Old spells new

WHY WOULD the marketing chief of a leading cosmetics company give up flourishing his career? Either he is dissatisfied with what he is doing or he has thought of taking on something unusual. For Dr. K. V. Murali, it was both. Long working hours were a stumbling block in quenching an intense desire for knowledge.

His introduction to spiritualism and Sanskrit in childhood came to fruition, while his scientific mind gave a new thrust to some ideas. This resulted in research devoted to the study of herbal medicines and their curative properties.

"We are sitting on a treasure of gold and we're looking for silver outside," says Dr. Murali. "Allopathy can cure many ailments. It's action is quick. But, it is equally damaging!" Herbal medicines, he says, are not only safe, but are extremely effective when administered properly. The only pre-requisite is that one has to be a vegetarian. Diet and yoga too are very important. Some of the ailments are due to improper breathing.

"Sages in olden days, especially in the South, cured people with herbal medicines. In Tamilpadalgal, it is clear and explicitly presented. Anyone with interest and an inclination can access it. "Sidharpadalgal" is also very clear about the curative properties of herbs." Dr. Murali quotes from them.

Is our medical field so pathetic? "Unfortunately, we are unable to rely on the work of our sages. No one knows the methodology or the significance, the meaning of rituals. There is a great demand for herbal medicines in the West. Everybody is aware of the harmful effects of chemicals. We choose to ignore it. We fail to understand the contributions made by Agasthiar, Bhogar - those beyond compare, except for small reminders here and there, such as the Arogya pachila, a recently discovered herb. Some tribes living in the forests of Kerala eat it to remain young and healthy."

However, Dr. Murali is optimistic. "The herbal ingredients we use, according to Siddha as well as Ayurveda, are known to have been in use in India for several centuries. Thus their safety is already proven."

"If you give free treatment there is no response," Dr. Murali says. "There is however, a crowd if you accept fees." He claims that Tamil Nadu is the ideal place for plant-based medicines. He is hopeful about his research and the future of herbal medicines. He explains the Siddha philosophy of conserving bio-energy, the importance of Pranayama, the possibility of life-extension, restoration of youth, immortality - 'Vasiyoga' in Tamil. His deep knowledge of the Vedas, Sanskrit and Tamil literature is fascinating. He has plenty to say, a lot to research. After attending to a leukoderma patient, he turns to me and holds out his hands, showing the difference in tone and texture between the two. One has less wrinkles. "I've applied herbal medicine on this one," he explains.

Dr. Murali is a graduate in chemistry, post-graduate in English literature. He did his doctorate in gerontology, the study of the science of aging. His doctoral thesis was on 'Anti-aging effects of rare Indian herbs.' He has also studied the Atharva Veda. He has an M.D. degree in Siddha medicine. Today, he conducts research, assisted by his wife, in his lab which is located in his house. He also has a manufacturing unit in Pondicherry.

Dr. Murali, in his endeavour to serve society, has thrown open a hall to the needy. It is called Sanmarg. He frequently organises poor-feeding here, "for that is one of the best ways to reach God, besides healing."

An organisation named Darshan educates blind students. Murali's wife Lalitha says: "Twice a week, music and dance classes are held here as well. It's like a cultural centre." She too, like her husband, is spiritually inclined. She used to conduct yoga classes for women and children earlier.

"We've seen children with learning difficulties, women with hormonal deficiencies and others, improve. A combination of yoga and herbal treatment is very effective. There is a remedy for every ailment. Our place used to be filled with people all the time. We've deliberately reduced the number now. Now, I'm busy with my children, and we are focussing on research. But I'll get back to teaching Yoga soon," says Lalitha. She believes meditation has an answer to almost every problem, be it emotional difficulties or physical ones like weight gain, hair loss or even greying.

Some blind students have gathered at Sanmarg, along with their scribes and readers. Some of the students are doing their Ph.D. The reading begins. A blanket of warmth settles against the light of the setting sun.

GEETA VARMA

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