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| S.Chandrasekharan Nair, Chitranjali, Venpakal, Thiruvananthapuram |
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During the course of his effort to write a multilingual dictionary on medicinal plants, S.Chandrasekharan Nair approached a doctor to get a copy of Indian Materia Medica. On being informed about the purpose of the request, the doctor responded: you do not have the credentials to undertake this venture.
Unfazed, the Pre-Degree-attended author went ahead with his quest. After 7 years of strenuous effort, when A Multi-Lingual Dictionary of Medicial Plants was published, he took the first copy to the same doctor, just to acknowledge the dig that acted as a spur for his efforts.
Chandrasekharan discontinued his studies after a fever prevented him from writing the Pre-Degree exam. After studying various arts and working in various fields he finally settled down to being a manager in an ayurvedic manufacturing unit.
The manufacturing unit had to supply to the Drugs Controller, details of the medicinal plants used in the manufacturing, their scientific name, family name etc. It was the quest to find these details that prompted him to think of a multi-lingual dictionary.
The response was negative when he approached those qualified in ayurveda and botany. However, may be since his intention was pure, help was forthcoming from the most unexpected quarters.
He claims that this dictionary could be the most comprehensive among such dictionaries in India. It describes 1015 medicinal plants and their names in Malayalam, English, Tamil, Sanskrit, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada and Marathi. Also included are their scientific names and family classification. The German, Arabic and French names of some plants are also given.
Another feature of the book is the list of substitutes that can be used in lieu of rare plants. Yet other features include the parts taken from animals and minerals for preparation of medicine.
Holding the heavy tome close to his chest, he whispers," My life has been fulfilled.”
Courtesy: George Varghese, Malayala Manorama, November 29, 2003
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