Dr. Roop Lal Sharma

Date of Birth:- 9th December 1950
Place of Birth:- Nagrota Refugee Camp, Jammu and Kashmir

Details of Family:- Dr. Roop Lal Sharma was born to Sh. Sain Das Sharma and Smt. Wanti Devi in a refugee camp set up for migrants in Nagrota, Jammu and Kashmir. He was the eldest of four siblings, and his father took up farming in Poonch District to sustain the family. His upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and resilience. In 1976, he married Mrs. Suman Sharma, who played a vital role in supporting his journey. Together, they raised three children—two sons, Ritesh Sharma and Ravish Sharma, who later joined the family business, and a daughter, Dr. Sakshi Mahajan, who followed in his footsteps in Ayurveda.

Educational Qualifications:- Dr. Sharma completed his primary education in Poonch before moving to Government Senior Secondary School, Dungar, for his higher studies. Despite financial hardships, he excelled academically and displayed a keen interest in learning. In 1968, he enrolled at Government Ayurveda College, Jammu, just before admissions were indefinitely suspended due to political unrest. His perseverance paid off when he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) in 1973. Simultaneously, he pursued Prabhakar in Sanskrit, showcasing his commitment to integrating Ayurveda with classical knowledge.

Professional Trajectory:-

Early Career and Government Service

• 1973: Started as a Medical Officer (Ayurveda) in Khanaytar, Poonch, serving in various remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Actively participated in training programs and conferences, broadening his expertise in Ayurveda.
• Diversified into business ventures, including a thermometer factory and a finance company, to achieve financial independence alongside his medical practice.

Mountaineering and National Recognition

• 1978: Achieved a world record by scaling the 17,580-ft Tang Lang La peak in Ladakh on a 1.5 cc scooter, earning recognition from Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah.
• 1979: Led Jammu University’s mountaineering team to conquer the Tita Kuti Peak of the Pir Panjal range.

Revival of Ayurveda Education in Jammu and Kashmir:-

Dr. Sharma was deeply committed to reinstating Ayurveda education in his state. In 1994, he opted for voluntary retirement from government service to focus on this mission.

• 1999: Successfully obtained the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Central Government and founded the Jammu Institute of Ayurveda and Research (JIAR).
• 2006: Introduced postgraduate Ayurveda courses to expand higher education opportunities in traditional medicine.
• 2012: Established a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-certified pharmacy, ensuring high-quality Ayurvedic formulations.

Contributions to Ayurveda and Healthcare:-

• Organized free ambulance services and rural medical camps to provide healthcare access in underserved areas.
• Conducted Ayurveda awareness programs, educating the public on holistic health practices.
• Played an instrumental role in bringing Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare discussions in Jammu and Kashmir.

Political and Social Contributions:-

• Active member of the Indian National Congress (INC), serving as General Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (Technical).
• 2005: Contested Municipal Corporation elections on an INC ticket, focusing on healthcare and education policies.
• Founded the daily newspaper “The Shadow”, which became a popular voice for regional and healthcare issues in Jammu.
• Expanded the Sain Trust, administering seven institutions, including nursing, physiotherapy, and business administration colleges.
• Organized blood donation and free health check-up camps, emphasizing social welfare initiatives.

Recognition and Awards:-

Dr. Roop Lal Sharma was widely recognized for his contributions:

• Awarded for his achievements in social work and healthcare by multiple organizations.
• State Vigilance and Monitoring Board Member, contributing to rural development.
• President of Citizens of Peace and Harmony, promoting unity and social cohesion in Jammu and Kashmir.

Principles and Ethos:-

Dr. Sharma embodied resilience, dedication, and a vision for Ayurveda’s revival. He believed in making Ayurveda education accessible to all and worked tirelessly to integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancements. His perseverance in overcoming socio-political and financial challenges stands as an inspiration to Ayurveda practitioners and healthcare reformers.

Legacy and Influence:-

Dr. Roop Lal Sharma passed away on 9th October 2015, leaving behind a monumental legacy in Ayurveda education and healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir. His pioneering efforts continue to shape the future of Ayurveda, ensuring that traditional medicine remains a cornerstone of holistic healthcare in the region. Today, his family and successors uphold his mission, carrying forward the institutions and initiatives he established. His life is a testament to one man’s unwavering commitment to preserving and propagating the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda in the modern world.

Full paper link

https://journals.lww.com/jras/fulltext/2024/08002/dr__roop_lal_sharma__a_pioneer_who_revived.13.aspx