This interview was published in Ayur Info first issue, May 2007.
Dr. Dhanik Lal Bharkher [BAMS, Government Ayurveda College, Patna; MD in Kaya Chikitsa, Vanaras Hindu University] started his service in health as well as education from 2034 B.S. He has been serving as Campus Chief of Ayurveda Campus, Kirtipur, for the second consecutive term.
Dr. Bharkher appreciates officer of Police for their support during a program. Dr. Rajeswor Aryal on the left.
[Ayur Info had had an interview with Dr. Bharkher a week ago. Its concise form is hereupon.]
Ayur-Info: Sir, how did you get inspiration to choose Ayurveda field?
Dr. Bharkher: After I.Sc., I had got various opportunities to study MBBS abroad. The encouragement of the then Dean Mohin Shah and Dr. Hemanga Dikshit, and other attractions of this field inspired me to choose Ayurveda.
Ayur-Info: How do you analyze the current situation of Ayurveda?
Dr. Bharkhar: The mother science of all the treatment system i.e., Ayurveda Medicine seems to be shaded due to the forceful imposition of Western Medicine and due to the ignorance of the government. But the interest of people upon Ayurveda has been increasing worldwide and the issue of Ayurveda has been increasing worldwide and issue of Ayurveda is being raised by politicians also. These factors make us hopeful for its bright future.
Ayur-Info: Sir, what are the improvements you brought after taking the responsibility of Campus Chief?
Dr. Bharkher: In the beginning, we didn’t have much physical and human resources and any clinical exposure at TUTH, Maharajgunj. But now, we have our own separate academic and administrative buildings, library, separate laboratory rooms and departments. Our students visit various departments of TUTH for clinical exposure. We are steadily moving towards betterment with our own vision and mission.
Ayur-Info: Sir, what do you think about updating the BAMS syllabus?
Dr. Bharkher: It is necessary to change the syllabus as per the need of time; otherwise, we can’t be competent. Also, modernization of teaching-learning activities and examination system is the must. Before these, we should try for recognition of our course.
Ayur-Info: Sir, what is happening for the recognition of BAMS course?
Dr. Bharkher: It is an urgent and serious matter. It’s not of a great deal if we complete our homework. We are doing our best for the recognition in order to open the door for higher studies.
Ayur-Info: How about departments?
Dr. Bharkher: The lack of departments is not the major hindrance for recognition but our own teaching hospital is a must. However, we should increase the number of department along with skilled human resource and other resources to modernize them.
Ayur-Info: Now, what are your future plans?
Dr. Bharkher: It’s encouraging news that our own teaching hospital is under construction and we are going to start OPD soon. These will make us economically independent. We are on the process to appoint 5 more teachers. We would have made much progress in these matters if there had been the appointments of higher officials including V.C. in T.U. However, there has been an agreement between Chinese and Nepalese governments to construct Ayurvedic research center inside our premises. Let’s hope this agreement will get converted into implementation very soon. Our long term vision is to make this Campus internationally reputed.
Now TU Ayurveda Teaching Hospital (TUATH) has been started in Kirtipur.
Ayur-Info: As a leading professional, how do you analyze the future of Ayurveda?
Dr. Bharkher: Being natural treatment system, the popularity of Ayurveda is increasing day by day. All the medical as well as cosmetic enterprises, be them small or big, like to advertise their products as Ayurvedic. This indicated the future of Ayurveda.
Ayur-Info: About Ayur-Info ….?
Dr. Bharkher: As ‘Morning shows the day’, the new students are actually creative. And it’s really a matter of appreciation. 1st prof. is the phase of basic science, so they should equally focus on their study. Creativity and positive attitude ensure success.
Ayur-Info: At last ….
Dr. Bharkher: I would like to wish a very Happy New Year to all. May this year prove fruitful to us.
[This interview was taken for Ayur Info by Amrita, Chandra, Shiva Ram, Shree Ram and Surya]
Dr. Bharkher is now a Professor in Ayurveda Campus, IOM, TU, and the director of TU Ayurveda Teaching Hospital. He also holds various responsibilities in important government and non-government institutions like – Institute of Medicine (TU, IOM), National Ayurveda Research and Training Center (NARTC) etc.
Interviews from Ayur Info Magazine 