The World Homoeopathy Day is always a very special occasion for us. As homoeopaths, we not only celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann—the visionary whose legacy has shaped our identity and profession—but also find it a day of connection. It offers us the opportunity to reunite with fellow homoeopaths, share cherished memories, and engage in meaningful conversations. The event also features ongoing scientific sessions across various halls, fostering learning, the exchange of ideas, and advancement in the field of homoeopathy.

However, 10th April 2025 was a particularly special day for me, as we had gathered at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to celebrate this important occasion. Amidst our usual conversations, I was gently coaxed by Dr. Chaturbhuj Nayak, former Director of the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, to write an article on how I manage to remain joyful and healthy, even at the age of 83½.

I use the word “coaxed” deliberately. Although I initially tried to brush off his suggestion lightly, he persisted—repeatedly urging me to write the article and submit it for publication in HOMOEOPATHY FOR ALL, ADVANCEMENTS IN HOMOEOPATHIC RESEARCH, VITAL INFORMER, and others—as he believed it would be of great benefit to many.

Since I hold all my colleagues and well-wishers in high esteem, I had no choice but to yield. While I generally try to maintain a low profile, it is difficult to overlook the warmth and affection of those who care for me. I must extend my apologies to Dr. Nayak for the delay—I am nearly three and a half months late in putting this thoughtful suggestion into writing. I sincerely hope the publishers will honour Dr. Nayak’s sentiments behind this suggestion.

Although the nature of the topic might warrant an autobiographical approach, an article has its own framework and limitations, which must be respected. Therefore, I believe the most appropriate course is to briefly share the factors that have shaped my life and continue to support my well-being. These can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Struggles
   
   
2. Non-reconciliation to injustices
   
   
3. Social activities
   
   
4. Professional involvement, including Homoeopathic Trade and Industry
   
   
5. Respecting the fundamentals of various forums
   
   
6. Lifelong learning
   
   
7. Rehabilitation medicine
   
   
8. Brahma Kumaris’ Institution
   
   
9. Swami Akhandanand Saraswati Ji (Brahmleen since 1987) / Jain Muni Sudarshan Lal Ji
   
   
10. Positive outlook
    
    
11. Practicing detachment
    
    

Before I elaborate on the above, it is important to first understand how one perceives a healthy state. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as:
 “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Nevertheless, it is a fact that the present century is witnessing an increase in the number of diseases, which can be attributed to various factors—changes in lifestyle being an obvious one.

Dr. S. M. Singh, in his book The Man in Health (Chapter 2, titled “Health”), mentions:
 “To remain healthy, all the different dimensions of health should be taken care of. The evolution of human thinking has added different dimensions to health, namely:
 a) Physical    b) Mental/Psychological    c) Social
 d) Spiritual    e) Intellectual    f) Environmental”

However, my perception of health aligns more closely with Dr. Hahnemann’s vision in §9 of the Organon:
 “In the healthy condition of man, the spiritual vital force, the dynamis that animates the material body, rules with unbounded sway, and retains all parts of the organism in admirable, harmonious, vital operation, as regards both sensations and functions, so that our indwelling, reason-gifted mind can freely employ this living healthy instrument for the higher purpose of our existence.”

Dr. S. M. Singh simplifies this further by writing:
 “That is to say, health is a condition in which all the harmonious vital operations are going on, where the vital force is the supreme power, which animates and rules, providing normal sensations and functions.”

Now, I would like to elaborate on the factors mentioned earlier, beginning with each individually.

STRUGGLES:
 I was born during the period of the Second World War. Although no one specifically guided or influenced me, I recall being extremely sensitive even as a child of just three or four years. I would often be the first to hear the sound of an airplane and instinctively hide in a corner of the house. Perhaps these reactions were remnants of memories from a previous life.

Around the age of six, due to a family dispute, our house was sold, and we were relocated to Tis Hazari, near Bhairon Mandir, for about two years. This was followed by another five and a half years at Charkhewalan near Chawri Bazar. That phase was marked by significant hardship, with one misfortune following another in rapid succession. This continued until 29th July 1955, when we finally moved to Krishna Nagar in Delhi’s Trans-Yamuna area, seeking a fresh start.

NON-RECONCILIATION TO INJUSTICES:
 As my school was located near the place where my elder brother practiced and sold medicines, I would go to him after school and stay there until evening. We would then return home together. This routine continued even after I started college. I used to assist him in dispensing medicines, triturating Biochemic medicines, potentization, etc. (The Drugs & Cosmetics Rules were not yet in force in Homoeopathy at that time.)

Once, we received a highly inflated telephone bill. One of our clients, Mr. Baijal—possibly also a distant relative—who was working with the Delhi Electric Supply Undertaking, advised us to take the matter to the highest level and not succumb to any pressure. The issue was eventually resolved in our favour by Mr. Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna, who was then the Central Minister for Telephones/Communications.

Similarly, we faced interpretative issues with the Import & Export Department regarding the use of lactose as a homoeopathic medicine. This, too, was ultimately resolved in our favour by Shri Mohd. Yunus, Founder and Chairman of the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO).

In 1967, just after I had passed the D.H.S. Examination of the Board of Homoeopathic System of Medicine, Delhi, our highly respected teacher Dr. Diwan Harish Chand called me and handed over a draft bill. The bill proposed extending the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules to Homoeopathy, but in a form that would have effectively eliminated the homoeopathic trade. We immediately organized a meeting of homoeopathic chemists in Delhi and sent our recommendations and modifications, which were accepted. Thus, a workable regulatory framework was extended to Homoeopathy.

I have remained actively engaged in such efforts, and by God’s grace, there have been successes—largely because we have consistently tried to maintain harmony across all fronts. Notable examples include the Delhi Intoxication Spirituous Preparations Rules, the Central Council of Homoeopathy Bill, and many others. The list is long, and this effort will continue until my last breath, in the hope of achieving an equal level playing field with other systems of medicine.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES:
 Although I was a shy student, my personality began to change after 1955 and developed further during my college years at Deshbandhu College (1958–1961). Over time, as I became involved in various social forums, my confidence steadily grew. These initiatives helped foster close-knit community groups that supported one another in personal events and family functions. These experiences not only helped me overcome my shyness but also gave me valuable opportunities to develop public relations skills and take on responsibilities in organizing events.

ACTIVITIES IN THE PROFESSIONAL FIELD:
 After graduating from Delhi University, like anyone aspiring for self-reliance, I explored various opportunities—most of which, however, ended in failure. During this period, I received an appointment letter from the Ministry of Defence for the post of Technical Assistant. However, by that time, I had also qualified as a registered Homoeopathic Physician. Although the government position offered a significantly higher salary than I was earning then, I chose to follow the advice of my eldest brother and did not join the job.

An important saying goes, “Man is a social animal.” I truly appreciate the wisdom behind these words, as I have experienced their truth firsthand. Soon after registering with the Delhi Homoeopathic Board, upon qualifying in my D.H.S. examination in 1967, I became a member of the Delhi Homoeopathic Medical Association. Over time, I became actively involved with several other professional bodies, including the South Delhi Homoeopathic Association, the International Homoeopathic Foundation, the Homoeopathic Pharmaceutical Association of India, the National Journal of Homoeopathy, and others.

My participation in these forums greatly boosted my confidence and helped establish a respectable standing for me within the profession. Now, my guiding motto is to serve Homoeopathy with dedication and to work towards establishing it as a first line of treatment.

RESPECTING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF VARIOUS FORUMS & ALWAYS A LEARNER:
 I have learned that being a part of any meaningful forum requires a clear understanding of its core principles and a sincere commitment to them. Homoeopathy, in particular, has taught me the value of being a good listener and a keen observer. These qualities have reinforced the belief that one should always remain a student at heart. Embracing this mindset has allowed me to continue learning throughout my life.

REHABILITATION MEDICINE / BRAHMA KUMARIS’ INSTITUTION:
 It was possibly in January or February of 1980 when I came across an advertisement from the All India Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Bombay, offering a Postgraduate Course in Rehabilitation Medicine for Homoeopaths. This proved to be a valuable opportunity for me to join the programme and witness the practical application of Homoeopathic principles—particularly the concept of individualization.

The course opened my eyes to various treatment options for cases considered incurable or beyond the scope of conventional medicine. Each case was assessed comprehensively through collaboration between multiple departments, including Orthopedics, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Vocational Guidance, and Vocational Rehabilitation. It gave me a unique opportunity to observe the real-world application of Homoeopathic principles tailored to individual needs.

Another enriching opportunity came when, on two separate occasions, I was able to attend Homoeopathic seminars conducted at the Brahma Kumaris’ institutions in Mount Abu. These seminars covered various topics and provided knowledge about Raj Yoga, which helped me understand the concept of harmony and the application of meditation. In essence, this experience deepened my understanding of Homoeopathic philosophy and practice.

SWAMI AKHANDANAND SARASWATI JI / JAIN MUNI SUDARSHAN LAL JI:
 I consider myself fortunate to have been blessed by these two great saints.

My contact with Swami Akhandanand Ji began sometime around 1975–1976, coinciding with the operation of a Homoeopathic dispensary under his Ashram in Vrindavan. Through him, I came into contact with various professionals who were his disciples. At Vrindavan, I was also introduced to Swami Govindanand Saraswati, a medical postgraduate (M.S. in Ophthalmology), who had taken to sanyas after becoming a disciple of Swami Chinmayanand Ji. Swami Govindanand Ji was sent to Vrindavan by Swami Chinmayanand Ji of Bangalore to serve Swami Akhandanand Ji.

I used to visit Vrindavan every week whenever Maharaj Shree (as Akhandanand Ji was fondly known at the time) was present, and over time, our bond grew deeper and stronger. However, there came a period of interruption in my visits—though I can’t recall the exact reasons—and unfortunately, I missed attending his Amrit Mahotsav.

Later, during Maharaj Shree’s pravachans at Laxmi Narayan Temple (popularly known as Birla Mandir) in Delhi, I was advised to contact Swami Govindanand Ji before leaving for my clinic. It was then that I learned of Maharaj Shree’s terminal condition. I conducted detailed case-taking, and a line of treatment was worked out. It gave me immense satisfaction to have played a role in improving Maharaj Shree’s quality of life during that critical time.

That satisfaction turned into joy when he, despite not having had prior faith in Homoeopathy, personally acknowledged the improvement he experienced.

All I can say is that he was a highly learned individual, belonging to the Shankaracharya tradition, and he had declined to become a Math Chief. He once said,
 “When I have already renounced worldly comforts, I should not occupy that Chair now.”

My last conversation with Maharaj Shree took place just three or four days before his departure from this world. His words during that meeting felt like a divine blessing when he said,
 “Dr. Wahi to hamare apne hain” (Dr. Wahi is one of our own).
 Although I never formally took deeksha from him, those words carried the warmth of acceptance—as though, through his blessings, he truly embraced me as his own shishya.
 —My Divine High.

My meeting with Jain Muni Sudarshan Lal Ji was entirely unexpected. It was prompted by a phone call from a fellow professional—an MBBS doctor, a renowned physician, and a disciple of Muni Ji. Upon receiving this call, I accompanied him, along with another mutual colleague, a senior surgeon, to Rohtak.

Revered Muni Ji also responded well to homoeopathic treatment. During each of his visits to the Jain Sthanak at Chandni Chowk, he would send me a message, giving me the privilege of meeting him. Pujya Sudarshan Muni Ji was highly revered in the Jain community, and I had the opportunity to witness his life of profound simplicity.

When I met him for the first time, he was 70 years old. He predicted that he would live until the age of 75—and remarkably, his words came true exactly as he had foretold.

THE BLESSINGS OF THESE TWO PERSONALITIES HAVE SHAPED MY LIFE TO A GREAT EXTENT.

POSITIVE APPROACH—AS FAR AS POSSIBLE:
 Swami Akhandanand Ji always reminded his disciples:
 “You come here to listen to the pravachans, you purchase the books, and you should be reading them as well. But none of these will help you unless you practice at least 5% of what is being taught.”

The education I received at the Rehabilitation Institute, the experiences at the Brahma Kumaris’ Institution, and the profound teachings and blessings of these two revered saints—Swami Akhandanand Ji and Muni Sudarshan Lal Ji—have deeply shaped my outlook.

They have strengthened my self-confidence, enhanced my ability to understand the complexities of life, and encouraged me to seek constructive solutions. Above all, they have instilled in me a spirit of optimism and a constant pursuit of positivity in every situation.

PRACTISING DETACHMENT:
 Over the years, through countless life experiences, I have gradually embraced the profound practice of detachment. What I’ve discovered is truly transformative—once you begin walking this path, the mind becomes clearer, lighter, and more focused, naturally steering itself toward positive action.

Detachment doesn’t make you indifferent; it empowers you to act with greater purpose, free from emotional entanglements that cloud judgment.

A line from Raj Kapoor’s film Mera Naam Joker—“The show must go on”—has stayed with me as a powerful reminder of this truth. Similarly, a timeless song from Dev Anand’s film Hum Dono resonates deeply with this philosophy.

For the readers, I would only add—please don’t interpret the lyrics literally, especially since I myself am a non-smoker. The spirit of the message, not just the words, holds the key:

“Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya,
 Har fikr ko dhuen mein udaata chala gaya.”

Barbadiyon ka sog manana fizul tha,
 Manana fizul tha,
 Barbadiyon ka jashn manaata chala gaya.
 Har fikr ko dhuen mein uda!

Jo mil gaya usi ko muqaddar samajh liya,
 Muqaddar samajh liya.
 Jo kho gaya main usko bhulata chala gaya,
 Har fikr ko dhuen mein uda!

Gham aur khushi mein fark na mehsoos ho jahan,
 Main dil ko uss muqaam pe laata chala gaya.

Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya,
 Har fikr ko dhuen mein udaata chala gaya.”

This famous song was sung by Mohammad Rafi, composed by S. D. Burman, and penned by the legendary lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi.

FINAL CONCLUSION

True happiness arises not merely from external achievements but from a deep internal alignment, shaped by a few profound realizations. It is the cumulative effect of practising detachment, reducing expectations, and cultivating a generous spirit.

When one embraces the fundamental belief in rebirth and understands the eternal nature of the self—beyond the cycles of birth and death—a deep sense of peace and purpose emerges.

This inner clarity liberates the mind from fear and anxiety, allowing joy to arise naturally. Over time, this state of being reflects not only in one’s mental well-being but also manifests in physical health, creating a harmonious balance between body, mind, and soul.