Our Founder

Dr. P R Krishnakumarji

Padmashri Dr. P.R. Krishnakumar was a highly regarded figure in Ayurveda, serving as Chancellor of Avinashilingam University and Chairman of CARe Keralam (Confederation for Ayurvedic Renaissance – Keralam), a center dedicated to standardizing Ayurvedic medicines. For his significant contributions to the field, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 2009 and the National Dhanwanthari Ayurveda Award in 2016.

The Legacy of a Visionary

P.R. Krishnakumar was born in 1951 to Arya Vaidyan P.V. Rama Varier, the founder of Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (AVP), and Smt. Pankajam Rama Varier. His lineage was one of distinction: Rama Varier, the founder of AVP, was the sole son of the respected physician and Sanskrit scholar, Vaidyavichakshanan Mankulangara Kunjan Varier.

Inheriting a Vision:
AVP’s Global Ambition

Krishnakumar’s father, Rama Varier, was a trusted disciple of Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier and a pioneer in his own right, famously establishing AVP as a Public Limited Company—a surprisingly modern concept for the 1940s. Rama Varier's profound integrity, humility, and tireless work ethic earned him universal trust. His core vision included the globalization of Ayurveda and the training of a new generation of physicians.

Naturally, Krishnakumar absorbed these guiding principles, applying them from a young age and becoming his father's source of pride. He credited his father with instilling in him three lifelong qualities: total surrender to God, performing righteous deeds without seeking reward, and helping the poor.

Choosing Propagation Over Practice

After his education at the prestigious Shornur Ayurveda College, Krishnakumar made a crucial decision: rather than pursuing clinical practice, he dedicated his life to the propagation and proper education of Ayurveda.

Despite this choice, his impact on clinical Ayurveda was profound. In his Coimbatore Chikitsalayam, he introduced holistic innovations, such as integrating allied knowledge systems like Jyotish astrology to enhance the effect of Ayurvedic treatment. The practical success of this holistic approach was so compelling that it convinced modern medical specialists—who rarely deviate from rigid clinical algorithms—to seek his assistance for astrological consultations and rituals like Dhanwantari Havan for critically ill patients.

A Scientific Champion:
Backing Tradition with Evidence

Krishnakumar's open-mindedness did not equate to blind faith; he was a steadfast advocate for the scientific validation of Ayurveda. He tirelessly promoted the integration of the best of modern science into both clinical practice and medicine production without compromising traditional standards.

This commitment led him to support the creation of the AVT Institute for Advanced Research (AVTAR), an organization focused on clinical, literary, field, and drug research. Its core purpose was clear: “to back up tradition with evidence.”

Pioneering Global Research

Convinced that only a scientifically validated Ayurveda could achieve global acceptance, Krishnakumar embarked on a difficult path in his early twenties. His initial plea to the WHO representative in India to establish a global scientific footing for Ayurveda was met with ridicule. Undeterred, he persisted and successfully persuaded them to participate in the first-ever clinical research on Ayurvedic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, launched in 1977 under a WHO and ICMR partnership.

His continued efforts in quality research later attracted funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, for a clinical trial (2004–2006) through the University of Washington. This was a historic first for an NIH-funded study outside the US. The successful trial was subsequently accepted for publication in indexed, peer-reviewed journals. In Krishnakumar’s view, these were not individual milestones, but triumphs for the Science of Ayurveda itself.

The Coimbatore Experiment and Value-Based Education

Krishnakumar's passion for education culminated in the “Coimbatore Experiment.” In 1977, he conceived and implemented a unique 7½-year Ayurveda course based on the ancient gurukula system. Affiliated first with Madras and then Bharathiar University, the program provided a holistic developmental environment where students lived alongside their teachers. The curriculum, which included spiritual practices and traditional martial arts, was provided entirely free of cost to all students. Though financially burdensome to the institution, this reflected his unwavering dedication to value-based education. Nine batches, totaling over 100 students, completed the course before it was unfortunately discontinued due to external pressure.

He continued his teaching mission through initiatives like the Arsha Yoga Vidya Peetham Trust, where students study Ayurveda under a single Guru for years, committed to becoming "wisdom banks" without seeking formal certification. He also established the Divyam School of Values for informal learning in Indian sciences alongside conventional subjects.

Defending the Cultural Core

Krishnakumar's primary concern remained the quality of Ayurveda students and the need for them to "look within," echoing Vivekananda's distinction between Indian analytical sciences and Western sciences of generalization.

As the head of a major Ayurvedic firm, he firmly supported a vaidya-centered over a product-centered approach, viewing the physician as the "guardian, messenger and practitioner of authentic Ayurveda." He vehemently opposed the "de-philosophizing" of the sastra, asserting that philosophical and cultural components are integral to Ayurveda. For him, the cultural and value crisis is the major threat Ayurveda faces today, and "It is imperative to market our culture in order to succeed in taking our medicines abroad."

Enduring Commitment and Recognition

Krishnakumar also championed the preventive medicine aspects of Ayurveda for health tourism, running authentic treatment centers in association with major hotel chains, adhering strictly to the Ayurvedic concepts of hita (suitable) and mita (moderate) rather than commercial indulgence.

He was also actively involved in other pioneering trusts, including the Kshetropasana Trust (co-founded with Prema Pandurang) to revive Indian cultural values, and the Bharatamuni Foundation for Asian Culture (established by Padma Subrahmanyam) for research on cultural identities.

As the head of AVP, he was instrumental in leading the company from its humble roots to becoming one of India’s greatest traditional Ayurveda houses. He remained a bachelor, dedicated solely to the noble cause he embraced.

For his immense contributions to the field, the Government of India conferred upon him the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2009, which he humbly viewed as a "recognition for Ayurveda."

Living a life of demanding 20-hour workdays, Krishnakumar continued his journey with surprising ease, embodying the Sanskrit verse: "Come what may, nothing can force a committed person to shift a step from the path of righteousness."

The Genesis of Aashirwad: Answering the Vaidya's Needthe Physician

The establishment of the Aashirwad Ayurveda Pharmacy (AAP) on our Navakkarai campus—a place many of you have visited—fulfilled a vision that first took root in the 1990s. At that time, I saw many of our talented young Vaidyas at the factory, excellent at their work yet considering leaving the service for various reasons. While I was able to persuade them to stay, the thought crystallized: Why not create an Ayurveda company "by the Vaidyas, for the Vaidyas, and of the Vaidyas for the Universal Well Being?"

Empowering the Physician

The core purpose of AAP is to empower the Ayurvedic physician both professionally and financially. By becoming shareholders - small owners - our Vaidyas can contribute their knowledge and benefit directly from the company’s success. Critically, we support them by providing the highest quality medicines at the lowest possible cost. This, in turn, enables them to build a thriving clinical practice and secure a good income.

Furthermore, many young Vaidyas possess excellent traditional formulas. However, new drug laws often prevent them from producing and marketing these medicines independently. Aashirwad is designed to help: we will assist them in producing and marketing their unique formulas, returning the products for their use, and paying them a royalty for sales in the open market. Coupled with dividends for their investment when profitable, this structure ensures that Vaidyas can stay focused on healing their patients without the distraction of becoming managers, marketers, accountants, or liaison personnel—all of which Aashirwad will handle.

AAP will also address educational gaps by conducting continuous training programs. This is especially vital for young Vaidyas from the North who may struggle to establish independent practices due to insufficient educational grounding or who are forced into low-paying private sector jobs.

Scaling Success:
A Legacy Beyond Profit

The launch of Aashirwad Ayurveda Pharmacy (AAP) was deliberately paced. We ensured the viability of this unique, Vaidya-centric concept before scaling up, beginning in a humble manner with limited personal finance. Today, we are proud to see the fruit of this initial labor, with substantial growth achieved over the last few years.

Our foundation is now incredibly strong. We have established a modern manufacturing unit, supported by senior experienced workers, young management executives, knowledgeable Vaidyas, and brilliant modern scientists working in well-equipped laboratories. This strength has led to major recognition, with large companies now seeking partnerships for bulk medicine production, and requesting AAP to supply quality herbs and pre-processed products.

Investment in the
Future of Ayurveda

It is paramount to emphasize that Aashirwad was not created for profit-making. This final and beloved workplace of our founder, Padmashri Dr. P. R. Krishnakumar, is infused with his enduring purpose and vision. He built this company as a conduit for change, and his soul remains mixed with our mission.

Consistent with his lifelong commitment to education and research, the greater share of all profits generated is channeled directly back into the field to support the advancement of the science itself. This includes:

Funding herb cultivation
Organizing seminars and workshops
Conducting continuous training programs
Supporting critical research work
Running Gurukula-style courses

AAP is more than a company; it is an ecosystem for growth. This initiative represents the culmination of his vision, and we invite all who share this purpose to join hands with us, ensuring the continuity of his legacy by furthering the growth of Ayurveda and securing your own professional success.