When acclaimed Kannada writer Dr U Maheshwari, former professor of Kannada in Government College, Kasaragod, decided to pen her latest book, she chose to chronicle the life of a doctor from Kasaragod whose life’s work has quietly changed the course for thousands of patients suffering from elephantiasis.
Drawn by the doctor’s relentless pursuit of an integrated approach combining modern medicine with Ayurveda, yoga, and diet, the writer found in senior dermatologist Dr S R Narahari a mission rooted in scientific research, compassion and perseverance. She saw a story inspiring to be left untold and wrote the book the titled ” Pioneering Integrated Medicine for Filariasis: Dr S R Narahari and his IAD”.
Her book titled “Ane Kalige Ankusha-Sayonjita Chiketseya Harikara Dr Narahari Mattu IAD” was published by Kanthavara Kannada Association on the occasion of its golden jubilee celebrations.
“The book documents the life of Dr Narahari and the Institute of Applied Dermatology, which he founded to develop the integrated treatment for lymphedema and lymphatic filariasis. His years of dedicated effort have resulted in developing the integrated medicine treatment protocol, which has been a big relief to thousands of filariasis and lymphedema patients,” she said.
“I am really proud and happy that I could write a book on IAD and the integrated medicine developed by Dr Narahari. I spend several months studying on IAD and efforts gone into the development of the integrated medicine for lymphatic filariasis. After thoroughly learning about Dr Narahari and the integrated treatment protocol, I feel very much content that I could pen a book on him and the IAD,” said Maheshwari, who has so far published five books that include a collection of poems in Kannada.
Dr T R Anantramu, Bangalore-based senior scientist and a well-known science writer in Kannada, in his preface to the book, highlighted how the book throws light on the multi-approach of various medical systems to evolve a full-fledged treatment plan for the most debilitating disease that affects millions of people in the world.
Lymphatic Filariasis, often referred to as elephantiasis, is a chronic disease caused by parasitic infections that lead to severe swelling and disfigurement. It not only affects the physical well-being of individuals but also isolates them socially. Dr Narahari has addressed this dual challenge by developing a unique treatment model that combines modern medicine with Ayurveda, yoga, and dietary practices, offering hope to those who have been carrying huge lymph volumes on their legs for years.
