Sir,

This refers to Gouri Satya’s article titled “Steeped in healthcare history since 1922” (SOM dated June 26) which has kindled my pleasant memories of Dr. Yoga Pandit, Dr. Kumar Pandit, Dr. Narahari Pandit, Professor of Statistics as well as Ayurvedic Doctor and Lalithamma (grand-children of S.N. Pandit) and their much obliging families who were well-known to all their contemporaries in Mysore and outside also for their kind gestures and hospitality.

They were running and maintaining the Ayurvedic Factory, Dispensary and distribution of medicines simultaneously despite the scarcity of ingredients and withstanding so many odds without compromising on quality and quantity.

Ready-to-use handy Ayurvedic medicines like Maha Talisadi Churna, Sitopaladi Churna, Sarsaparilla, Chavana Prasha etc., are still used in many households for particular ailments and general health without any side-effects as no chemicals are used in preparation even to this day.

When we used to visit Mysore Ayurvedic Pharmacy at Lansdowne building, with lot of respect and affection they used to receive us with hygienic fruit salad and juices from nearby ‘Phalamruta.’

Sometimes Dr. Yoga Pandit has attended to medical emergencies of the needy and those unable to move out of their houses in odd hours with his friends like Dr. Govinda Rao. 

With or even without any valid  reasons like connecting gas to their factory,  Ayudha Puja, Anniversary, Dhanvanthri Jayanthi, starting of their new factory etc., we were cordially invited  to their premises for a sumptuous lunch.

They served jamoon, which looked like jamoon but made out of ‘bettada nellikayi’ (wild gooseberry) for health and taste. Many a time we were invited for ‘dosa’ festival, preparing so many mouth-watering  varieties of ‘dosas’ of our choice and likings.

Dr. Kumar Pandit initiated  Mulakanadu Sabha, Mysore, rendering yeomen service, conducting many healthy social events like Dhatri Havana, Thyagaraja Aradhane etc., to bring the society together followed by delicious lunch.

 He encouraged the young talents by giving a stage, conducting competitions in sports, Sanskrit recitations, classical music, both instrumental and vocal, awarding prizes and honouring meritorious students securing high percentage.  

– Dr. M. Shyam Prasad, K.M.Puram, 28.6.2021

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