Kabiraj Krishna Chandra Tripathy Sharma
Date of Birth:- 23rd February 1914.
Place of Birth:- Jagarnathpur Shasan, Ganjam District, Odisha.
Details of Family:- Born in a Brahmin family, Kabiraj Krishna Chandra Tripathy Sharma was the son of Shri Maguni Pathi and the grandson of Shri Lachhman Pathi. His upbringing in a traditional household fostered his deep sense of cultural heritage and values. In 1940, he married Srimati Binodini Devi, and they had two children: Dr. Prasanta Kumar Tripathy and Srimati Ranjita Padhi. His son continued his legacy by managing the Utkal Chemical Ousadhalaya pharmacy.
Educational Qualifications:- He pursued primary education in his village before enrolling at Paralakhemundi Sanskrit Toll, where he honed his proficiency in Sanskrit. His passion for Ayurveda led him to Bhesaja Mandir (Ayurveda School) in Paralakhemundi in 1929. His unwavering dedication earned him degrees such as LAMS, Visagratna, and Kabyatirtha from Astanga Ayurveda College, Kolkata (1933–1936).
Professional Trajectory:-
Establishment of Utkal Ayurvedic Pharmacy:-
- In 1937, he established Utkal Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Odisha’s first major Ayurvedic pharmacy. Initially run from his home, it later expanded to Aska. By 1952, it was reorganized as Utkal Ayurveda Cooperative Pharmacy Ltd., with multiple branches across Odisha.
- In 1965, he founded Utkal Chemical Ousadhalaya, preparing widely used Ayurvedic formulations such as Amla Brahmi Taila and Bhringaraj Taila.
Contributions to Ayurveda Education and Research:- Kabiraj Sharma’s contributions included:
- Authorship of 54 Ayurvedic books in Odia, including classics such as Apoorva Yoga Ratnakara, Ashtanga Ayurveda Chikitsa, and Ayurveda Chikitsa Sangrahalaya (Parts I & II).
- Establishing Utkal Ayurveda Pustakalaya, a book publishing house that played a crucial role in making Ayurvedic literature accessible.
- Proposing the State-Level Pharmacy and Research Center for Ayurveda in Odisha in the Odisha Legislative Assembly (1971–1972) with a budget of 12 lakh rupees.
Political and Social Contributions:-Â
- Member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly (1971–1972), actively advocating for Ayurveda’s development.
- Organized free Ayurvedic camps in rural Odisha, distributing medicines and raising awareness.
- Provided aid during natural disasters, including floods and droughts.
- Supported education for economically disadvantaged students.
Awards and Achievements:- Kabiraj Sharma was widely recognized for his contributions:
- Vaidya Shiromani Award
- Ayurveda Ratna Award
- Ayurveda Gaurav Award
- Neelasaila Award (1974) by Neelashaila Cultural Organization, Cuttack
- Jayadava Award (1981) by the State Culture and Tourism Department of Odisha
- Vaidyakul Chandra Award (1988) by Dhanvantari Indian Medical Development Institute, Ganjam
- KBJ Basudev Mahapatra Smriti Award (1993) by Kedarnath Research Organization, Bhubaneswar
Organizations and Associations:-Â Kabiraj Sharma actively contributed to various institutions, including:
- President of Utkala Vaidya Samilani
- Governing body member of Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri, and Brahmapur Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Ganjam
- Founder of Vijayananda Rehabilitation Center (Kusthasrama) and Annadana Kendra in Aska
Principles and Ethos:- Kabiraj Sharma was known for his discipline, meticulous research approach, and community service. He remained committed to making Ayurveda accessible to all, leaving a lasting impact on Odisha’s healthcare landscape.
Legacy and Influence:- Kabiraj Krishna Chandra Tripathy Sharma passed away in 2006, but his contributions to Ayurveda, education, and community service continue to inspire generations. His dedication to holistic healthcare and social upliftment remains an enduring legacy in Odisha and beyond.