They say ayurveda is a life science that can be used to cure a variety of ailments. Hence, it was only natural for Vaidya Khadiwale to share the goodness of this ancient knowledge with the common man.
That’s how Khadiwale inspired and initiated a group of ‘barefoot doctors’, who were trained for free in ayurvedic medicine for more than a decade by Vaidya Parshuram Yashwant Khadiwale.
This is in keeping with his aim of taking the ancient knowledge to people through various activities.
The one-year course is designed to train people to treat others for common diseases and provide ayurvedic first aid in case of emergency.
The classes are held at Khadiwales’ Gurukul at Shaniwar Peth. It is run under Vaidya Khadiwale Vaidyak Sanshodhan Sanstha and the classes are conducted by 78-year-old Khadiwale himself.
“Barefoot doctors is a complete course about what is ayurveda, various diseases, its causes, symptoms, treatment and the routine that should be followed by the patient to prevent diseases.
The course is totally free and open for all those who wish to learn more about ayurveda,” said Vaidya.
The students comprise a wide mix of people right from collegians to homemakers to working professionals and even senior citizens.
“It is designed in a simple way with the aim of educating people about ayurveda and how to use it to benefit society,” said Khadiwale’s son, Vaidya Vinayak Khadiwale, who runs the Ayurved clinic near New English School in Ramanbaug.
Those attending the course also learn how to grow medicinal herbs at their homes and make medicines from various vanaspatis (medicinal plants).
“We have tied up with farmers in and around Pune to grow medicinal herbs and we also make medicines at our own workshop in Shaniwar Peth. The students get to see a live demonstration,” said Vinayak.
According to the Khadiwales, many diseases can be avoided by maintaining proper hygiene, eating habits and consumption
of particular churna in particular seasons. The trainees gain knowledge about these important aspects.
Till date, thousands of people have undergone training. Besides, Khadiwales also arrange a free workshop once in a month on various diseases. For details contact on 24451871.
