He is a synonym for toxicology for the natives of Balusseri. Kallada Parambil Chanthukutty Vaidyar, 102, with his myriad treatment methods and 75 years of experience, is still active in ‘visha vaidyam’ (treatment of snake bites). And the locals greatly admire his relentless service as a ‘visha vaidyar’.
According to Chanthukutty, who has been treating patients without charging any fee, one who has expertise in toxicology should not take it as a profession but a lofty concept. Explaining his stand, the generous medical practitioner said while taking it as a means for bread and butter, indirectly we wish for more snake bites to happen.
Chanthukutty, a close associate of Gandhi of Kerala, K Kelappan, turned to ‘visha vaidyam’ accidentally. When his Sanskrit education came to an abrupt end with his father’s illness, he did not sit idle, but tried his hand i several fields, including astrology, palmistry and finally ‘visha vaidyam’.
Chanthukutty picked up ‘visha vaidyam’from Chapootty Vaidyar, one of the renowned ‘vishaharis’ at Balusseri of that time.
‘‘A steady stream of patients in front of our home was a regular sight for us from our childhood itself,’’ recalled his son Kallada Parambil Raveendran. There were times when he used to treat patients, including infants and the aged, day and night, he said.
If the snake is not identified, Chanthukutty Vaidyar could know the type of snake by observing the symptoms.
“It is all about some calculations,’’ he smiled. ‘’From the initial word uttered by the person who accompanies the victim, his descriptions and the gestures lead me to name the snake and even its age,’’ said vaidyar. When it comes to snake bite, he depends on medicinal plants in his yard to eliminate toxin.
Unnikulam panchayat president K P Shyni said Chanthukutty Vaidyar exemplifies what an ayurvedic medical practitioner ought to be.
C Narayanan, a native of Nanmanda, credits vaidyar with saving his life.“I was about to die with drying up of mouth and shivering when I was taken to Chanthukutty Vaidyar. Initially, he told me there was nothing to worry. The confidence that he instilled in me brought me back to life,” he recalled.
Recently, the Traditional Ayurveda Vaidya Sangham in Kerala bestowed Vaidyakulapathi award on him. According to him, only a vaidyar (doctor) with empathy can administer medicines to patients. ‘‘Though I have been blessed with nine children, I have no descendants in toxicology,’’ he says.