During our next visit, the vaidya tells Uma: ‘Today, I am going to introduce you to someone very interesting.’ ‘Yeah?’ says Uma, glancing around the room, as if expecting another white-bearded healer to emerge from the door. ‘This person,’ continues
Here is a glimpse into a better future: a future that might come about if we can get the new government to reorient its so called scientists to research into things of practical and national significance. Scientists in the medical
Utilising plants for health care has been an integral part of Indian culture, which dates back to 5000 years. Plants are now yielding their secrets and finding important roles in modern medicine. About 8000 herbal remedies have been codified in
‘So?’ I ask, while we wait for a gaggle of goats to clear out of our way. ‘It was, er … interesting. My first time meeting a jadi-booti [herbs] type; except I’m wondering why he didn’t give me any of
It is hard to imagine that a healing system from such an ancient time would be applicable today. It surprises many to learn that Ayurveda includes every aspect of medicine we know of today: embryology, pre- and post-natal care, pediatrics,
The new government needs to have an R & D cell. India’s research and development is possibly the worst in the world. We employ tired and imaginationless bureaucrats to solve problems using technology that is completely outdated. We refuse to
Uma, as you can see, is on the brink. She has driven herself to this condition. She’s like the car owner who thinks: ‘The damned coolant leak can wait – my meeting can’t.’ Then, suddenly, everthing goes phut! There’s a
I connect with grown-ups and dogs far more easily than I do with other people’s children. See how Ania changed my life. I’m not much of a kid person. I’m more of a dog person. You know my type… the
The first book I wrote is called Brahma’s Hair and it was about mythologies around Indian plants. How much of mythology is simply story and how much true fascinates me. There are about a 100 recognised breeds of cats. Most
I grew up with huge backyard garden. My mother was a wonderful gardener. Each spring, she would section out portions—a row here or a row there—for each child to plant seeds and be responsible for tending and growing. You’d think
