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Devidas Tulaji Chaudhary - Session 01, 20-09-2025

 Item
Identifier: AR-029-8-1

Interview Summary

(00:00:00) He introduces himself and describes how the tradition of preparing plant-based medicines was passed down through his family. He also explains the examination process he undertook to formally become a Vaidu (traditional healer). (00:07:25) He explains his methods of diagnosing diseases and describes an experience in which a patient refused to undergo treatment. (00:14:12) He discusses the various diseases for which he provides treatment and explains how he prepares the corresponding herbal medicines. (00:15:05) He speaks about vanaspati plantations and emphasizes that medicinal plants should be grown naturally, without the use of fertilizers or additives. He also mentions the types of medicines he prepares for conditions such as blood pressure, fissures, and cough, along with their methods of preparation. (00:25:35) He provides a detailed explanation of the process of preparing oil-based medicines. (00:27:48) He explains the preparation of medicines made from flowers, specifically for addressing menstrual health issues among women. (00:31:51) He discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the human body from a traditional medical perspective. (00:34:35) He explains how he harvests medicinal plants from forests and how he also cultivates certain species in his immediate surroundings. (00:35:58) He talks about important medicinal plants, leaves, and herbs that are commonly used in his treatments. (00:36:52) He provides a step-by-step explanation of how medicinal herbs are stored and the different forms in which he prepares medicines. (00:39:05) He explains the dietary guidelines he prescribes for patients while they are undergoing treatment. (00:43:04) He recounts his experience of treating a student at MPSM for a kidney stone. (00:44:28) He explains how he diagnoses illnesses and diseases in animals. (00:48:29) He describes the rituals performed before entering the forest to collect medicinal herbs, roots, and leaves. He also discusses how trees are often exploited during bark extraction for medicinal purposes. (00:50:40) He reflects on how patients who were treated by his grandfather now approach him for treatment. (00:52:11) He explains his fee structure and how payments are made by patients. (00:53:41) He discusses how modern developments in the healthcare sector have not significantly affected the practice of traditional medicine. (00:57:02) He explains how he is passing on his medical knowledge to the next generation within his family.

Dates

  • Creation: 20-09-2025

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Access Level 1: Online. See https://archives.ncbs.res.in/access

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright may not have been assigned to Archives, National Centre for Biological Sciences. Permission for reproduction or distribution must be obtained in writing from the Archives at NCBS (archives@ncbs.res.in). The Archives at NCBS makes no representation that it is the copyright owner in all of its collections. The user must obtain all necessary rights and clearances before use of material and material may only be reproduced for academic and non-commercial use.

Biography

Devidas Chaudhary is a traditional healer (Vaidu) who practices indigenous plant-based medicine inherited through generations of his family. Trained from an early age and formally recognized through examination, his work is rooted in traditional diagnostic methods and the preparation of herbal remedies.He treats a range of ailments, including blood pressure–related conditions, cough, fissures, kidney stones, menstrual health issues, and certain animal illnesses. His medicines are prepared in herbal, oil-based, and floral forms, using plants grown or harvested naturally without chemical additives. He also prescribes dietary guidelines as part of the treatment process. Trained from an early age and formally recognized through examination, his work is rooted in traditional diagnostic methods and the preparation of herbal remedies.He treats a range of ailments, including blood pressure related conditions, cough, fissures, kidney stones, menstrual health issues, and certain animal illnesses. His medicines are prepared in herbal, oil-based, and floral forms, using plants grown or harvested naturally without chemical additives.

Full Extent

60 Minutes

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

From the Collection: Marathi

Repository Details

Part of the Archives at NCBS Repository

Contact:
National Centre for Biological Sciences - Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Bangalore Karnataka 560065 India
+9180 6717 6010
+9180 6717 6011