Professor Namburi Hanumanta Rao

Date of Birth:- 5th October 1919

Place of Birth:- Vijayawada, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh

Details of Family:- Professor Namburi Hanumanta Rao was born into a business family. His father, Shri Namburi Venugopala Rao, was a rice mill owner, and his mother, Smt. Namburi Mahalakshmamma, was a homemaker. He married Smt. Namburi Sitaravamma, and they had three sons and five daughters. His son, Dr. Namburi Bhaskara Venugopala Rao, specialized in treating non-healing ulcers, while another son, Dr. Namburi Syamala Rao, runs a Panchakarma Therapy Center in Vijayawada.

Early Childhood and Education:-

Prof. Rao completed his higher secondary education at SKPVV Hindu High School, Vijayawada (1937) and later obtained his LIM Diploma from the School of Indian Medicine, Madras (1942). He initially worked at Sri Chunduri Venkata Reddy Ayurvedic Charity Clinic in Vijayawada, gaining recognition for treating chronic illnesses.

Professional Trajectory

Innovations in Ayurveda and Rasashastra:-

• Namburi Phased Spot Test (NPST) – A qualitative standardization technique for Bhasmas and Sindhuras. His research was published in 1991 and revised in 2010.
• Development of specialized Yantras for Rasoushadis, including Namburi Kacha Kupi, Namburi Jarana Yantra, and Namburi Closed Valuka Tiryak Pathana Yantra.
• Innovations in the preservation of Ayurvedic formulations, identifying new dimensions in the concepts of Visha, Vishaharatwa, and Anupana.

Establishment of Research and Educational Institutions:-

• Founded The Academy of Ayurveda, Vijayawada (1961), conducting over 500 monthly clinical lectures.
• Established Yoga Samaj (1963), promoting public awareness of Yoga.
• Served as Chief Investigator (1972–1991) for Drug Standardization Research Enquiry, CCRAS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Contributions to Ayurveda Education and Research:-

• Guest lectures at Banaras Hindu University, Nagarjuna University, and international institutions.
• Research on the Panchabhuta Theory, linking it to molecular science and modern Big Bang Theory concepts.
• Publications including Manual of NPST, Panchabhuta Theory: A Viable Concept, and Nyaya Vaiseshika Theory of Evolution.
• Established Dr. Rao’s Herbal Pharma Pvt. Ltd. (1987), manufacturing Ayurvedic formulations for diabetes, arthritis, and hair care.

Recognition and Awards:-

• Prof. Rao received several prestigious honors, including:
• Brihatrayee Ratna Award (1994), presented by Sri T.N. Seshan, Chief Election Commissioner of India.
• Fellowship from the National Academy of Indian Medicine (1990).
• Fellowship from Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi (1995).

Social and Global Engagements:-

• Member of Central Board of Ayurvedic Medicine, Government of India (1967).
• Represented India at Maharishi International University, USA, teaching Ayurveda to Western medical practitioners.
• Conducted Ayurveda-based disease prevention programs across North America and the Philippines.
• Organized National Medicine Week Celebrations and free Ayurvedic camps in India.

Principles and Ethos:-

Prof. Rao was known for his scientific approach to Ayurveda, pioneering pharmaceutical research, and commitment to spreading Ayurveda globally. His philosophy emphasized continuous learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and integrating Ayurveda with modern science.

Legacy and Influence:-

Professor Namburi Hanumanta Rao passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in Rasashastra, Ayurveda research, and pharmaceutical standardization. His contributions continue to inspire researchers, educators, and practitioners in the field of Ayurveda worldwide.

Full paper link

https://journals.lww.com/jras/fulltext/2024/08002/professor_namburi_hanumanta_rao__a_master.19.aspx