The dying art of Indian traditional medicines and the community – Nai Samaj

In the era of universally accepted Western medicine, traditional remedies that have been administered for centuries have dwindled in significance. Fewer people turn to these traditional treatments due to their lengthy healing processes and skepticism stemming from contemporary research. Despite the declining usage of traditional medicine, there are communities, like the Nai Samaj, who continue to uphold these practices, providing a glimmer of hope for their preservation.

During my all India cycling journey, I had the privilege of meeting Harish Bhai Surani, a member of the Nai Samaj community, originally barbers who have been prescribing local remedies for generations. Harish shared that his community has historically treated royalty and nobility with these traditional medicines. Although their use is declining, some community members still adhere to these practices. Through a brief conversation at Harish’s traditional salon, which he runs alongside his two sons, I gained insights into the preservation of Indian traditional medicine, its decline over time, and the perspective of community members regarding its usage.

How are traditional medicines still kept alive?

In addition to running his barbershop, Harish sir possesses expertise in treating skin lesions using a traditional recipe. He explained that this knowledge was passed down from the older genrations above him, just like how his father had received the knowledge of preparing medicine for asphyxiation. Within the Nai Samaj community, they hold remedies for common ailments that frequently afflict people. The essence of their healing practice lies not only in crafting medicines from plant materials but also in their skillful application.

Harish sir emphasized that this medicinal wisdom has been transmitted through generations, with elders instructing younger members on both the preparation and administration of these remedies. During my journey, a fellow cyclist accompanying me had a lesion near his left eye. Harish sir promptly applied his medicine and assured us that the lesion would heal within a week. He proudly mentioned that he had also educated his two children in the art of preparation and administration, hoping that this tradition would endure into the future.

Why are traditional medicines not used anymore?

Harish sir explained that traditional medicines have seen a decline in use in recent times due to several compelling reasons. He shared that ideally, this valuable knowledge should be passed down through generations, deeply ingrained in the Nai Samaj’s heritage. However, regrettably, this ancestral wisdom is dwindling, and here are the key factors contributing to its decline:

1. The advent of Western medicine has led to a preference for quicker solutions, often masking symptoms rather than addressing the root causes that traditional remedies aim to heal. This shift prioritizes temporary relief over lasting recovery.

2. Some members of the samaj have ceased practicing these traditional arts because they believe that using such knowledge for monetary gain is against their principles. Even when offered as a gift, any income generated is expected to be spent on charitable causes, limiting the incentives for the younger generation to learn and carry on the tradition.

3. Some individuals within the samaj perceive the barber profession as inferior and have pursued alternative career paths. As the older generation fades away, certain techniques for medicine preparation and administration have been lost, further eroding this ancient knowledge base.

What is the prospect for traditional medicines in current scenario?

Harish sir shared that despite the seemingly dim prospects for traditional medicines, they continue to thrive in remote corners of the country, and these age-old methodologies will endure for years to come.

I expressed my curiosity about whether Ayurvedic hospitals might have access to some of these recipes, but he denied this possibility. Harish clarified that these recipes are closely guarded within the Nai Samaj community, and traditional medicines are not administered at any Ayurvedic hospitals or centers. He emphasized that this knowledge, rooted in principles of selflessness, is typically reserved for the members of the samaj alone.

Harish sir also highlighted unique remedies, such as using vanaspathi and Mami leaves for fever or phitkar blocks employed in saloons for scorpion stings, which remain exclusive to the samaj and are not practiced anywhere else.

Mindset of an individual who prescribes traditional medicines today

When his father was administering medication for asphyxiation, Harish sir simultaneously worked in the brass industry, dedicating 23 years to that profession. However, following his father’s passing, Harish sir made a heartfelt decision to leave the brass business behind and step into his father’s barbershop, determined to uphold the family legacy. Despite having the potential to amass considerable wealth, he chose the path of tradition.

Residing in the close-knit town of Dadiya, with a population of 6,500, Harish sir enjoyed immense respect among its residents. He explained that his decision to leave the brass industry was deeply rooted in his grandfather’s insistence on continuing the family tradition, which ultimately garnered him tremendous admiration in the town. Today, his two sons independently operate separate salons, thereby carrying forward the family’s cherished legacy. Harish sir expressed that “seva” (service) is his calling, and he holds no regrets for forsaking a lucrative business in pursuit of it. To gain deeper insight into his character, I ventured to ask him a few personal questions.

Justifications

I inquired about Harish sir’s motivations for preserving the tradition of traditional medicines and running a barbershop, to which he succinctly responded with two words, “my kids.”

Harish sir explained that he has managed two salons to support his two children. He expressed his willingness to provide them with an education if they chose to pursue it, allowing his children the freedom to follow their own paths. He emphasized that his choices are driven solely by his deep commitment to ensuring the best opportunities and future prospects for his kids.

Validation

Curious about where Harish sir sought validation, I inquired, and he responded with a thoughtful perspective. He explained that when one dedicates themselves to their work to the best of their abilities, acknowledgment naturally follows from those who benefit from it. While he has the well-being of his family at heart, he also maintains a strong commitment to serving humanity. Harish sir clarified that his primary intention isn’t to receive praise, but he acknowledged that recognition often becomes a byproduct when one wholeheartedly serves the greater good of others.

Complaints

Harish sir, at the age of 60, expressed contentment that he has accomplished everything he set out to achieve. He stated that when the time comes, he is prepared to peacefully embrace the end of his life without harboring any grievances. According to him, if one has lived in harmony with the desires and expectations of the generations preceding and succeeding them, as well as within society, there is no valid reason for complaint.

Materialism

When I asked Harish sir what he would do if he came into possession of a substantial sum of money, his response reflected his unwavering commitment to service. He explained that he would seek out those in need and distribute the funds accordingly, emphasizing that his desire to serve remains unchanged regardless of wealth. He noted that if wealth could act as a catalyst for further contributions, he would be more than happy to embrace it as a means to enhance his service efforts.

Conversing with Harish sir was a genuine pleasure, and it offered valuable insights into the disciplines required to earn the approval of people from all walks of life. His impeccable dressing sense, featuring a well-fitted shirt neatly tucked into his pants, a polished belt, and a pen in his pocket, symbolized his upright and respectable presence—a reflection of how one might envision a well-respected individual in society. Beyond his appearance, his willingness to openly share his thoughts allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Indian traditional medicine. If you’re interested in learning more about how a tribal community wholeheartedly engages in the production of herbal hair oil, I encourage you to read this article.