Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 21: Well-known Ayurveda medical practitioner and retired principal of Kutpady Ayurveda College Dr K Gururaj Acharya (75) breathed his last on Sunday April 19.

Dr Acharya, born in Korangrapady here, pursued education in the local Sanskrit College, and completed Ayurveda Shiromini degree with gold medal. He also completed his Hindi Visharada examination during this time.

After joining Kutpady Ayurveda College in 1958 as lecturer, he rose to the position of its principal. He later voluntarily resigned from the post and continued to work as the head of the 'Kaya Chikitsa', one of the eight departments of Ayurvedic treatment of the college. During free time he used to treat patients at his home and had popularized this form of treatment through his diagnostic and treatment skills.  Acharya worked as the chief medical officer of the Ayurveda Hospital of the said college apart from functioning as examiner, member of the Indian Medicine System Research Board of the state government, member of the Study Board, president of Mangalore University Ayurveda Board and president of BAMS Examination Board involved with preparing question papers. He also has been a member of the local Lions Club, director of Janata Cooperative Bank and its vice president.

Acharya was the recipient of several awards. He authored a book titled 'Agroushadhi' in Kannada. He had also presented several essays in the national-level seminars.

Acharya is survived by wife, sons Dr G Srinivas Acharya, Dr G Sripati Acharya, and daughters Dr Haripriya and Dr Indira, all of whom are Ayurveda doctors.