More Coverage
Twitter Coverage
JOIN SATYAAGRAH SOCIAL MEDIA
"The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more": Patayat Sahu, from Kalahandi spent his entire life making an astonishing garden of 3000 medicinal plants and catalogued them in two illustrated volumes, this year’s recipient of Padma Shri
BHAWANIPATNA: In the small village of Nandol in Kalahandi, Patayat Sahu’s house stands out for its green canopy. The garden developed by the 65-year-old villager boasts a wide range of 3,000 medicinal plants and Sahu has grown all of it over only 1.5 acres of land behind his house.
|
Juggling between the roles of a farmer and a traditional healer, Sahu has been taking extra care to grow these plants. “All I use is organic manure to nourish them. No chemical fertiliser has ever been used in my garden”, he says.
Sahu began learning about traditional medicine as a hobby at a young age. He developed the medicinal garden behind his house 40 years back and kept on adding new species of plants to it over the years. “My grandfather was a Vaidya (traditional healer). After completing my education, I learned traditional healing practices from him.
Besides, I got access to many manuscripts on traditional healing practices and medicinal plants”, says Sahu, who is a farmer by day and Vaidya by night. But he does not demand a fee for treating people and accepts whatever they offer. The medicines are primarily prepared from the plants and herbs in his garden.
|
Of the 3,000 species in his garden, he has collected 500 species from different parts of India during his exposure visits facilitated by the Odisha Medicinal Plant Board.
The rest have been collected from different forests of Kalahandi. His garden boasts rare species of plants like Ashoka, Lodhra, Bidanga, Sambarsingha, Rasnajadi, Tihudi, Bhin Kakharu, Maeda, Sarpagandha, and Shatavari. Besides, he has five varieties of Bhringraj, Pengu, Panikusuma, Rajapatha, Nagavel, Debanasan, Jaladimbiri, and Jyotismati.
Sahu has also grown all the Dasamoola species which are used in many Ayurvedic medicines.
“The Dasamoola herbs are also used to treat the Trinity during the Anasara period”, claims Sahu, who is a Prakruti Bandhu awardee. He has also been distributing saplings from his garden to villagers in Nandol and nearby areas.
He says documentation of many species of medicinal plants and herbs is the need of the hour.
“Denudation of forests and unscientific harvesting of herbal plants by traders and their agents is threatening many plant species. There should be a sustainable harvesting protocol and conservation of the species by the Forest department with help of villagers who know the plants”, he says.
Sahu himself has documented several medicinal plants and written two volumes of illustrated books on them. He, however, does not have the funds to publish them.
|
Prime Minister praises Odisha man for planting medicinal plants on 1.5 acres
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Patayat Sahu, who has planted medicinal plants on 1.5 acres of land and documented them.
In his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program, PM Modi said there has been an increase in curiosity and awareness about healthcare and wellness in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Traditionally natural products which are beneficial for wellness and health are available in abundance in our country. Patayat Sahu ji, who lives in Nandol, Kalahandi, Odisha, has been doing unique work in this area for years.
"He has planted medicinal plants on one-and-a-half acres of land. Not only this, Sahu ji has also carried out documentation of these medicinal plants," he said.
The Prime Minister also praised the linking of agriculture with the field of health, saying it "is an example in itself”.
References:
Support Us
Satyagraha was born from the heart of our land, with an undying aim to unveil the true essence of Bharat. It seeks to illuminate the hidden tales of our valiant freedom fighters and the rich chronicles that haven't yet sung their complete melody in the mainstream.
While platforms like NDTV and 'The Wire' effortlessly garner funds under the banner of safeguarding democracy, we at Satyagraha walk a different path. Our strength and resonance come from you. In this journey to weave a stronger Bharat, every little contribution amplifies our voice. Let's come together, contribute as you can, and champion the true spirit of our nation.
ICICI Bank of Satyaagrah | Razorpay Bank of Satyaagrah | PayPal Bank of Satyaagrah - For International Payments |
If all above doesn't work, then try the LINK below:
Please share the article on other platforms
DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text. The website also frequently uses non-commercial images for representational purposes only in line with the article. We are not responsible for the authenticity of such images. If some images have a copyright issue, we request the person/entity to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will take the necessary actions to resolve the issue.
Related Articles
- “If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it's a duck”: Mandarin duck is considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world, this is because of its stunning plumage, which is made up of an array of colors that you can't help but notice them
- "Where snakes are family, fear sheds its skin": Maharashtra, in Shetpal village cobras roam freely amongst residents, a unique testament to India's deep-rooted harmony with nature, challenging perceptions and captivating visitors with its serpentine charm
- “Kerala is superbly seen from a saddle, or with a paddle. No hour of life is wasted there”: Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, a picturesque town of #Kerala famous for its backwaters and serene beauty has fascinated tourists for its floating houses
- In a heartfelt farewell, Corbett Tiger Reserve Park says goodbye to Gomti, the devoted elephant, and Brandy, the faithful German Shepherd, their retirement tugs at heartstrings, reminding all of the deep bonds formed over years of dedicated service
- "A mystic Himalayan Griffon is a bird who separates heaven and earth with his wings": A rare vulture was captured in Eidgah cemetery of Kanpur's Colonelganj, locals handed it over to Forest Department after capturing it, had been there for a week
- "A horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart, and wins with his character”: Shubhrak seeing his master in danger became uncontrollable and threw Qutubuddin on the ground, stomped his chest and head with mighty hooves killing him on the spot
- “An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language”: Rare Himalayan Lynx found in Ladakh region of India, they occur throughout northern slopes of Himalayas and has been reported both from thick scrub woodland & barren, rocky areas above tree line
- “There’s only one way to tackle life, enjoy a day at beach, and jump into a Great Lake: Headfirst!”: 'LAKES' to 'LAYOUT', how lake areas transformed into residential & commercial entities, educational institutes, bus stands, stadiums etc. and at what cost
- “You need mountains, long staircases don’t make good hikers”: Kalavantin Durg - one of the steepest fortresses in Maharashtra 2,300 feet high trek up this fort is called ‘Climb to Heaven’ because it involves rugged terrain & climbing narrow rock-cut steps
- “If you would know strength & patience, welcome the company of trees”: “Trees for Wealth” - first-of-its-kind movement to bring about a revolution in the local economy & has envisioned State as the ‘Fruit Hub of India' by planting 1 billion fruit trees