Visionary

Arogyaniketana Ayurveda ashrama is founded by Dr. Ashwin Sastry, hailing from a family with medical back ground. His father Dr K.G. Gurumurthy, practiced homeopathic and allopathic systems of medicine.


Born in 1979, Dr. Ashwin Sastry comes from a Brahmin family of Karnataka State.After his pre degree studies, Dr. Ashwin was initiated to Ayurvedic studies at the University-level in the A.L.N Rao Memorial Ayurvedic Medical College, Koppa, Karnataka. Studying Ayurveda, Yoga and Sanskrit at the collage, he graduated after 5 1/2 years. Then he traveled down to Kerala State in search of true Ayurvedic learning and understanding (where Ayurevda is widely practiced in social and medical fields).


With the grace of God he was able to find a great guru in Vaidya Vallor Sankaran Nabboodiri, a 90-year old Vedic scholar. The Namboodiri, who now leads a life akin to sages with full of Satvik knowledge (true knowledge), is a master of many disciplines in Indian philosophy, Yajurveda, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, Vishachikitsa etc. Learning Ayurveda, Astanga Hridaya, basic principles, Kayachikitsa, Panchakarma, Sanskrit and relative philosophical aspects for four years with his guru in the Gurukula system of teaching (method in which the disciple stays with the teacher and learns from him) changed his approach towards Ayurveda and eventually the life itself.


He was fortunate to have the complete support of Dr. Raveendranath, Head of the Poonthottam Ayurvedashram Kerala, where he learnt the practical aspects of the science. With Dr Prasad, Sunetri Hospital, Kerala, Dr. Ashwin studied practical approach to basic principles, Salakya Tantra (Ayurvedic Eye, E.N.T). Being at the Sreedareeyam Ayurvedic centre also helped him in experiencing thousands of patients with Eye, E.N.T disorders.


He spent six months in learning the western ophthalmology under eye surgeon Dr. Chaitanya Savoor. Also he has a fellowship F.A.G.E. from MAHE University and is now completing a postgraduate degree (MBA) in hospital management.


Following his Guru's advice, Dr. Ashwin Sastry started his own centre Arogyaniketana Ayurveda ashrama in February 2007. Dr. Ashwin Sastry is striving hard to make the centre a role model to others and to keep aloft the science of Ayurveda and the ideals of his Gurus.


In 2008, Dr. Ashwin married Ayurvedic doctor Dr. Shubha A. Sastry, who is specialised in Rasashastra (M.D), a branch which deals with Ayurvedic mineral medicines. In addition to her specialization, Dr. Shubha is also trained in traditional Panchakarma treatments in Kerala for 8 months. With her able support, the Centre will have self sustainable manufacturing unit.


Dr. Ashwin Sastry's parents - Gurumurthy and Lalitha G Murthy and brother Lieutenant Commander KG Abhiman, are the backbone of the centre, whose whole hearted support ensured the smooth functioning of the ashramam.