Goa/New Delhi, 22 May (H.S.): Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the importance of alternative medicine and the evidence-based validation of ancient Indian texts to address contemporary challenges. Speaking at RajBhavan, Goa, he stated, We are a nation with a difference, rediscovering our roots. He advocated for the dissemination of ancient knowledge beyond library confines to benefit modern society through research and innovation. He expressed his happiness that the World Health Organization has recognized traditional medicine by establishing a global center for this purpose in Jamnagar, Gujarat, highlighting the universal relevance of systems like Ayurveda.
VP Dhankhar encouraged a reflection on India’s rich civilizational knowledge, urging to share this depth of understanding with future generations. In his address, he celebrated legendary figures like Charak, the father of medicine known for the foundational text Charak Samhita, and Sushrut, the father of Surgery. He noted the sophistication of ancient surgical instruments and their forward-thinking designs, promoting their relevance as inspirations for current and future minds.
Additionally, he addressed a concerning cultural trait where some view Indic or ancient knowledge as regressive. He asserted that such beliefs are out of place in modern India, especially as the global perception of India’s importance grows. He emphasized that rather than considering the West as progressive, India should recognize its own strengths and contributions. He called for pride in Indic knowledge, stating that India is a center of excellence and opportunity, encouraging support for this perspective as the West learns from India’s tradition.
The Vice-President emphasized the richness of ancient civilizational knowledge, highlighting figures such as Charaka, Sushruta, Dhanvantri, and Jivaka, the latter being Buddha’s personal physician. He pointed out our historical contributions to mathematics and astronomy, mentioning Aryabhatta, after whom our satellites are named. He also referenced Baudhayana and Varahamihira, notable mathematicians from the era of Chandragupta Vikramaditya, who had an observatory in Ujjain.
The Vice-President proclaimed the uniqueness of our civilization, noting that we possessed advanced medical knowledge long before the modern era, including 300 surgical procedures, plastic surgery, fracture management, and caesarean delivery. He urged pride in these accomplishments, likening ancient practices to what we now refer to as super specialty hospitals. Furthermore, he stressed that our ancestors documented their medical knowledge for future generations. Sushruta’s writings, in particular, not only illustrated anatomical insights but also reflected a profound scientific spirit focused on accuracy, training, hygiene, and patient care.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
