Report on Special Discussion: “Living Without Medicines”













Report on Special Discussion: “Living Without Medicines”

Date: 6 September 2025
Venue: PVCHR Office, Varanasi
Organized by: Jan Mitra Nyas (JMN) and People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)
Supported by: UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT) and the Gwangju Human Rights Peace Foundation

Introduction

On 6 September 2025, a special program on “Living Without Medicines” was organized at the PVCHR office, Varanasi. The purpose of this initiative was to raise awareness about the importance of natural methods, improved lifestyles, yoga, and Ayurveda in maintaining health, rather than over-relying on medicines.

The event brought together 24 participants (9 men and 15 women), including community members, activists, and staff of JMN and PVCHR.

Welcome and Opening

The program began with introductions of the distinguished guests and participants. Dr. Anand Kumar Pandey (Ayurvedacharya) and his team, along with a yoga expert, joined as key facilitators.

The Managing Trustee of JMN welcomed everyone and explained the objectives and ongoing programs of the organization. Following this, Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi honored Dr. Anand Pandey and his team with a ceremonial angavastram (shawl).

Keynote Address by Dr. Anand Pandey

Dr. Pandey began his address by emphasizing that the true meaning of health is “to remain in one’s natural state.” Illness arises, he explained, when people drift away from nature, adopt harmful habits, or nurture unnecessary expectations by comparing themselves with others.

He underlined that when the mind and body remain balanced, dependence on medicines becomes minimal. The essence of Ayurveda is to live in harmony with nature, ensuring balance in diet, lifestyle, and mental well-being.

Question & Answer Session

Participants actively engaged with Dr. Pandey, asking practical questions. Some highlights include:

  • Drinking Hot Water in the Morning: Should not be consumed excessively; moderation is key.

  • Eating Moringa (Drumstick) Leaves: Safe, but should be limited to a maximum of four times a week.

  • Exercise: Essential for daily routine, but should be done in a relaxed manner to maintain balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

  • Honey with Warm Water: Harmful to health, though widely practiced; honey should never be heated.

  • Oil Massage (Abhyanga): Best done in the morning before bathing with sesame, coconut, or mustard oil. Night oil application is helpful only in cases of fatigue, insomnia, or specific health conditions.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Guidance

Dr. Pandey elaborated on Ayurveda’s holistic guidance for everyday life:

Diet (Aahar)

  • Meal Timings: Eat at fixed times — morning, afternoon, and evening. Lunch should be the heaviest meal, as digestion is strongest at midday.

  • Food Quality: Fresh, seasonal, and natural foods are best. Grains, pulses, green vegetables, fruits, milk, curd (in daytime), ghee, and raw honey (unheated) are recommended.

  • Rules of Eating: Avoid overeating and undereating. Always eat calmly, seated, and consume fresh, warm food. Avoid oily, fried, packaged, and stale foods.

  • Liquids: Drink lukewarm water throughout the day in moderation. Avoid excessive water immediately after meals.

  • Seasonal Diets:

    • Summer — light, cooling fruits and vegetables.

    • Winter — nourishing foods like milk, ghee, sesame, and jaggery.

    • Monsoon — avoid heavy, fried foods.

Lifestyle (Vihar)

  • Daily Routine: Wake up before sunrise (Brahma Muhurta), clean the tongue, brush teeth, and drink warm water. Follow with exercise, yoga, and pranayama.

  • Oil Massage: Full-body massage 2–3 times a week; light oil application on head, ears, and feet daily.

  • Exercise & Yoga: Practice according to capacity. Yoga and pranayama help balance body and mind.

  • Mental Wellness: Avoid anger, stress, and anxiety. Engage in meditation, devotional practices, reading, or calming activities.

  • Rest: Avoid daytime sleeping (except for the sick or elderly).

Night Routine (Ratri Charya)

  • Eat dinner early (at least 2 hours before bedtime).

  • Choose light and easily digestible foods.

  • Before sleeping, engage in calming activities such as reading, meditation, or spending time with family.

  • Avoid late-night screen time.

  • Follow the principle of “Hita Bhuk, Mita Bhuk, Ritu Bhuk” — eat what is wholesome, in moderation, and according to the season.

Concluding Remarks

At the end of the program, Dr. Pandey reminded participants that the true goal of Ayurveda is to live in harmony with nature. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and a calm mind can reduce dependence on medicines. By following a holistic lifestyle, people can achieve good health naturally.

Vote of Thanks

On behalf of the organizers, gratitude was expressed to all the experts, guests, and participants. The program concluded with the hope that such discussions will be held regularly, spreading the message of “Living a Healthy Life Without Medicines” to more people in the community.

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