Auyervedic Healer in India Combines Tradition and Modernity to Preserve Ancient Wisdom
Deep in India’s Koraput district, 43-year-old Hari Pangi wields a unique kind of power. It’s not political or economic, but the power of ancient knowledge, passed down through generations – the power of healing with plants.
Hari’s journey began in childhood, accompanying his father on expeditions into the dense forests, gathering medicinal herbs. These weren’t mere botanical specimens; they were the lifelines of tribal communities, offering remedies for a myriad of ailments when access to modern medicine was limited.
Inspired by his lineage of “ayurveda doctors,” Hari dedicated his life to safeguarding this age-old tradition. He established the "Sri Gupteswar Herbal Medicine & Traditional Technology Research Centre" in Semiliguda, Koraput, a sanctuary for over 400 species of medicinal plants on the brink of extinction. Hari envisions a future where this sanctuary harbors over 1000 such species, each holding the potential to heal and counteract today’s rising tide of chronic illnesses.
“I had admitted my grandfather, who is around 75-year-old in a hospital in Vishakhapatnam as he suffered from heart blockage,” shared a grateful customer. “But, his condition improved after enchanting her herbal medicines. Today, 4 years have passed by and he is showing no signs of any problem or diseases.”
Hari’s expertise extends beyond treating humans. He claims to have developed remedies for 11 ailments affecting cattle and 5 affecting birds, demonstrating a holistic approach to healing that respects the interconnectedness of all living beings.
"My medicinal plants can cure 117 types of diseases including heart attacks, high blood pressure, gastric, respiratory problems, sickle cell anemia, thyroid, menstrual cycle problems, kidney diseases, and many more,” asserts Hari confidently.
His research center isn’t just a repository of botanical knowledge; it’s a beacon of hope for those seeking alternative treatments. Hari has assembled a dedicated team of 25 individuals who share his passion for preserving traditional healing methods.
“I had started it alone, but at least 25 people have now joined me,” Hari reflects. “We want to carry forward this noble deed as patients are getting cured by using these natural and traditional herbal medicines. 5 generations of my forefathers, grandfather, and father have been into preserving medicinal plants, so I must carry forward their good work."
Hari understands the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. He recognizes the threat posed by deforestation and the dwindling knowledge of plant lore.
"With the advancement in technology, precious plants are slowly becoming extinct. People are also forgetting the importance of forests and medicinal plants," he observes. "So, we have taken it upon ourselves to plant more plants that are on the verge of extinction and create more medicinal forests.”
Hari’s story is a powerful reminder of the enduring value of traditional wisdom. In a world increasingly reliant on technological advancements, his commitment to preserving the ancient art of herbal healing offers hope and a pathway towards a more sustainable and balanced future.
#ଅସାଧ୍ୟ_ରୋଗର_ମହ鉭 SOOধୀ
ଏସବୁ ମାଠିଆରେ ରହିଛି ଅସାଧ୍ୟ ରୋଗ ପାଇଁ ମହ﹦ Muddกำลัง SOOధୀ। ୧୧୭ ପ୍ରକାର ଦ浹ରୋଗ୍ୟର ଚାଲିଛି ଚେରମୂଳୀ ଚିକିତ୍ସା। ଏହି ପଛରେ ରହିଛନ୍ତି ଜଣେ ନାୟକ ଆଦିବାସୀ ବߌଦ୍ୟَ। ଦେଖନ୍ତୁ ଏହି ରିପୋର୍ଟ ।#MedicinalPlant #IncurableDisease #AyurvedicTreatment #Koraput #Odisha #OTV pic.twitter.com/gG2T6CX1QK— ଓଟିଭି (@otvkhabar) November 30, 2024
## Expert Interview: Preserving Ancient Wisdom in India’s Forests**World Today News:** Hari Pangi, your work at the Sri Gupteswar Herbal medicine & Traditional Technology Research Center is truly remarkable. You’re walking a tightrope, balancing ancient ayurvedic wisdom with modern practices.Can you talk us through your approach?
**Hari Pangi:** Thank you.It’s a path forged by generations before me.For centuries,my family have been Ayurveda practitioners,harnessing the medicinal power of these forests. My work is about preserving that knowledge, but also understanding it through the lens of modern science. We document each plant, its properties, and its traditional uses.We collaborate with botanists and researchers to identify active compounds and understand how they work on a molecular level. This marriage of tradition and science is crucial for ensuring the continued relevance and effectiveness of Ayurveda in the 21st century.
**World Today News:** Your sanctuary houses over 400 endangered medicinal plant species. What are the biggest challenges you face in preserving this biodiversity?
**Hari Pangi:** The biggest challenge is habitat loss. Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and mining are encroaching upon these forests, threatening the very plants we rely on. It’s a race against time to collect seeds, propagate them, and create safe havens like our centre. We also face a challenge of awareness. Many younger generations are unaware of the immense value of these plants. Education is key. We conduct workshops and outreach programs to engage local communities and inspire them to become stewards of their natural heritage.
**World Today News:** you’ve spoken about treating various ailments, including heart conditions. Can you elaborate on the scientific basis for Ayurvedic remedies, particularly in tackling chronic diseases that are rampant today?
**Hari Pangi:** Ayurvedic remedies are not simply about concoctions. They are based on a holistic understanding of the human body and its connection to nature.We believe in addressing the root cause of illness, not just the symptoms. Many plants we use, like Ashwagandha and Turmeric, are well-studied and have demonstrable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. Our approach emphasizes lifestyle modifications, stress management, and dietary changes in conjunction with herbal treatments.
**World Today News:** What are your hopes for the future of Ayurveda and your research center?
**Hari Pangi:** My vision is to see our center become a global hub for Ayurvedic research,a place where traditional knowledge and modern science converge to create innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions.I want to see us train a new generation of Ayurvedic practitioners, equipped with both ancient wisdom and scientific rigor. Moast importantly, I want to ensure that these precious plants, these gifts of nature, are preserved for generations to come.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Hari Pangi, for sharing your passion and dedication with us. Your work is truly inspiring, reminding us of the healing power that lies within nature and the importance of preserving traditional knowledge for the benefit of future generations.
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