Professor Namburi Hanumanta Rao: A master innovator who shaped Ayurveda Pharmaceutics

Abstract Many legendary Ayurvedic physicians in Andhra Pradesh have dedicated their lives to patronizing Ayurveda on par with the Allopathic system, and some contributed to Ayurveda through their research, practice, orientation, teaching, manufacturing of medicines, and publication. Namburi Hanumanta Rao (NHR) is a man with all the above skills. Prof. Rao is considered a great Ayurvedic scholar and pioneer in Rasashastra. Prof. Rao did his research in many branches of Ayurveda and had good practice, orientation, teaching ability, skills in manufacturing medicines, and publications. Prof. Rao contributed a lot to propagating Ayurveda on scientific lines. Prof. Rao established Dr. Rao’s Herbal Pharma Pvt. Ltd. in 1987. Diabetes, arthritis, and hair care are three significant components of his pharmacy. He published works like the Manual of Numburi Phased Spot Test (Qualitative standardization of Bhasmas and Sindhuras), Panchabhuta theory (A study of Panchabhuta at the molecular level), and the Nyaya Vaiseshika theory of the Evolution of the Universe closely correlates with the Big Bang theory of modern scientists. He established The Academy of Ayurveda, Sevaniketan, and Yoga Samaj organizations. He innovated many new techniques in Rsasasastra. NHR was a member of many governments and voluntary organizations, received many awards, presented scientific papers in many national and international seminars, visited foreign countries, and served to enrich the Ayurvedic system of medicine in the country and abroad. He was a highly respected personality whose life can be summarized with the quote, “Be Ayurvedist; be Proud of it.”