the people.

I am told that the new Branch Building will facilitate the expansion of the scope and reach of the services of the Vaidya Sala in Kozhikode. I sincerely hope that the walk-in treatment facility to be started soon will prove to be of great help to patients from the City as well as from the northern areas of the State. 

In conclusion, I would remind you all about the rich variety of medicinal plants in our country. We have over 7,500 such plants which people use as home remedies. Our Western Ghats is a hot-spot of bio-diversity about which many people are still ignorant. I would request you all to devise a programme as part of the celebrations to encourage people to grow at least two medicinal plants in their garden. After all, like charity, concern for a healthy world has to begin at home.

I compliment Dr. P.K. Warrier and his team of dedicated medical practitioners and colleagues for conducting this inaugural function in a befitting manner. I also hope that the programmes like Ayurveda Seminar to be held as part of the Centenary celebrations will be of great benefit to the people in understanding the facts about the holistic approach of Ayurveda in a better way.

Ellaavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind