Ayurveda, the ancient art of healing, has been practiced in India for more than two thousand years and survives today as a living medical tradition whose principles are at the heart of many "alternative" therapies now used in the West. It is not merely just healing it encapsulates a way of life that is most conducive to mental, physical and spiritual growth of human beings.
Recently India is seeing a resurgence in the importance of Ayurvedic practices and many young and capable doctors are emerging. One such doctor is Vidya Bharati alumnus Sri Vaidya Parth Thacker from Gujrat.
Dr. Parth is a resident of Gandhidham and has been tirelessly serving his community during the Covid 19 pandemic. Recently he took out time to sit for a brief interview, which has been given below.
Interviewer: Please share with us details about your academic and professional background
Dr.Parth: I am a Vidya Bharati alumnus and have studied at Shree Sahayog Sarasvati Vidya Mandir and then completed my schooling from SVP Gujarat Vidyalaya. I did my B.A.M.S. degree from J S Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and M.D. (Ayurveda) degree from I.P.G.T. & R.A, Jamnagar. After completion of my internship from P.D. Patel Ayurved Hospital, Nadiad, I joined Global Ayurveda as a professor, where I had worked for about a year and half. Presently I am working as Medical Officer Ayurved, at Government Ayurved Dispensary, Gandhidham.
Interviewer: Why did you take Ayurveda as your subject?
Dr.Parth: Being a Vidya Bharati student, I have grown up learning the importance of Indian culture and developed a keen interest in Yoga and allied subjects. I had always wanted to go into the health profession and when I was unable to go through a conventional medical line, I took up ‘Ayurveda’, which has proved to be a major turning point in my life.
Interviewer: What suggestion would you give to any Vidya Bharati student who wants to follow a similar career path?
Dr.Parth: First of all the student needs to be passionate about the subject, and the rest is all consistent hard work as in case of all higher studies. As one is training to be a medical professional, it is necessary to be patient and be prepared for overcoming difficult situations.
Ayurveda is really an effective science. In fact recently my father who is 70 plus in age contacted the deadly Covid 19 virus. We had kept him in home isolation and he made a full recovery though only Ayurvedic treatment.
Interviewer: Please tell us about your family and where you are located presently?
Dr.Parth: Our family has been long-time residents of Gandhidham, Gujrat. I have my father, mother and elder sister in my family. My elder sister is also a teacher in Vidya Bharati school.
Interviewer: Along with your normal work, what other social services are you associated with?
Dr.Parth: I feel through my work, I am serving the society. Apart from that I do attend health camps and write informational pieces in different platforms to grow awareness about Ayurveda among the general population.
Interviewer: How did your school impact your life?
Dr.Parth: I firmly believe that most of personality development occurs when an individual is growing up, thus the environment at school is highly important. In my school along with great academics we were taught about the importance of our culture and working towards the service of our society and nation as a whole. We were encouraged to participate in different extracurricular activities which helped me to gather important life skills. It was during this time that I found my interest in Ayurveda and yoga.
Interviewer: Would you like to give any message to Vidya Bharati in general?
Dr.Parth: For Vidya Bharati, I would like to thank them for installing the feeling of service and nationality in us and for helping us to connect with our roots. I would also like to thank my teachers for their selfless support to all their students.
Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad thanks Sri Vaidya Parth Thacker for taking out time from his busy schedule to share his inspiring story with the community.
If you are a Vidya Bharati alumni and would like to share your thoughts and achievements with us as well, kindly email us at info@vidyabharatialumni.org and we will get in touch with you.