Prof. Dr. Paneenazhikath Narayana Vasudeva Kurup: Frontiersman of Ayurveda

Abstract

The Globalization of Ayurvedic practice has gained momentum over the past three decades, largely driven by personalities associated with Ayurveda, such as Prof. Dr. Paneenazhikath Narayana Vasudeva Kurup (Dr. P.N.V. KURUP). He is an expert in Ayurveda and has been instrumental in promoting, propagating, and elevating its status nationally and internationally. He has published several articles and a book, A Handbook of Indian Medicinal Plants, on the traditional Indian Medicine System. His pivotal role in integrating Ayurveda with contemporary scientific paradigms, particularly in analysis and advancement, is highly regarded in Panchakarma and throughout Ayurveda. He was the key person who fully understood the importance of post-graduation courses in Ayurveda and served as the teacher for the first batch of post-graduation courses in Gujarat Ayurved University (GAU), Jamnagar. He was the frontierman in the globalization of Ayurveda at the international level, and for this, he understood the importance of English translation of Ayurveda books. He also established the Indian Institute of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Sciences at GAU, Jamnagar, and served as the only Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) Commissioner of Ayurveda. The present study unfolds Dr. P.N.V. Kurup’s scientific accomplishments, advances in the literature, and the resolution of scientific quandaries under his mentorship, as well as his professional journey, research publications, and the array of awards and recognitions received.