हिंदी ब्लॉग 
Ayurveda practitioner, researcher, mentor, teacher, and family person - Dr. Gaurang Joshi wears so many hats on any given day. An acclaimed cancer and skin specialist, he works from his Rajkot based research center and hospital. He politely gives the credit of all his motivation and relentless pursuit toward the health of the people to her wife, Dr. Bhavna. Read his interview with Nirogstreet below.
Dr. Joshi, please tell us about your educational background and professional qualification.
I am born and brought up at Bilimora, a very small town of South Gujarat. I did my SSC from Gujarat secondary board in 1987 and HSC in 1989 form Gujarat higher secondary board, Gandhinagar. I received my primary education from a government school and secondary and higher secondary education from M & R Tata High School, Bilimora, which is the school governed by the local municipal corporation. I completed my B.A.M.S. from Shree O.H. Nazar Ayurved College, Surat, affiliated to Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat in April 1994.
Why did you choose Ayurvedic practices?
I started my career as a general practitioner (GP) in 1995 and was established as a successful GP. Soon after I met my wife Dr. Bhavna for the first time then, who inspired me to switch over to pure Ayurveda practice. Actually, I’m the 3rd generation in my family to have our roots in Ayurveda. Hence, invigorated and pepped, I started my career from zero again and developed super specialty in dermatology and oncology. Motivation can do wonders if you apply yourself to it properly.
What is your experience when it comes to treating patients? Do they trust the treatment?
When I’m treating a patient, my first task is to spend maximum time with the patient and with full confidence in Ayurveda. Our positive and confident attitude definitely plays a big role in generating faith towards Ayurveda treatment among our patients.
When I’m investing time and interacting with patients, they are easily convinced to go for everything I recommend. It’s an art, but each practitioner can develop this.
Any challenge that you face as a practitioner?
Yes, when I suddenly switched over to pure Ayurvedic practice, in the beginning, I struggled quite a lot. I found it challenging to convince the patients to go for the treatment. I realized that the patients just refused to go for my treatment. It was a frustrating phase for me but gradually I developed the interpersonal skills and confidence which I learnt from my wife Dr. Bhavna and then I started my journey of successful Ayurveda physician which still continues to be swift.
Your determination can inspire many young Ayurveda doctors. Any out of ordinary situation that you have faced while treating a patient?
Often times patients come with diseases which are unknown to us but in those cases I am never afraid to take advice from seniors. Also, sometimes I need to read about that disease and compare it with Ayurveda and find out a line of treatment as per Ayurveda.
From your experience Dr. Joshi, how effective is traditional medicine as a cure?
As I’m always saying in my addresses and lectures, Ayurveda is not only a medicinal science but a complete science of life, and I have experienced that the role of diet and lifestyle too proves effective in curing the diseases. On the whole if you treat with thorough Ayurveda approach, everything is possible. As a physician of Ayurveda, one must have faith in their system of medicine.
What do you think of Ayurveda’s future and its role in integrated medicine?
As you know, I (and my wife) am primarily dealing with the diseases like Psoriasis, Cancer, and Autoimmune Disorders, Ayurveda has immense potential and huge advantages that the world is only partially aware of. In our experience, the future of Ayurveda is bright, there’s no doubt about it. Sky's the limit. We got name and fame because of Ayurveda only.
Integrated approach is highly appreciated for diseases like Cancer where we are working on the management of side effects of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy. An integrated approach is better for the benefits of the patients who are critically ill.
Do you think Nirogstreet is making a difference by striving to connect the mainstream society exclusively to Ayurveda practitioners through dedicated technology platforms?
Yes, of course. The platform of Nirogstreet is going to be helpful for all young Ayurveda practitioners as well as senior practitioners. As we all must adopt new technology to reach to the grass-root levels, technology-driven Ayurveda shall make a huge difference in your (the practitioner’s) approach and also people’s approach towards you. We have experienced it and I appeal to all Ayurveda practitioners to adopt this technology-driven platform for the Upliftment of their practices and growth of Ayurveda. Networking with each other is always the key to success and better outcomes.
Any hobbies or activities you engage in, outside your professional life?
Yes, I love music, though I’m not a good singer, still I sing on karaoke. Also, I love to travel to the beautiful places of the world as an Ayurveda physician. I am fond of nature and also love to spend time with my family. I enjoy the company of my lovely daughter Bhakti and my wife Dr. Bhavna and my parents. At least once in a year, I go to out of India with my family. Besides all this, I am also engaged in different social activities related to education and social awareness.
What message would you like to convey to the people on Wellbeing?
I would like to convey my message to the people that life is precious, make it healthy and happy. Follow correct diet and lifestyle as per Ayurveda, as the main motive of Ayurveda is Swasthya-Swasthya Rakshanam. It implies we ought to prevent healthy person from any diseases. We want to create a Swastha Bharat, a disease-free society. Adopt Satvika Diet and live a disciplined lifestyle.
Moreover, avoid stress and irregularities in life. Take healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner in a timely manner, take proper sleep, spend time with your family. Go for nature walk, listen to music, develop spiritual strength. Be kind and honest which definitely would help you stay healthy physically and mentally. Jai Ayurveda, Jay Dhanwantari, Jai Hind.
Read More► Adopt Ayurveda And Understand Advantages Of Herbs: Dr. Anita Satyarthi
