Ayurvedic Medical Officer, Dr. Ashwini Gautam shares his experience of serving the rural and tribal population in Himachal Pradesh

Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest forms of traditional medicine in the world, whose foundation was laid by the ancient schools of Hindu Philosophical teachings . The holistic knowledge is mentioned even in the most ancient of Indian texts.

Though this knowledge has been present in India since time immemorial, the entire world has realized its importance recently as not merely a medicinal practice but as a discipline that can balance the body, soul and mind.

Dr. Ashwini Gautam is an alumnus of  SMB. Gita Sr. Sec School, Railway Road, Kurukshetra, Haryana. His father had served Vidya Bharati as a teacher for twenty years and thus Dr. Gautam remembers growing up in a household that followed the values and discipline of Vidya Bharati schools. His father was the first person who had installed in him the importance of Indian culture, as well the importance of serving the society, which was further fortified when he joined SMB Gita.

After completion of his schooling, Dr. Gautam wanted to study something that would combine his passion for Indian culture as well as the need to serve his society, which finally led him to do both his graduation and masters degree in Ayurveda.

For the past 22 years he has been serving as Medical Officer under the Himachal Government. When he had first joined his work he was appalled to see the lack of medical facilities among the tribal population living in remote mountain villages. These families did not have access to proper medicines  or treatment. It was then that he had decided to help them to the best of his capability.

The path towards serving these families has not always been easy. To treat his patients he has to travel more than 6 hrs to reach his destination through narrow, rough mountainous roads. There is often no internet and network facilities, but it never wavered his dedication to serve.

Being a medical officer, he has been working at the grass roots level and worked at district hospitals and various health centers across the region. Apart from his profession, he also organizes free medical camps at regular intervals and holds workshops at local schools and colleges to spread awareness on yoga, meditation  and nutrition.

He feels that throughout the years, a lot of improvement has been achieved, but there is still  a long road ahead and he hopes his efforts can bring a positive impact in the lives of those, whom he has chosen to serve. 

On being asked whether he would like to share any message with the community, Dr. Gautam urged everyone to maintain a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle, which is necessary in modern times. He also said no one should self medicate in case of illness and should consult medical professionals without delay.

Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad is grateful to dedicated people like Dr. Ashwini Gautam for their unwavering service and thanks him for taking out time from his busy schedule to share his experiences with the community.

If you are a Vidya Bharati alumni and would like to share your story as well, kindly email your contact details to info@vidyabharatialumni.org and we will get in touch with you.