Others

Samajam was the first to set up a Padanalayam, a college to create genuine physicians. In this regard, it provided stipends to the students and trained them under the most efficient hands in the field during those days. The duration of the course was three years, and a degree, “Vaidya,” was conferred upon successful completion. Those completing the 1½-year course were awarded the degree of “Upavaidya.”

Thus, in the early decades of the last century, pupils learned about the principles and practices of Ayurveda at the Samajam. The British Government learned about these practices, became convinced of their quality and merit, and subsequently recognized and endorsed them. Later, the best among those who completed the course were accredited with the title “Vaidyapadan,” an authentic certification granted by the then Council of Physicians of the Samajam, with the permission of the British Government, to practice Ayurveda.

This included the Ashtavaidyas and others who have been a part of the Samajam since its inception over a century ago.