Tradition – Myth or Science?

 26.09.2020

There is currently no approved treatment or vaccine for COVID-19.Various lines of treatment have been proposed and practiced to treat patients of COVID-19. Including well tried anti-viral drugs used in influenza. However, none of these have been certified by conclusive clinical trial so far. Coronavirus has therefore has become a point of concern for pharmaceutical companies. The non availability of trusted anti viral drugs  in the market has compounded the problem.  People’s attention has now turned to traditional medicines. Suddenly there is a huge surge in the demand for traditional and home remedies

 The traditional medicine communities have been prescribing several herbal formulations for prevention and treatment, resulting in heavy demand for indigenous ingredients

Ever Since the pandemic engulfed India, the sale of local immunity boosting products has increased manifold. Products containing seeds & leaf of Tulasi plant, ginger, Turmeric, honey, Jeera, Cinnamon, Clove, garlic, lime and flax seeds are being used like never before. Grand mother’s ‘Kashayam’ & other remedies have become great hits.

 Celebrities, are sharing their immunity-boosting diets with their fans & many have said that Daily practice of yoga helps in developing a positive outlook

                 

Traditional Knowledge is conceived  from experience gained over the centuries and modified  to  local culture, It  takes the form of stories, songs, folklore, cultural values, beliefs, rituals, local dialect ,and other forms  including  development of indigenous plant species and local cattle breeds and  have  been  practiced through  songs, parables, & carvings through the ages.

Innumerable species, including plants and animals are found in India.  The Himalayas & the Western Ghats are considered the planet’s important biodiversity hotspots. Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani, are systems that were developed thousands of years ago.

Because of its ancientness, Traditional wisdom has been frequently confused with blind belief.and has even been looked down upon by “Society” It is a expertise that has been developed, mastered and passed down the generations from time immemorial. But, unfortunately, somewhere along the line, Indians either took it for granted or adopted to the alien western way of living.

The case of Biligiri Rangaswamy temple (BRT) wildlife Sanctuary is testament to the ecological devastation that followed eviction of the Soliga Tribe, the forest dwellers who evolved a way of life over centuries which, is intertwined with the forest and forest resources. Soligas have ensured  the forest is protected from  degradation(Depredation?) by man and nature, by exercising  their  unique  conservation technique Theregubenki(The grass fire) applied with  seasonal natural occurrence of  hullumuriyagaali (the grass breaking wind), the speedy nagaragaali  (snake wind) bittanegaali( seed dispersing breeze). BRT was declared a Tiger reserve in 2011 and the Soligas lost their traditional Home. Progressively,the condition of the forest deteriorated with infestation of parasites and weeds like lantana & Parthenium after the government banned theregubinki inside the Tiger reserve.  Animals fled in absence of food. Herd sizes of herbivores   diminished drastically.

Wasteland now

Forest then

It what is a travesty & tragedy  the displaced Soligas were drafted under Rural Employment Scheme for removing lantana and other weeds around their former homes. . The opportunity was utilized by Kadinamade Gowda* a soliga headman, who fired a small patch inside the  forest to prove his intrinsic  tribal knowledge. 32  new seedlings of indigeneous tree species sprouted in the patch, whereas only lantana proliferated  the adjoining area.”

The truth of these insights have been substantiated by eminent ecologists and even forest officials. Studies on forests management in other places  through  similar controlled burning proved that  Soligas’ wisdom is well founded .A former additional principal chief conservator of forests says “For the past 15 years we have rigidly stifled litter fire, but time has come now to immediately have a relook.”

 Lantana explosion has also choked regeneration of trees and grass in the  tiger Reserve To compound the situation, a large number of trees like the famous BR hill gooseberry,wild Mango and Jackfruit which have been perennial source of food for elephants, deer & gaur  have  perished  due to  parasitic plant infestation

 “Theregubinki is the best solution, but it will be difficult to revert to it as the forest is choked by lantana and other invasive weeds Setting fire to lantana will be. Suicidal. It will trigger huge forest fires” says Kadinamade Gowda

In the meanwhile, western countries  quietly researched on ancient Indian traditions and concepts which culminated in some companies & corporates being awarded patents  for, “use of turmeric & its extracts in wound healing”  ,Neem for “pesticidal properties” & Basmati for “rice Strains ” all of which are India’s centuries old know-how & legacy.

  Following an uproar by concerned citizen groups the awards were challenged through Appeal. The patent granted in each of the cases was revoked as they lacked in originality and ingenious Character.

Traditional Knowledge is a priceless wealth and it has immense potential to solve many of Humanity’s problems. Harnessing this ancient & valuable knowledge is in the hands of the younger & future generations.By Nurturing and propagating the same, India could well be a trendsetter in securing Global wellness.

 

Vidya Dadati Vinayam, Vinaya Dadati Paatrataam

Paatratva Dhanamaapnoti, Dhanaat Dharmam Tatah Sukham

(Knowledge gives discipline, discipline gives worthiness,

Worthiness gives wealth, from wealth (one gets) righteousness & contentment).

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*P.S: I met Kadinamade Gowda some 30  years back while travelling on a Bus to BR hills. Thereafter, I have had several interactions with “Kaadu”. His knowledge of forest, wildlife & endemic species was phenomenal. At the time of writing, I tried contacting him but heard that he had passed away in 2017.Will miss my go-to man in BR Hills.