Updated Sep 23, 2025 17:21 IST
A Living Legacy
The Thekkayil family has been synonymous with Ayurveda in northern Kerala for centuries. This tradition began with Late Thekkayil Achuthan Vaidyar, a revered physician remembered for his wisdom and service to society. It was carried forward by his son, Thekkayil Choyikutty Vaidyar, and later enriched by Thekkayil Kaviraj T.P. Vaidyar, each contributing medical expertise and a spirit of compassion that shaped today’s institution. The establishment of Sree Subramania Ayurvedic Nursing Home in 1972 marked the institutionalisation of this family heritage. For five decades it has offered authentic Ayurvedic treatments to thousands of patients while preserving the integrity of classical practices.
At the forefront of the institution’s modern journey is Sri Rajaratnam Vaidyar, the respected Chief Physician. Recognised for his lifetime contribution to Ayurveda and society, he was conferred the prestigious title of Bhishak Ratna by the Calicut Corporation in 2000. Under his guidance, the nursing home has strengthened its clinical excellence and broadened its outreach to patients across India and abroad.
Centre of Excellence for Chronic Ailments
Over the last 50 years, Sree Subramania Ayurvedic Nursing Home has emerged as a trusted centre for the treatment of arthritis, spine-related disorders and chronic conditions. Patients seek care for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cervical and lumbar spondylosis, sciatica, disc disorders and chronic back pain.
In keeping with the ethos of Ayurveda, the institution extends free treatment and medicines to economically disadvantaged patients, ensuring that traditional care remains accessible to all.
Supporting its clinical work is a 10-acre herbal garden cultivating a wide variety of medicinal plants. Alongside this stands a GMP-certified medicine production unit guaranteeing the highest quality standards in Ayurvedic formulations. These facilities together form the backbone of the nursing home’s authentic and sustainable approach to healing.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations were held in Kozhikode with great reverence. The event was inaugurated by Member of Parliament Sri M.K. Raghavan. District Collector Sri Snehil Kumar Singh IAS released the Jubilee publication Atmanuṣṭāna: Alchemy of Daily Living, authored by Dr Sanand Ratnam, while Calicut City Mayor Dr Beena Philip joined dignitaries in commemorating the milestone.
This year’s celebrations also coincided with the 10th Ayurveda Day, observed under the theme “Ayurveda for People and Planet.” Another highlight was the unveiling of Karva Ayurveda, a new initiative aimed at expanding the reach of Ayurveda and integrating it with wellness tourism.
During the function, all staff members of the nursing home were personally honoured by Chief Physician Sri Rajaratnam Vaidyar in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the institution’s five-decade journey. This gesture reflected the organisation’s emphasis on teamwork and the collective spirit behind its success.
Voices from the Institution
Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Sanand Ratnam, Chief Medical Officer, said:
“Our Golden Jubilee is not merely a celebration of 50 years of service, but also a tribute to our forefathers — Late Thekkayil Achuthan Vaidyar, Thekkayil Choyikutty Vaidyar and Thekkayil Kaviraj T.P. Vaidyar — whose vision and healing touch laid the foundation for this journey. We take pride in having touched countless lives through the treatment of chronic conditions while upholding our duty to serve the underprivileged through free care. Our 10-acre herbal garden and GMP-certified production unit continue to anchor authentic, sustainable Ayurveda. Inspired by this lineage and guided by our Chief Physician Sri Rajaratnam Vaidyar, we remain committed to carrying Ayurveda forward in the service of both humanity and the planet.”
Looking Ahead
As the nursing home enters its next chapter, the management plans to deepen its outreach and strengthen its clinical capabilities while retaining the authenticity of its Ayurvedic practices. With the launch of Karva Ayurveda, it envisions a future where traditional healthcare merges seamlessly with preventive wellness and sustainable tourism.
The Golden Jubilee thus served not only as a commemoration of past achievements but also as a platform to reaffirm the institution’s commitment to holistic healing. For patients and practitioners alike, Sree Subramania Ayurvedic Nursing Home continues to be a beacon of trust, blending centuries-old wisdom with modern standards of care.
(No ET Now Journalists are involved in creation of this article.)
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