A project to translate the ancient Tamil texts of Siddha system of medicine into English is on the verge of completion.
One set of translations from the texts, contained in palm leaf manuscripts, would be published soon, according to Arcot N.Veerasamy, a senior minister in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.As many as six Sidha practitioners have worked on a Rs.500 thousand project of the state government for two years and produced six volumes, the minister revealed at a function in Chennai, the state capital a couple of days ago.
The Siddha System of medicine is the oldest in the world, it is claimed, and is based on the principle of unity of man and nature. This system was developed by Sidhars of yore in consonance with the Hindu Saivite philosophy. Sidhars were Tamil mystics.
Eighteen of these siddhars are considered important, and they have left behind vast literature in Tamil, dealing with their medicinal system. Its drugs are essentially based on herbs.
Minister Veerasamy released a book in Tamil on the Sidha prescriptions for Parkinson’s. He asserted that the disease was not terrifying and could be controlled with proper medical care.
He also expressed the hope that before long a English-medium Siddha college would be set up in the state. It would benefit students from other States and countries, the minister added.
Source-Medindia
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