VP Advocates for Evidence-Based Validation, Digitisation, and Translations
The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, emphasized the importance of alternative medicine and the validation of ancient Indian texts during a recent event at Raj Bhavan in Goa. He called for a renewed focus on making these texts relevant to modern challenges through research and innovation. Dhankhar highlighted India’s rich heritage in alternative medicine, particularly Ayurveda, and praised the World Health Organization’s establishment of a global center for traditional medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Emphasizing Ancient Knowledge
During his address, Vice-President Dhankhar urged the audience to reconnect with India’s ancient wisdom found in texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas. He expressed the need to educate future generations about the depth of knowledge embedded in these texts. “It is time to tell our children from birth about our civilizational depth of knowledge,” he stated. His remarks reflect a broader initiative to integrate traditional knowledge into contemporary education and practices, ensuring that this wisdom is not confined to libraries but is actively utilized in modern society.
Celebrating Pioneers of Medicine
The Vice-President also commemorated the contributions of historical figures in medicine, such as Charak and Sushrut. Charak, known as the father of medicine, authored the Charak Samhita, a foundational text of Ayurveda. Sushrut, recognized as the father of surgery, is celebrated for his advanced surgical techniques and instruments. Dhankhar noted that Sushrut was a disciple of Dhanvantari, another prominent figure in Ayurvedic medicine. He encouraged the audience to draw inspiration from the lives and works of these pioneers, highlighting their relevance in today’s medical landscape.
Reclaiming Cultural Identity
In his speech, Dhankhar addressed a cultural belief that views ancient Indian knowledge as regressive. He asserted that this mindset has no place in modern India and emphasized the need to recognize the global significance of India’s contributions. He pointed out that the world is beginning to appreciate India’s rich heritage and that it is essential for Indians to take pride in their ancient knowledge. “We cannot afford to believe that the West is modern and progressive,” he remarked, urging a shift in perspective that acknowledges India’s historical advancements.
Highlighting Ancient Achievements
The Vice-President underscored the remarkable achievements of ancient Indian civilization, particularly in fields like mathematics and astronomy. He mentioned notable figures such as Aryabhatta, whose contributions are still recognized today, including the naming of satellites in his honor. Dhankhar highlighted the extensive knowledge of surgical procedures documented by Sushrut, including plastic surgery and caesarean deliveries, which were advanced for their time. He called for a renewed appreciation of these historical accomplishments, suggesting that they reflect a profound scientific spirit that is still relevant in contemporary medical practices.
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