Dr. Janki Nath Hakim

Date of Birth:- 1913
Place of Birth:- Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
Details of family:- Belonged to a prominent family of Unani physicians, with his father, Dr. Anand Joo Hakim, serving as the official Unani doctor to Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir. His legacy continued through his family: his son, Shri Ashok Hakim, worked in Ayush research, while another son, Dr. Jagdish Kumar Dhar Hakim, served as Chief Scientist (Herbal Drugs) at C.S.I.R. His daughter-in-law, Rita Hakim, was Deputy Director of I.S.M. in Jammu & Kashmir. His grandsons, Dr. Pankaj Dhar and Dr. Sidhartha Hakim, are currently practicing in India and London.

Educational Qualifications:-

pursued a formal education in both science and traditional medicine, earning a B.Sc. degree in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, followed by an A.M.S. (Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) bachelor’s degree from Banaras Hindu University, Banaras, UP.

Professional Trajectory:-

Pioneering Contributions in the Ayurveda educational reform in OdIsha:- Made significant contributions to the Indian System of Medicine (ISM) in Odisha, particularly at Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri. During his tenure as Principal, he played a pivotal role in developing Ayurveda education, implementing the BAMS curriculum through Utkal University in 1974, and introducing a postgraduate program in Kayachikitsa. He uplifted the institutional standard and expanded Ayurveda’s formal education, promoting its legitimacy and integration into Odisha’s healthcare system. His visionary reforms and the establishment of educational standards helped advance ISM, leaving a lasting impact on Odisha’s medical landscape.

Major contribution in uplifting ISM in J&K:-  Played a significant role in elevating the Indian System of Medicine (ISM) in Jammu and Kashmir, combining his expertise in Ayurveda and Unani medicine with visionary leadership. As Principal of the Unani and Tibbia College in Srinagar and Government Ayurvedic College in Jammu, he strengthened ISM education and initiated widespread access to Ayurvedic and Unani treatment across urban and rural J&K. His advocacy led to equal recognition of ISM practitioners alongside Allopathic doctors, establishing parity in professional ranks within J&K’s medical services. His legacy persists in the region’s enduring respect for and reliance on traditional medicine.

Positions Held:- Held multiple influential positions throughout his career, advancing Ayurveda and Unani medicine in both Odisha and Jammu & Kashmir. He served as the Principal of Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya in Puri, Odisha, in two tenures (1950–1959 and 1972–1977), where he established foundational programs like the BAMS curriculum and launched postgraduate studies in Kayachikitsa. In Jammu & Kashmir, he led the Unani and Tibbia College, Srinagar (1960–1966), and the Government Ayurvedic College, Jammu (1966–1972), while advocating for recognition parity between traditional and allopathic medicine practitioners. His leadership also contributed to the formation of ISM/Ayush dispensaries and research units, notably the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Jammu. Dr. Hakim’s roles underscored his commitment to institutionalizing traditional medicine across India.