SHRI GURU BUDDHISWAMI MAHAVIDYALAYA

The Best Practice – 1

Title of the practice: “Herbs for a Healthy Life”

(Indigenous Herbs as Preventive Medicine)

Goal:

The College can boast of promoting Indian Knowledge System, even before the implementation of NEP-2020. It has developed an interesting practice ‘Herbs for Healthy Life’ (Indigenous herbs as preventive medicine). It is found that the medicines of allopathy (western curing system) which mainly are chemical-based cause harmful side effects, hence the Department of Botany, under the leadership of Dr. Sanjay Dalvi, has undertaken the gigantic task of exploring the treasure-house of Indian Knowledge, considered as Ayurveda, for finding alternative methods of treating the ill and subsequently promote preventive measures. Our region is found rich in the herbs having medicinal value. Such herbs can be used, if not an alternative medicine, but definitely as a preventive drug. ‘Prevention is better than cure’, goes as an adage. To take this practice to the roots of our society through our students, the College has developed a useful Medicinal Garden.

Objectives:

i)                 To disseminate knowledge of the medicinal plants easily available in the vicinity to the students and the community as well, by arranging awareness programmes, live camps, exhibitions, rallies, etc.

ii)               To educate people on the simple and easy ways to prevent diseases with the help of medicinal herbs.

iii)             To develop interest among the students about medicinal herbs and natural resource conservation.

iv)              To cultivate the spirit of research among the students for quality research.

The Context:

 Though the people of this region are not unaware of some of the benefits of the herbs having medicinal properties, available in this region, they are not very serious about utilizing them. The modern lifestyle, which has already penetrated into the remote rural areas, has changed the mindset of the rural folk for the worst.

It has turned out to be the hardest task, convincing people about the importance of the universal dictum “prevention is better than cure”. One of the reasons why the herbal medicine is taking a backseat is its ‘time-taking process’ in healing. People have been accustomed to “easy and quick life” and naturally they expect quick results even in health management.  Our team has felt the increased dire need of educating people for a better health. And eversince, our team has been trying their level best in bringing about a change in the attitude through conducting various awareness programmes.

The Practice:

The guiding force behind this activity is our founder Director Dr. D. R. Waghmare, a leading medical practitioner in the region, who stressed on the need to educate people on health issues. After due consultations with the other Members of the Management, it was decided to undertake a project, involving students. When the idea was first announced to the students of Botany, they were quite excited and ready to shoulder the responsibility.

The data of the herbs having medicinal properties has been collected from the locals having knowledge of traditional medicine, vaidus, herbal vendors, etc., by conducting interview through a well-structured questionnaire.

The second step is identification of the plant species is done with the help of flora and taxonomic keys. And the last step, the validation of the medicinal properties of the herbs, with the help of research published at national and international level.

Medicinal Garden: A ‘Medicinal Garden’ is developed on the campus, which comprises of about sixty-five medicinal herbs. The medicinal garden boasts of some of the rare medicinal herbs like Gymnema sylvestr, Citrus jambhiri, Adhatoda vasica, etc. it also consists of very highly rated medicinal herbs like Abrus precatorius, Cymbopogon citratus, Cissus quadrangularis, Sizijium jambolana, Aloe vera, Asparagus racemosus, Azedirachta indica, Kalanchoe pinnata, Tinospora cordifolia, so on and so forth. The plants in the Medicinal Garden are labelled with QR codes and the visitors can see the information in English and in vernacular language as well on a click.   

Herbarium: A ‘Herbarium’ is setup in the Botany department to preserve the plant specimens collected during the forest visits. About hundred plant specimens, consisting of some rare and endemic plants also, are preserved in the herbarium.

Seed Bank: The seeds of these medicinal plants are collected and stored under the title ‘Gene Banking through Seed Bank’. Our team has collected and stored seed samples of about hundred and twenty plants, including some rare and endemic plants. New plant specimens and seed samples are added on regular basis.

Study Tours: Botanical study tours are arranged frequently to the forests nearby, to investigate more herbs available in the region having medicinal properties. Sitakhandi, Kinwat, Mahur, Kedarguda, Painganga are some beautiful nearby forests in Nanded District. The forests comprise a dominant flora of plant species like Andrographis paniculate, Dolichandrone falcata, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia cattapa, Tectona grandis, Azedirachta indica, Dioscoria bulbifera, Pergularia daemi, etc. some rare plant species like Sterculia urens, Careya arborea, Hemedesmus indicus also are present in this forest. Some of the examples of study tours arranged under Herbs for Healthy Life: Study tour to Sitakhandi & Sahastrakund forests on 24.09.2019; Study tour to Kedarguda & Tamsa Forest on 04.09.2018; Study Tour to Sahastrakund and Sitakhandi Forest on 28.09.2017, etc. The tours are quite fruitful as the students could study these plant species which form a vital part of herbal medicines.

Apart from regular guidance to students on herbs having medicinal value, the team has also conducted some awareness programmes, live camps, exhibitions, rallies, etc. during the last few years. For example:

Poster Presentations on Herbal Medicines on 05.03.2019 &15.08.2018.

Medicinal Plant Exhibition on 28.02.2022; 27.12.2019; 03.07.2017 & 27.02.2017;

Guest lecture on Herbs for Healthy Life at Bhategaon on 14.01.2022, and at Ardhapur on 20.02.2019.

Evidence of Success:

The student members of the team, ever since the practice came into existence, have been actively taking part in the promotional activities like participation in the Medicinal Plants Exhibitions, Science Exhibitions, Study Tours and also in the Science Day Celebrations on and off the campus through posters and oral presentations. As a result, more than three hundred and fifty persons have so far visited the department during last five years, to obtain necessary information on herbal medicine. Most of them were suffering from the diseases like, kidney stone, Diabetes, cronical cough, skin wounds and skin diseases, common cold, Sorosis, Dysentery, etc. they were suggested to use herbal medicines like Medhashingi (Dolichandrone falcata) Panphuti (Kalanchoe pinnata), Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestry), Kade Chirayata (Andrographis paniculata), Adhulsa (Adhatoda vasica) Jakham Jodi (Tridax), Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum), Bawachi (Psoralea corylifolia), Patari (Abutilon indicum), Murudsheng (Helicteres isora) with proper dose administration.

The table given below suggests some of the ailments and the herbal medicines advised.

The team believes in talking regular follow up of the activities performed. It is found that many of the persons who tried herbal medicines are satisfied with the results. The rate of success particularly in the prevention of piles, fever, kidney stone, diabetes and cough is very high. Overall, the results are quite encouraging and the institute will continue the activity with the help of students.

Problems encountered and resources required:

Actually, the idea behind the practice is only to educate the students and the community about the medicinal properties of the plants and their use for prevention of diseases. But it is observed that the people who visited the department, wished to be supplied with these herbal medicines. Due to the paucity of funds and operational difficulties, it is simply not possible. It would require additional staff to collect the plant material from the field and to prepare crude drugs. Legally also, it is not permitted. There are people who avoid herbal medicines due to slow recovery rate as compared to allopathy.  Some people even insisted that we should suggest herbal medicines for each and every disease. This is also not possible as it depends upon the availability of requisite medicinal herbs. Only certain diseases can be cured with herbal medicines and we have to consult doctors if the disease is severe and aggravates.

Contact Details:

Name of the Principal: Dr. K. Rajkumar

Name of the person in-charge of this practice: Dr. Sanjay M. Dalvi

Name of the Institute: Shri Guru Buddhiswami Mahavidyalaya

City:                Purna (Jn.)

Pin Code:        431511

Work Place:    Purna

Website:          www.sgbmpurna.in

Mobile:           Principal: +91 9422187314

                           In-charge: +91 9921101210

 The Best Practice – 2

Title of the Practice

“Bhanamati and Jadu Tona Niwaran Kendra” [Centre for Eradication of Superstitions: Bhanamati and Jadu Tona (Black magic)]”

Goal

            Though the State of Maharashtra enjoys the reputation of being one of the progressive states in the country based on the revolutionary contributions made by the greatest of the social thinkers, reformers and the champions of the down-trodden Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the reality is quite contradictory. The condition of the bahujans is equally pathetic, people are seen feeding on superstitions rather than on reason. The situation over here, particularly in Parbhani district of the Marathwada region, which was once notified by the UGC as the educationally backward district, is quite grave where the ordinary folk are seen exploited by the self-styled godmen who practice black magic in the name of God and religion.

            The gullible villagers easily fall prey to the histrionics of the self-declared babas and become subjected to innumerable ailments, like ‘bhanamati’ (in fact, a psychological disorder but linked to some practice of black magic), ‘bhoot badha’ (affected by ghosts), ‘jadu tona’ (black magic) ‘mantra tantra’ and ‘karni’ (enactment of black magic or curse). Women, particularly, are harassed and even exploited sexually under the pretext of driving away some evil spirit.

            “Bhanamati and Jadu Tona Nivaran Kendra”, which was established some 20 years ago under the guidance of Dr. Adinath Ingole, precisely addresses these issues.

Objectives:

• To promote rational thinking and inculcate the spirit of scientific temper among the students as well as the community.
• To arrange lectures on the scientific outlook and conduct experiments for explaining the true reasons behind the strange happenings, which are usually linked to some supernatural elements.
• To diagnose and offer counseling to bhanamati-affected people.
• To educate the rural folk against the destructive superstitions and outdated practices.
• To provide students with the necessary guidance and books on scientific outlook.

The Context:

            It has been observed that due to the lack of awareness, low literacy rate and the lack of true education, majority of the people living in the rural and semi-urban areas suffer from superstitions. Bhanamati, Jadu Tona and such similar practices are noticed prevalent among the rural women and also among the slum-dwellers who are subjected to an endless exploitation of various kinds: social, religious, economic, sexual and of family relations. The patriarchal society, as it is quite evident that it does not entertain the idea of women liberation, nor does it allow them to express their emotions and feelings openly. The long suppressed emotions and feelings when reach to the pinnacle point of patience, they become unbearable. Such pent up feelings find some way out, some times in the form of bhanamati. Such phenomenon is linked to some supernatural elements by the self-declared babas. They put blame on some innocent people and are made scapegoats.

The innocent people are attacked upon and falsely accused of practising black magic. Hence, the Head of the Centre has the burden doubled, he requires to provide police protection to such persons.

The Practice:

As these ailments are psychological, the counselors face the task of tight-rope walking in finding remedies. The counsellor, first of all, endeavours to have a close look at the family background before attempting to diagnose the cause and finding the remedies. Dr. Adinath Ingole begins his counseling by taking the affected into confidence and the process involves reaching to the root cause by identifying various issues and persons involved. The bhanamati-affected person’s friends and relatives are separately interviewed and updated about the condition of the aggrieved. Then, he tries, gradually, to weed out the fear for the supernatural from the sufferer. Once the issues are properly attended, the sufferer returns to normalcy.

            Dr. Adinath Ingole, In-charge of the Centre, has received formal training about how to conduct counseling, from Dr. Narendra Dabholkar, the Founder-President of Maharashtra State “Andhashradha Nirmoolan Samiti” and a medical doctor himself.

            Dr. Ingole, because of the support that he receives from the college, has travelled extensively for delivering lectures and conducting practical / experimental sessions for creating awareness among the people. As a recognition of the services that he rendered, he was felicitated with an award “Anis Kayra Gaurav Puraskar, 2001”’ at Aurangabad.

            Though it is mentioned in the constitution in the Article 51(A)(h), “To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform,” the curriculum prescribed over the years and the policies drafted do not serve for the purpose. Hence, it is a unique activity that the College has been actively engaged with and aspires to continue in the future as well.

During last few years Dr. Ingole has attended several cases of Bhanamati and successfully helped Ku. Arti Kadam, Limbgaon; Mrs Nilabai Warule and Sow. Sujata Warule, Hiwra; Sow. Vimalbai Buchale and Rukmabaai Buchale, Aavayi; Sow.  Parwati Jadhav, Mulapur and Sow. Vijaymala Kadam, Sawargaon to come out of the evil fate. In this year he also delivered more than ten lectures about scientific attitude and gave demos of against Bhanamati and jadutona in varous colleges like Renukadevi College Mahur, Rajiv Gandhi College, Mudkhed, in a programme of Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha at Loha, etc. 

Dr. Adinath Ingole not only conducts awareness pprogrammes in Purna Taluka oof the Parbhani District, but travels wide and far, delivering lectures and conducting awareness programes through scientific experiments. To cite a few examples, conducted by the Kendra are as follows:

1)    Awareness Programme on 10^th December, 2017, at Kamlewadi, Dist. Nanded

2)    Awareness Lecture and Scientific Experiment on Feb 18, 2018 at NSS Special Camp, Science College, Nanded

3)    Awareness Lecture and Scientific Experiment on March 10, 2018 at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded

4)    Poster Presentation by Dr. S.D. Kapse on 21^st Sept., 2021.

5)    Awareness Programme on Jadutona Niwaran’ and Scientific Approach’ by Shri Samrat Hatkar on 15^th November, 2021.

Evidence of Success:

            Dr. Ingole, along with his associates, has so far succeeded in curing hundreds of bhanamati-affected people in the region, majority of them are women, apart from delivering hundreds of lectures on promoting scientific temper to the students and the community as well

The common reasons among women that derive them to strange are:

Women in the Age-group 15-35:

1. Exploitation at the hands of the mother-in-law and in-laws.
2. Child marriage / Marriage against the wish.
3. Physical beating received at the hands of husband after consuming alcohol.
4. Subjected to negligence in the family.
5. Not allowed to take part in the decision making.
6. Husband’s extra-marital relationships.
7. Second marriage due to childlessness, etc.

Women in the Age-group 35-45:

1. Irresponsible behavior of the husband towards his offspring.
2. Shouldering the responsibilities of the family, etc.

Women in the Age-group above 50:

1. Dependence on her offspring / guilty feeling.
2. Subjected to negligence / inferiority complex, etc.

            Though it is seen very rare in men, a couple of cases have really created ripples in the region that a man, (name kept secret) aged about 45 years, an agricultural labourer, all of a sudden started laughing and weeping simultaneously, another one aged about 35 years felt like impressed by Naag Devata, behaving like a snake and tore his clothes. After conducting counseling, the true causes surfaced, that the fellow was in fact suffering from a leg injury, the pain was so severe that he could not bear it. As the society does not approve of a man weeping, he could neither weep nor laugh. This social-cum-personal crisis led him to severe mental block, which finally resulted in to “Bhanamati”.

Problems Encountered:

            The primary aim of the center is to educate students and the community against all kinds of exploitation unleashed in the name of God and religion. The activities carried out by the centre also aim at the eradication of superstitions, and this has enraged some hard-core conservative persons who opposed by labeling these activities as anti-religious.

            Problems are encountered in exposing fake babas (godmen) who exploit gullible people and also in providing police protection to the innocent, falsely accused people of practicing black magic.

            The unflinching faith of the people in the age-old, conservative ideals and their dogmatic thinking created problems in promoting the rational thinking.

Note: Dr. Adinath Ingole has got retired from the service in May, 2020. He, now, renders his service as Advisor of the Kendra. Dr. S.D. Kapse has taken over as the In-charge of the Kendra.

Contact Details:

Name of the Principal: Dr. K. Rajkumar

Name of the person in-charge of this practice: Dr. S.D. Kapse

Name of the Institute: Shri Guru Buddhiswami Mahavidyalaya

City:                Purna (Jn.)

Pin Code:        431511

Work Place:    Purna

Website:          www.sgbmp.org

Mobile:           Principal: +91 9422187314