Pics: Surabhi Rathan
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Feb 1: Inauguration of the new building of Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Ayurveda College, Hospital and Research Centre campus, was held at Kuthpady Udyavara on January 31.
Sri Subudendra Theertha Swamiji, Mantralaya Sri Raghavendra Swami Math, blessed the occasion and said, “In Ayurveda, it is never said that there is no medicine for any disease. However, due to the allure of modern medical practices, we are forgetting Ayurveda. Through institutions like SDM, the Ayurvedic system of medicine is gaining more popularity.”
Swamiji further said, “The Dharmasthala temple has been contributing to the country in many dimensions, including culture, religion, education, and the Ayurvedic treatment system. Dr D Veerendra Heggade has provided the society with a model educational institution. Ayurveda is the most ancient system of medicine, with no side effects, and it treats diseases at their root. Ayurvedic studies should be increased in the traditional way.”
MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, in his speech, praised Dr D Veerendra Heggade for demonstrating that building a strong society is possible through education, healthcare, and by helping those in need. He commended the creation of a society that is strong in religious and educational aspects.
Dr Srinivas Prasad Buduru, president of the National Commission for Indian Medical Systems, along with MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, Yashpal Suvarna, and MLC Dr Dhananjaya Sarji, appreciated the work done by SDM. A message from district in-charge minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar was read out.
During this event, the SDM Herbal Garden book, containing information about over 150 medicinal plants, was also launched.
Udupi SDM Ayurveda College and Hospital founded in 1958 spans 21 acres including 7-acre herbal garden housing more than 3500 medicinal plants, over 700 plant species including 80 endangered species. The college infrastructure includes a library with 22,000 books, more than 30,000 e-journals and around 22,000 e-books.
College is equipped with the anatomage table, 3D visualisation tool and ISO certified pharmacy. The campus includes a 310 bedded NaBH accredited hospital, expanded with 122 additional beds in the new Rathnasree Arogyadhama building. The hostels can accommodate 79 boys and 328 ladies.
The SDM College of Ayurveda proudly completes 25 successful years of its postgraduate studies programme and is celebrating its silver jubilee. The college was awarded with the Best Private Ayurveda College in South Zone by Open Magazine Survey 2023.
The new academic block spanning 90,000 square feet, features State of the art classrooms, well equipped modern departments, individual department with separate departmental library, expanded departmental museum, laboratory facility, postgraduate lecture hall, skill lab with advanced mannequins and simulators for practicing clinical skills such as suturing, physical examination and offer hands on experience with medical instruments and devices. A manuscript library will be established, enriching the academic environment with invaluable historical texts.
The institution's secretary Dr Satishchandra S welcomed and introduced the event. Principal Dr Mamata K V delivered the vote of thanks. Assistant professor Dr Arun Kumar and assistant professor Dr Kavya compered the event.
The vice-president of the institution, D Surendra Kumar, secretary, D Harshendra Kumar, director, D Shreyas Kumar, financial director, Nishchal D, college director, Nagaraj, Ayurvedic Institution director Dr Prasanna N Rao, Kadekar Grama Panchayat president Jayakar Serigar were present.