PROFILE

JOURNEY OVER THE YEARS

EDUCATION

Ayurvedacharya [BAMS], Ayurveda College, Coimbatore (1978 - 1985)

A first-of-its kind unique 7½ years residential Ayurveda Medical Degree ‘Ayurvedacharya’ [BAMS] from Madras University delivered in the traditional Gurukala format with emphasis on personality development, imparting traditional values, principles, and deep-rooted knowledge

Fellow of Ashoka Innovators for the Public (FAIP) Ashoka Foundation, USA (1986)

An international fellowship offered by US based Asoka Foundation, having the largest network of leading social entrepreneurs in the world, who are selected after a rigorous process with each member committed to championing new patterns of social good.

Master of Management McGill University, Canada (2012 - 2014)

A two-year hybrid (online and residential) International Masters in Health Leadership (IMHL), a post-doctoral international management program for outstanding senior health leaders.

PhD Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune (2006 - 2013)

Doctoral study involved developing a standardized clinical protocol for Ayurveda clinicians based on Ayurveda theory and clinical practice for rheumatoid arthritis.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Ramaiah Indic Specialty Ayurveda – Restoration Hospital Founder Director (2014–2022)

Established a state-of-art 100-bed NABH Ayurveda restoration hospital from the ground up. Manage a multi-specialty and multi-disciplinary healthcare center offering premium Ayurveda based outpatient and inpatient clinical services. Initiate, lead, and manage impactful research initiatives in collaboration with other reputed governmental and non-governmental research organizations.

IAIM Healthcare Centre/FRLHT Trust Medical Director/Additional Director (2003–2014)

As Additional Director and a part of the top leadership, was involved in steering the organization and guiding the major research activities and programs. As medical director, involved in founding, establishing, and managing the NABH accredited 100-bed integrative healthcare center since its inception.

Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (AVP), Coimbatore Technical Director and Vice-President 1986–2003

Centrally involved in development of new dosage forms and traditional Ayurveda formulations – classical as well as proprietary. As a technical director at Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, continued to practice Ayurveda and actively lead many initiatives to promote Ayurveda and sustainable use of medicinal plants.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Commendation from Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi for authoring a book on Ayurveda.

Award for the Best International Awareness Building on Ayurveda from Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Coimbatore.

Award for proficiency in clinical application of Ayurveda Shastra from Vaidya raj Datar Panchaboutik Chikitsa and Samshodhan Kendra, Sangli, Maharashtra.

Shri Mathuradas Parikh Award for Excellence in Ayurveda Profession awarded by Indian Association for the Study of Traditional Asian Medicine, Pune.

Certificate of Honor in recognition and grateful appreciation for exemplary contribution to Ayurveda – The science of life by Ayurved Sutra, Jaipur

Recognition as `Guru` for outstanding contribution to Ayurveda by Indic Academy, Bangalore.

Certificate of appreciation in recognition of valuable contribution to AYUSH research and development by Savitribai Phule Pune University.

Recognition as `Guru` by Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (National Academy of Ayurveda), New Delhi

CONSULTANCIES

CAPART-Council for Advancement of Peoples Action and Rural Technology, Govt. of India, Department of Science and Technology (Govt. of India) – Consultant (Proposal and Activity evaluation) on Medicinal Plant related projects.

Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India on Medicinal Plant related projects.

Kerala State Council for Science and Technology and Environmental Sciences.

BOOKS AUTHORED

‘Ayurveda’ The True Way to Restore your Health and Happiness

Published by Penguin India

Chikitsakautukam

In Malayalam published by Loka Swasthya Parampara Samvardhan Samiti (LSPSS), Coimbatore, India, 1993.

Kśemakutūhalam

Published by FRLHT, Bangalore, 2009.

Glimpses of Wisdom

A collection of essays on Ayurveda Vaidyabhushanam K. Raghavan Thirumulapadu, published by FRLHT, 2010.

Purushothamopanishat

Published by Nanal Foundation, Pune (Chapter)

Holistic medicine

Published by Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakal, (Chapter)

Theoretical Foundations of Ayurveda

published by FRLHT, Bangalore, 2011

Bhojanakutūhalam

Published by FRLHT, Bangalore, 2012.

Saving India’s Manuscripts

Published by National Mission for Manuscripts, Delhi, 2012

Annam – Food for Health

In 2017 (Co-Author) The two Futures of Food, Health and Humanity – A Civilizational Dialogue 2020 (Co-Author)

PUBLICATIONS

1. Gangadharan GG. A REPORT:(Local Health Culture and Traditions in the Context of Primary Health Care). Ancient Science of Life. 1986 Jan;5(3):209.

2. Gangadharan GG, Manohar RR. Concept of immunology in Ayurveda. Ancient science of life. 1994 Jul;14(1-2):2.

3. Gangadharan GG. Plant research in a new perspective. Ancient Science of Life. 1996 Apr;15(4):254.

4. Gangadharan GG. Potential of Traditional Knowledge in the development of healthcare products. 2005 nopr.niscair.res.in

5. Gangadharan GG, Shankar D. Medical pluralism–The challenges ahead. 2009 nopr.niscair.res.in

6. Gangadharan GG. Padmashri PK Warrier, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2010 Jan;1(1):66.

7. Gangadharan GG. Quality of ingredients used in Ayurvedic herbal preparations. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2010 Jan;1(1):16.

8. Gangadharan GG. Developing a standardized clinical protocol for Ayurveda clinicians based on Ayurveda theory and clinical practice (Doctoral dissertation, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth) 2011.

9. Shruthi C, Sriranjini JS, Alex H, Vivek Sanker MK, Gangadharan GG. Effectiveness of an integrative whole-system approach to the treatment of Gṛdhrasī: An observational study. ASL-Musculoskeletal Diseases. 2013 Jan 1;1(1):15.

10. Vishnuprasad CN, Pradeep NS, Cho YW, Gangadharan GG, Han SS. Fumigation in Ayurveda: Potential strategy for drug discovery and drug delivery. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2013 Sep 16;149(2):409-15.

11. Murthy CK, Sriranjini JS, Shetty N, Gangadharan GG. Conference report-Samyukti 2013. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2013 Oct;4(4):251.

12. Rotti H, Raval R, Anchan S, Bellampalli R, Bhale S, Bharadwaj R, Bhat BK, Dedge AP, Dhumal VR, Gangadharan GG, Girijakumari TK. Determinants of prakriti, the human constitution types of Indian traditional medicine and its correlation with contemporary science. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. 2014 Jul;5(3):167.

13. Girija PL, Savithri GS, Jayasundar R, Gangadharan GG, Nagashayana N, Yashonath S. Ayurvedic Treatment and Modern Medicine. Current Science. 2015 Feb 25;108(4):476-8.

14. Govindaraj P, Nizamuddin S, Sharath A, Jyothi V, Rotti H, Raval R, Nayak J, Bhat BK, Prasanna BV, Shintre P, Gangadharan GG. Genome-wide analysis correlates Ayurveda Prakriti. Scientific reports. 2015 Oct 29;5(1):1-2.

15. Nizamuddin S, Govindaraj P, Saxena S, Kashyap M, Mishra A, Singh S, Rotti H, Raval R, Nayak J, Bhat BK, Gangadharan GG, Prasanna BV. A novel gene THSD7A is associated with obesity. International journal of obesity. 2015 Nov;39(11):1662-5.

16. Rotti H, Mallya S, Kabekkodu SP, Chakrabarty S, Bhale S, Bharadwaj R, Bhat BK, Dedge AP, Dhumal VR, Gangadharan GG, Gopinath PM. DNA methylation analysis of phenotype specific stratified Indian population. Journal of translational medicine. 2015 Dec;13(1):1-2.

17. Nizamuddin S, Govindaraj P, Saxena S, Kashyap M, Mishra A, Singh S, Rotti H, Raval R, Nayak J, Bhat BK, Prasanna BV, Gangadharan GG. Reply to ‘Lack of replication of association of THSD7A with obesity’. International Journal of Obesity. 2016 Apr;40(4):727-8.

18. Gangadharan GG. How can Ayurveda Contribute to Fighting Diabetes Mellitus? Annals of Ayurvedic Medicine 2018 Jan; 7(1-2):4.

19. MK Vivek Sanker, Naidu MUR, Gangadharan GG. Approach to integrative master health check combining health screening parameters of ayurveda and biomedicine–a narrative review. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research. 2020 Oct 24:77-81.

20. Shalini TV, Jnana A, Sriranjini SJ, Tanwar AS, Brand A, Murali TS, Satyamoorthy K, Gangadharan GG. Exploring the signature gut and oral microbiome in individuals of specific Ayurveda prakriti. Journal of biosciences. 2021 Sep;46(3):1-20.

21. Nair A, Joshi MB, Kamath A, Nair AS, Yedehali Thimmappa P, Sriranjini SJ, Gangadharan GG, Satyamoorthy K. Modulation of neutrophil (dys) function by Ayurvedic herbs and its potential influence on SARS-CoV-2 infection. 2021 pubag.nal.usda.gov

22. Gangadharan GG. Ayurvedic Practices for the Holistic Development and Well-being of School Children. Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems for Holistic Development of Youth. 2021:77. nias.res.in

KEY LEADERSHIP ROLES

1. Chief Medical Officer, United States Aid for International Development (USAID) sponsored project on Traditional Medicine and Primary Healthcare, at AVR Foundation, Coimbatore (1988 to 93).

2. General Manager, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Ltd., Coimbatore-45 (1992- 1995).

3. Vice President, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Ltd., Coimbatore (1995 – 2003).

4. Founder & Vice President, Centre for Indian Medical Heritage, Coimbatore, a center promoting Conservation of Medicinal Plants and with a Nursery of 100 plants specializing in propagation of Medicinal Plants and Training Centre in Local Health Traditions (1993-2003).

5. Director, Heal Ayurveda Pharmacy Limited, (A sister concern of The Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, specializing in manufacturing and marketing of patented and OTC Herbal Products (1998-2003).

6. Executive Director, L.S.P.S.S. (A network of Individuals and Organizations for promotion of Local Health Traditions), P.B. No. 7102, Ayurvedic Trust Complex, Coimbatore. (1986-2003).

7. Deputy Chairman of AVR Educational Foundation of Ayurveda-A leading Ayurveda Institution in South India. Conducting BAMS Degree Course in Ayurveda recognized by CCIM. (1995-2003).

8. National Convener, World Ayurveda Congress-2002. The biggest ever Ayurveda Congress organized in Cochin, Kerala with participation of delegates from 32 countries.

9. Joint Convener, National Steering Committee of ‘PRITHVI-2005 ‘- an International Seminar on Eco-Friendly initiatives held at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

10. National Convener, World Ayurveda Congress 2010, Bangalore.

11. Member, Governing Council of Gene Campaign, New Delhi, A National Organization working on IPR of Indigenous people headed by Dr. Suman Sahai.

12. Editorial Board Member in Annals of Ayurveda Medicine (AAM) A peer reviewed quarterly journal by Association of Ayurvedic Physicians of India (AAPI).

13. Editorial Board member of Journal of Ayurveda Case Reports published by All India Institute of Ayurveda, Delhi.

14. Co-founder and ex-editorial board member of Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (J-AIM).

15. Co-founder and president of Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA).

CONTRIBUTION TO THE FILED OF AYURVEDA

1. Research around the genetic basis of Prakriti, the Ayurveda concept of constitutional body types. Principal investigator for a multi-center initiative that examined the relationship between Prakriti and biological determinants including physiological characteristics and cellular/molecular signatures that are known to distinguish between groups of individuals and are related to differential susceptibilities to disease. Role involved the formulation of research questions based on the understanding of Ayurveda concepts of Prakriti and the importance of Prakriti in susceptibility to diseases, diagnosis of disease and clinical management. Also contributed to the expert clinical assessment of Prakriti as a senior Ayurveda physician in the published works,

2. Coordinated (1995 – 2003) a pan-India program on Local Health Traditions and Ayurveda which made significant contributions to the revival of ISM and LHT in India by the name Lok Swasthya Parampara Samvardhan Samiti (LSPSS).

3. Was the editor of a well-known journal of Ayurveda in India – ANCIENT SCIENCE OF LIFE. Co-authored books on medicinal plants and has many research papers to his credit.

4. Made significant contributions to bring Ayurveda into limelight through Global Ayurveda Festivals (GAF) a prestigious biennial event and was instrumental in bringing the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Sri. Narendra Modi twice to inaugurate the vision conclave of GAF in 2016 and for the virtual event in 2021.

5. A regular Consultant for departments of AYUSH, DST and NMPB (Govt. of India) on Medicinal Plant related Projects (Proposal and Work evaluation). Member of multiple technical committees in the capacity of senior advisor in the government and private sector involved in the promotion of Ayurveda and medicinal plants.

6. Centrally involved in the conception and execution of a landmark event on national biodiversity called the Indian Biodiversity Congress. Also, was instrumental organizing several major events including ‘Annam’ on food security focused on India’s wholesome food traditions.

7. Delivered numerous invited lectures on Ayurveda across India and abroad on topics related to treatment of lifestyle diseases, Panchakarma and promoting use of herbs in primary healthcare. Conducted a 3-day Panchakarma workshop at Columbia University, New York in 1996.

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL BODIES

  1. Member – Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board (ASUDTAB), Dept. of ISM & H. Govt. of India (2000-2003).
  2. Trustee of Patriotic and People Oriented Science and Technology Foundation, Madras, an organization of Modern Scientists, keen in revitalizing India’s Scientific Tradition (1995-2000).
  3. Executive Member, Ayurveda Medicine Mfrs. Org. of India, Kerala (1998 – 2003).
  4. Member, Technical Advisory Body of All India Co-ordinated Program on Medicinal Plants, Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India (1990 – 1993).
  5. Member, Research Advisory Committee of Herbal Research & Development Institute (HRDI), Govt. of Uttaranchal, Gopeshwar.
  6. Member, State Medicinal Plant Board, Kerala.
  7. Member, Steering Committee, State Medicinal Plants Board, Tamil Nadu.
  8. Member, Sub-committee on Medicinal Plants, State Biodiversity Board, Karnataka.
  9. Convener, Scientific Advisory Committee of International Institute of Ayurveda (Chemistry Division) – approved as Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. It is a Research Centre, doing work on Standardization of Ayurveda Formulations (2000 onwards).
  10. Member of Board of Management of CHETNA, A unit of Nehru Foundation for Development, Ahmedabad, an organization working towards strengthening under privileged Women & Children, especially in the areas of Nutrition and Development (2000 onwards).
  11. National committee member to review the TKDL Project of AYUSH Department.
  12. Member of task force to monitor the development of AYUSH portal, AYUSH Department, Govt. of India.
  13. Member of the National Task force for National campaign on Geriatric Care of CCRAS, AYUSH Department, Govt. of India.
  14. Member of Scientific Advisory Committee (Ayurveda), CCRAS, Department of AYUSH, Govt. of India.
  15. Expert committee member on excipients on AYUSH Medicines, AYUSH Department, Govt. of India.
  16. Member, Governing council, JSS Ayurveda Medical College, Mysore
  17. Member, Governing council, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Hassan.
  18. Member of Task Force on Medical Manuscripts, Department of AYUSH, Govt. of India.
  19. Working committee Member of Amity Institute for Herbal Biotech Products Development (AIHBPD), for streamlining India’s Traditional Knowledge towards formulating a Sui Genesis Regime, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala under Amity University, New Delhi.
  20. Temporary Advisor to the Regional Director, WHO-2009.
  21. Member, Working Group, Interdisciplinary AYUSH Research and Development Task Force, Ministry of AYUSH, GoI
  22. Member, Sub-committee for Complementary and Alternative Systems of Medicine, Karnataka Health Vision Group, GoK. 

 

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