Shri Avanapparambu Maheswaran Namboothirippa
Date of Birth:- August 1930
Place of Birth:- Kumbalangadu, 3 km west of Wadakancheri, in Thrissur district of Kerala state in India.
Details of family:- AMN was born as the second son of Avanapparambumanayil Shankaran (Kunjikuttan) Namboothirippad and Parvati Antharjanam. Nambiyathan Namboothirippad, one of the family members of AMN, who has published a book on toxicology titled “Balasubodhini,”was his Guru (teacher) in Vishachikitsa. Nambiyathan Namboothiripad and Godan Namboothiripad (brother of Narayanan Namboothirippad) of Avanapparambu Mana were highly skilled in “Vishavaidya.” Both of them imparted their clinical wisdom in Vishachikitsa to young AMN in his early days, which equipped him to write prescriptions in both Vishachikitsa and Hastyayurveda at a very young age. His son, Dr. Sankaran, an Ayurveda practitioner, has continued his legacy in Vishachikitsa.
Educational Qualifications:-
In 1950, he passed out from Government High School, Wadakkanchery, and showed skills in poetry writing. Inspired by his father’s skills in electronics, AMN went to Thrishinapally Vincent Technical Institute and procured first class in examinations conducted by the City and Guilds of London Institute, an educational organization for technical education in London. Following his grandfather’s demise, he stepped into the field of Vishachikitsa as a focused practitioner to continue his family traditions.
Professional Trajectory:
As an entirely devoted clinician: AMN was recognized as a very compassionate Vaidya (physician) in his locality, treating patients without seeking any monetary rewards. Even the cases rejected by nearby allopathic medical colleges sought health care at Avanapparambu Mana and regained health. His fame extended across the state, and people trust in his clinical abilities. He was recognized even by even allopathic practitioners for his expertise in Vishachikitsa.
As a rigorous academician:- Even if AMN was renowned and respected as a great physician, he never shied away from sharing his knowledge. Any student desirous of learning was always welcome to Avanapparambu Mana, and AMN used to impart his vast clinical wisdom, including formulations. Students used to stay at the Mana to learn the practical management of snake bite cases, as most of the patients were brought to him at night. He was keen on providing his students with actual bedside knowledge rather than just imparting theoretical facts. He firmly believed in the “Gurukula” method of learning, in which the disciple stays with the Guru to acquire knowledge.
Details of publications in the field of Ayurveda
| Name of the publication | Year of publication |
| Keraleeya Vishachikitsa | 2015 |
| Souvenier titled “Aseethipranaman” | 2010 |
Awards and Accolades:-
AMN was awarded numerous recognitions for his lifelong, tireless, and selfless efforts. Wadakkanchery town presented him with the “Bhishagratna” award in 2002. In memory of Poomulli Neelakandan Namboothiripad, Shornur Keraliya Ayurveda Samajam presented him with the award “Shastramahodadhi” in 2002. He was given the P.V. Ramavarrier Memorial Excellence Award from Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Coimbatore.
AMN was honored during the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first independence struggle. The Kerala Elephant Owners Association honored him with the “Shastramahodadhi” Award. He was awarded the “Vagbhatasarani” by the “Ashtangahridayasatram,” Chalakkudi. In 2009, “Parmekavu Devaswam” presented him with the “Kizhakku Veetil Balakrishna Menon Memorial Award.” On behalf of the “All Kerala Elephant Association,” he was honored with the ‘Hastayurveda Acharya Vishavidya Award. In 2008, he was awarded the “Kirtimudra” by the “Charitra Padhana Samiti.”