Molecular Biology provides a new interface between Ayurved & Modern Medicine.

ABSTRACT

It is a great honour to be asked to deliver NAMS Golden Jubilee Lecture. I will introduce the subject with a quote from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister (who was also the first Honorary Fellow of NAMS India). After visiting the Central Institute of Research in Indigenous System of Medicine at Jamnagar on 2nd November 1955, he observed “A fascinating inquiry is going on in this research institute and it may well lead to very fruitful results. The only right approach has to be one of Science, that is of experiment, trial and error. In whatever type of medicine we may deal with, we cannot profit by its study unless we apply the method of Science. Nothing should be taken for granted. Every thing should be tested and proved and then it becomes a part of scientific medicine - old and new.” Charak states “The Science of life shall never attain finality. Therefore, humility and relentless industry should characterize your every endeavour and approach to knowledge. The entire world consists of teachers for the wise and enemies for the fools. Therefore, knowledge, conducive to health, longevity, fame and excellence coming even from an unfamiliar source should be received, assimilated and utilized with earnestness”. Charak Samhita Viman Sthan 8, 14. These words of wisdom should continue to guide the 600,000 practitioners of Ayurveda in India today, as well as 400,000 practitioners of modern medicine who may not have familiarity with our glorious ancient scientific heritage (1).