Adv. Anoop Jacob, Member of Legislative Assembly

Shri P.C. Jose, Chairman, Municipal Council, Koothattukulam

Smt Omana Maniyan, Councilor

Shri N.P. Narayanan Namboothiri, Chairman, Sreedhareeyam

Shri Hari N. Namboothiri, Vice Chairman, Sreedhareeyam

Dr. Narayanan N. Namboothiri, Chief Physician, Sreedhareeyam

Sahodaree  Sahodaranmare,

Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.

       I am very happy to inaugurate the ‘Bala Netra Raksha programme’ of ‘Sreedhareeyam,’ which is the largest accredited Ayurveda health-care provider in India.

Let me at the outset, compliment ‘Sreedhareeyam’ for organizing the ‘Bala Netra Raksha programme’ with the aim of spreading awareness about the importance of eye care among one lakh school children in 500 schools of Kerala. The theme, Safe-guarding the vision of the future generation, explains the noble intention behind the scheme.

The programme, organized on the first death anniversary of Dr. N.P.P. Namboothiri, former Managing Director of ‘Sreedhareeyam’ is a fitting memorial to the services            he rendered in Ayurvedic ophthalmology. As a mark of respect, we have unveiled his statue here today. His missionary zeal in reaching out to patients with Ayurvedic medical solutions at times excelled those offered by modern medicine. Along with Dr. N.P. Narayanan Namboothiri, he could initiate a medicine manufacturing unit in 1999.

Dr. Namboothiriwas guided by an evergreen spirit of inquiry, which resulted in the further development of ‘Shalaakya Thantra,’ a system that handles diseases above the neck. His devotion to the treatment of ophthalmic disorders was guided by the faith that 90 percent of eye diseases in children were curable through Ayurveda. It is not surprising that he could independently device a curative system of‘Netra Chikitsa’, through ‘Netra Kriya Kalpas’ or procedures which have worked wonders for hundred of patients. 

The World Health Organization [WHO] has accorded high priority to the control of vision impairment in children. The VISION 2020 programme of the World Health Organization aims to ensure the ‘Right to Sight’ in children. It has been rightly observed that many of the causes of blindness in children are either preventable or treatable.

But what is worrying is that many of the conditions associated with blindness in children are also causes of child mortality. Thus, controlling vision impairment is to be seen as a mission to ensure the survival of children.  In this context, the ‘Bala Netra Raksha programme’ has great social relevance.

As we all know, the indigenous Indian medical tradition and science date back to the age of the ‘Rig Veda’. The ‘Atharva Veda’has many verses that glorify our medicinal herbs. The science of Ayurveda has come a long way from those ancient days, modernizing itself and providing wellness to people not only in India but all over the World.

Ayurveda's application in the treatment of ophthalmic disorders has won wide recognition, mainly due to the efforts of institutions like ‘Sreedhareeyam,’ which had a humble beginning in 1931. We are aware of the sincere efforts of the Late Brahmasree Parameswaran Namboothiri and the Late Thrivikraman Namboothiri who utilized the traditional knowledge in Poison treatment and vision treatment and founded the ‘Sreedhari Vaidyashala’ to help patients in those days.  Sreedhareeyam's growth into a 350 bedded inpatient facility with 40 qualified doctors and the national and global honours that the Late Dr. N.P.P. Namboothiri received testify the people's faith in the level of expertise the institution gained over the years.

With such expertise and reputation, it is befitting that ‘Sreedhareeyam’ is launching a yearlong campaign on the need for ensuring proper vision in children. I understand that the campaign would reach one lakh school children through eye check-ups to identify the most prevalent eye disorders and diseases. It is commendable that after identifying children who need treatment, the project will continue to the secondary long term stage with essential treatment procedures.  I am certain that the ‘Bala Netra Raksha Programme’ will be useful in improving the general health as well as the educational levels of our school children. It will also provide pointers to the social issues related to the prevalence of eye diseases.

In conclusion, I would remind that the creation of awareness is the key to a life of well being.  ‘Sreedhareeyam’ has initiated an awareness campaign among children on the belief that among the senses, the Eye is the most vital. There are other age groups of people who also need to be warned

about ailments of the eye which can lead to difficulties in life. Though, the most vital of all the senses, the eye is also the most neglected, since most people seek treatment for the eyes only when it becomes impossible to postpone it.

I would suggest also that Sreedhareeyam should   focus on developing and documenting research findings on ophthalmic Ayurveda by publishing them in authentic medical journals. This is because today, the evidence base for Ayurveda's interventions in many diseases remains weak and needs well-designed clinical trials.The Ayurveda Fraternity must come together to expand medical research in Ayurveda and document the cases thoroughly so that they get printed in good indexed journals. With adequate experience, ‘Sreedhareeyam,’ which has established a centre of excellence, can take the lead in this matter.

I convey my best wishes for the success of this programme and hope that it will usher in qualitative changes in the life of our children.  As all of us know, healthier children create a healthier society and a stronger nation.

I compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Thank You

Jai Hind