It’s a medical conference like no other. The Vaidya, also known as Jaankaar in local parlance, of the Kondh tribe of Odisha have realised the need for communication to perpetuate their traditional knowledge and have hit upon a novel way to do so – with an annual gathering.
During the fortnight-long conference, these ‘wise men’ pool their resources with the aim to create a single large knowledge base.
The first of these confrences was held in 2015-16 under the aegis of the Association for Rural Area Social Modification, Improvement and Nestling (ARASMIN) at Sarangada in G Udayagiri Block of Kandhamal.
What began with 30 Jaankaars has now expanded to 240 villages in Kandhmal and 60 each in Bolangir and Kalahandi.
The traditional rituals and herbal medicines of the Vaidya are fast being encroached upon by modern concepts of health, hygiene and medical science
The Vaidya, or local naturopathy practitioner, has been an intrinsic part of society since the beginning of civilisation. These knowledgeable individuals have always commanded respect among the tribes due to the vast repertoire of herbal treatments at their disposal.
However, not having changed with time, this traditional science is fast being encroached upon by modern concepts of health, hygiene and medical science. Some tantra (rituals) and mantra (chants) are now extinct.
Raghunath Deheria, a Jaankaar of Gambhariguda village in Bolangir. Cites the example of a mantra-activated hunting weapon of their forefathers that has now disappeared, saying, “This weapon more or less resembled boomerangs that aborigines in Australia had used.”
Raghunath also claims to have acquired knowledge of more than 15 herbal medicines from these tribal conferences.
Another Jaankaar, Kita Deheria of Gabarbhasa of Bolangir, explains attendance. “Only one Jaankaar, who also performs rites and rituals to worship the earth, hills and trees on behalf of his villagers, represents his area at a conference. The meet is held annually at the district-level for a larger congregation.”
Deheria refuses to give details of his treatments to a non-Jaankaar. But explains their position, saying, “We never prolong our treatment on a patient if his condition is extremely serious. We advise him to go to the nearest hospital.”
He insists that the conference not only expands their horizons. But also helps the Jaankaars realise their limitations when it comes to treatment.
BR Routray, secretary of ARASMIN, says, “Their conference is not just a serious talkathon. Feasts and fun are also organised.” All in all, it’s a 15-day junket of sorts for these tribal doctors.
