Arya Vaidyan N. Rama Varier

Date of Birth:- July 10, 1903
Place of Birth:- Katambazhipuram, Palakkad District, Kerala
Details of family:- Arya Vaidyan N. Rama Varier was born on July 10, 1903, at Nilavilikunnu Variam in Cherupullaseri, Katambazhipuram, located in South Malabar, then part of the Madras Presidency (now Kerala). He was the eldest son of Sri Subramanyan Embrandiri and Madhavi Varasyar. Together with his wife, Ammalukkutty Varasyar, he had a daughter. His son-in-law, Arya Vaidyan P.V. Raghava Varier, was a distinguished Ayurvedic physician who served as the honorary physician to the President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. His grandchildren, Dr. Ramesh R. Varier and Dr. Sridevi Varier, now carry forward his legacy through Arya Vaidya Nilayam (AVN), the institution he founded to promote Ayurveda.

Educational Qualifications:-

With a deep-rooted interest in Sanskrit from childhood, he pursued his early education at Bala Subhodhini Advanced Sanskrit School, which provided a strong foundation for his later studies in Ayurveda. He furthered his expertise by enrolling in the Arya Vaidyan Course at Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, where he was one of the first disciples of the renowned Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier of Kottakkal. His parallel studies of Sanskrit and the classic Ayurvedic text Ashtanga Hridaya even before joining Ayurveda College greatly enriched his insights, equipping him with the profound knowledge that would underpin his successful practice in Ayurveda.

Professional Trajectory:-

Pioneering Contributions in promoting Ayurveda in Tamil Nadu:- Arya Vaidyan N Rama Varier started his practice in a small clinic cum medicine preparation unit at Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Challenges Along the Way:- It was challenging for Arya Vaidyan N Rama Varier to establish an Ayurveda practice in Madurai, which was a citadel of Siddha practice where Ayurveda was not that popular. With his effective treatment and compassion for patients, he built a huge reputation for himself and influenced the acceptance of the Ayurvedic System of Medicine in Madurai and its suburbs in due course of time.

Trajectory ( The story of road less travelled):- Arya Vaidya Nilayam (AVN), the brain child of Arya Vaidyan N Rama Varier, was established in 1930 for popularizing authentic Ayurveda in Madurai and its surroundings. At a time when Ayurveda was struggling for recognition amidst the growing influence of Western medicine, and other challenges including financial constraints the establishment of AVN was marked by his determination and perseverance. Over the years, the AVN Group diversified into various sectors, including healthcare, research and Ayurvedic medicine Manufacturing and celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1980. N.Rama Varier Ayurveda Foundation – the Non-profit wing of the group engaged in running charitable clinics, Research, Development and Training in Ayurveda and wellness.

Awards and Accolades:-

In honour of his meritorious services to Ayurveda and humanity, he was awarded the title of ‘Ayurveda Vachaspati’ by the Madurai Swadeshi Vaidya Sabha. Arya Vaidyan N Rama Varier along with practice was involved actively in various activities for propagating Ayurveda. He was a founding member of Indian Medical Practitioners Co-operative Pharmacy & Stores Ltd (IMPCOPS), Chennai established in 1944. He was also state President of Ayurveda Mahamandalam for several years and actively contributed to the Ayurveda Movement in Tamil Nadu. He established the Association of Ayurvedic Practitioners of Tamil Nadu, a forum which was actively involved in propagation of Ayurveda.  As an author, he used to write articles for Magazines regularly to share his knowledge with the Ayurveda community.