Kottakkal: Dr P.K. Warrier, who popularised the classical and authentic Ayurveda treatment across the world, breathed his last aged 100 at his residence in Kottakkal in Kerala’s Malappuram district on Saturday.
Dr Warrier, who celebrated his 100th birthday earlier on June 8, was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2010.
He was the managing trustee of the Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala - the famous Ayurveda treatment centre and producer of high-quality Ayurveda medicines.
Apart from his research activities initiated in the fields of drug standardization, drug development and process improvement, he authored and published several research papers in ethnopharmacology and Ayurveda.
The five-volume treatise “Indian Medicinal Plants – A Compendium of 500 Species”, which he co-authored, amply represents his dedication to scientific research and documentation in Ayurveda.
His other notable awards include the “International Bhoopalman Singh Award” from Nepal, the “Dr. Poulos Mar Gregorios Award” for his contribution to the development of Ayurveda and the “Management Leadership Award” instituted by Kerala Management Association.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the passing away of the noted Ayurvedic physician and said Dr Warrier’s “contributions to popularise Ayurveda will always be remembered”.
“Saddened by the passing away of Dr. PK Warrier. His contributions to popularise Ayurveda will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also condoled Dr Warrier’s demise.
“He blended humanity with medical science. With the thought that money should not be a hindrance for treatment, he brought the principles of Ayurveda to the grassroot levels in society. From heads of nations to the orphaned and abandoned, people approached him for treatment. With the help of the medical community, he gave them treatment and compassion,” he said in a Facebook post.