Volume 2, Issue 2

April 2009

Gandhigram floats
Dr. Soundram Trust
Gandhigram Trust was started in 1947 by
Dr. T.S. Soundram and a group of likeminded people. During the last 62 years the
institution has grown phenomenally and
the parent body has floated five
independent institutions to be managed
separately like Gandhigram Rural University,
Gandhigram Institute of Rural Health and
Family Welfare Trust, Lakshmi Seva
Sangham and Gandhigram Khadi and
Village Industries Public Charitable Trust.
These are independent and interconnected
at the same time.
During the past three years Gandhigram
Soundram Trust strategically wanted to
develop strong second line leaders to
conduct the affairs of the Trust. The Trust
formed a Central Core Committee and a
Core Committee in each unit and they have
been conducting many training
programmes in the objectives and
philosophy of the institutions and also on
modern concepts. The core committee
members were inducted in the Governing
Continued on Page 7

Inside
Editorial..........................................................2
Summer Ailments...........................................3
Ayurvedic Preventive Medicines for Summer
Ailments......................................................... 4

Regeneration of Traditional System of Medicine

Gandhigram's Lakshmi Seva Sangham - Opens
a Renovated Sales Outlet at Chennai
Lakshmi Seva Sangham (LSS)

Theni. The traditional Indian systems of health sciences of Siddha

is one of the Implementing

and Ayurveda provide a holistic method of treatment of human

Agencies of SFURTI,

health. These bodies of knowledge, through their time-tested

supported by Khadi and

wisdom, are a repository of a large number of pharmacopeia for

Village Industries

treating human ailments and illnesses. With least or no side effects

Commission, Mumbai to the

and long term benefits, the relevance of these medicines, are more

tune of Rs.1 crore. The main

pronounced in the highly complex modern life and its impact on

aim of the project is to

the human health.

sustain and develop

traditional industries. LSS
covered the region between
Sirumalai and Kodai hills

Mullai SHG Under SFURTI Opens an

Outlet at Kamalapuram............................... 6

which has tremendous

World Women's Day.................................... 6

medicinal plants and herbs.

GSR Training..................................................7

The major beneficiaries are

SFURTI project Reviewed by KVIC..............7

Exposure Visit................................................ 7
Sales Promotion Camp Under FORD
Foundation.....................................................8
Free Medical Camp at Thamaraikulam.......8

potential for cultivation of

collectors of herbs, barks,

seeds and roots, mostly
tribals, in the two districts of
Tamil Nadu - Dindigul and

Continued on Page 8

Editorial
Dr. T.S. Soundram
FOUNDER

Ayur Watch

Dear Friend,

A Lakshmi Seva Sangam Communiqu

Greetings from Lakshmi Seva Sangham (LSS)!

Mrs. Padmaja Rajagopalan
President

3.5

3.36

Dr.R. Kousalya Devi

Vic-president
M.R. Rajagopalan
Advisor

2.7

2.61

2006 - 2007

2007 - 2008

2.34

2.5
2
1.5

Shri.K. Shivakumar
Secretary

1.34

1
0.5
0

Editorial Team

2004 - 2005

Shri. K. Shivakumar

2005 - 2006

2008 - 2009

LSS team has achieved a Sales turnover of Rs. 3.37 Crores this year (2008 09). We

Dr. V. Balamurugan

have achieved this target through the support of Government Officials especially Shri

Dr. R. Ramesh

G. A. Rajkumar, IAS, Principal Secretary and Director of Indian Medicine and

Homeopathy and all DSMOs, ASMOs, Khadi & Sarvodhaya outlets and our trade

Design and Layout

partners.

JB Multimedia,

Gandhigram Trust was started in 1947 by Dr. T. S. Soundram Amma and a group of

info@jbmultimedia.com

people who had the same wave length in helping the poor. During the past sixty years,
the institution has developed tremendously and the parent body has branched into five

Address for communication

Lakshmi Seva Sangham
Gandhigram 624 302
Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu
Telephone: 0451 2452308
Fax: 0451 2453277

independent institutions. In remembrance of Soundram Amma, who sacrificed her life

for the downtrodden people in the society, a new trust has been established and
named 'Dr. Soundram Trust'. LSS handed over the printing press to Dr. Soundram Trust.
Gandhigram Trust has facilitated many Self Help Groups (SHGs) and formed federations
working along with Women Development Corporation and other Government
Institutions.

e-mail: info@glss.in, info@ayurwatch.com

www.ayurwatch.com, www.glss.in

LSS Vision
Social organization in the not for profit sector
for the welfare of people of concern
An ISO 9001:2000
Certified Institution

As a part of this strategy, we have initiated free medical treatment programmes in rural
areas. Help Age India has developed a model residential accommodation for elderly
people. In association with Help Age India, LSS organized a free Siddha & Ayurvedic
medical camp for the elderly people at the residential centre.
We are grateful for the financial support by KVIC (SFURTI) Mumbai and FORD
Foundation, New Delhi for the up-lift of rural artisans and marketing promotional
activities of LSS.

GMP Certified

Looking forward to your valuable response via email or the editorial address!
Thanking you

Certified Khadi & Village

Industries Commission, Mumbai
NSIC Certified
For private circulation only

Yours sincerely

LSS Team

Summer Ailments
Summer is a wonderful time of boisterous outdoor life for most

sponge or soak the affected area in cold water for 15 minutes and

parts of the world. The cooler regions of the earth await the

then apply calamine or similar other soothing lotion if no blister

summer heat with sweet expectations. But in countries like India

appears. In case of blisters, medical assistance may be sought.

where the sweltering summer months suck the sap out of every

Heat exhaustion is caused by overexertion, hot weather or illness.

soul summer is not always a sweet experience. More ailments

The signs are sweating, clammy skin, headache, nausea, dizziness,

strike the body during summer than in other seasons, as the heat

confusion and cramps. After moving to a cool place, making him

makes body weak and more susceptible to illnesses and the

lie down and elevating his legs, give plenty of cool water with salt

warmth increases viral activity.

(one teaspoon per quart) and then transport him to a medical

Heat fever, viral infection especially affecting the upper respiratory

center.

tract, skin ailments, allergic manifestations and allergic asthma,

Heat stroke results from prolonged heat exhaustion, fever or heat

gastro enteritis, muscle cramps due to dehydration, exhaustion,

exposure. The body can no longer cool itself. Signs are dryness,

skin rashes, lung and nasal congestion, nausea, sore throat, chest

red hot skin, absence of sweating, high fever, vomiting, rapid and

pain, etc., are the general ailments related to summer season,

shallow breathing and seizures. Take him to a medical center as

even without being exposed to the hot sun.

soon as possible. First aid is to lower the body temperature by

Excessive exposure to the sun may cause three ailments which are

wrapping him in a cool, wet sheet and placing icepacks against his

direct and dangerous effects of the summer sun. These are

neck. If water or ice is not available, fan the victim. Reduce the

sunburn, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

body temperature to at least 100.4 F. After the temperature falls

The signs of sunburn are red skin, pain and blistering. After
moving the person to shade and providing cool water to drink,

to the target level, replace the wet blanket with a dry one.
Continue to monitor the body temperature and breathing and
return to cooling the body, if the temperature rises again.

3
5

Ayurvedic Preventive Medicines for Summer Ailments

There are several ayurvedic preparations that can protect you against the heat-related ailments
and ameliorate the symptoms after you have already been affected. Lehyams (paste form) like
nannari, sathavari, gulkhand, venpoosani, jeeragabilavadi and Chandra prabha vati, liquid
medicines like nerungil, silasathu, tablets like sirupeelai choornam tablet and oils like
ponnankanni thailam are good siddha ayurvedic medications that are preventive and curative
against heat-related ailments.

Nannari Lehyam
This is a semi-solid paste-form medication containing nannari, biswaise, sombu, santhanam and nilavarai. It
reduces the excess heat in the body, generated during long travel or otherwise, anal heat and micturation
and increases urine output. It is also a good laxative and blood purifier and controls skin rashes. It also
reduces body odor by controlling excessive sweating.

Sathavari Lehyam
This is also a paste-form medication that is used as a recuperative and restorative tonic in the treatment of
emaciating diseases. It reduces body heat and is useful in urinary disorders. It has also beneficial properties
in uterine ailments and is a neural tonic for both men and women.

Venpoosani Lehyam
Venpoosani juice, thazhamvizhundu juice, thennampalai juice, lime juice, ghee, honey, etc. go into the
making of this paste-form medication. It has cooling and aphrodisiac effects. It has curative properties in
leucorrhoea and inflammations of the uro-genital organs.

Jeeraka Bilavadi Lehyam

This paste-form medicine has great digestive and carminative properties with cooling effect and can be used
by men and women. It is made from jeerakam, sukku, pepper, thippili, cardamom, etc. It cures leucorrhoea
and ulcer, increases milk secretion in lactating mothers and controls the burning sensation inside the

Chandraprabha Vati
Made from guggulu, gomoothra, silajit,lohabhasma, etc, this medicine helps increase secretion of urine. By
promoting the excretion of salts and water, it helps in controlling the formation of kidney stones and cures
disorders of the kidney, heart, liver and lungs. It can also be used as a haematinic and general tonic.

Nerunjil Kudineer
This powder, made from nerunjil, vellari vidai, nelli vatral, etc., can be made into a medicinal decoction by
mixing with water and boiling till the volume is reduced to one sixth. It is a great diuretic and reduces
edematous swellings and ascitics. It also helps in controlling the formation of kidney stones and strengthens
the nerves.

Sirupeelai Choornam Tablet

As a combination of sirupeelai choornam kashayam powder and nandukkal parpam, this tablet has
preventive and curative properties in the treatment of kidney stones.

Ponnankanni Thailam
Ponnankanni, karisalai, coconut oil, etc. go into the making of this oil. It can be applied to the scalp in the
morning and toes before going to bed for cooling the body. It soothes and softens the skin. It reduces
dryness of the skin and improves vision by reducing heat through prolonged use. It can be used as a regular
oil for bath also.

Gulkhand
A semi-solid medication prepared from the petals of fresh rose, sugar and honey, Gulkhand keeps the body
cool and relieves constipation. It controls excessive sweating and body odor and gives relief to pregnant
women suffering from constipation. The whole process of manufacturing is carried out under sunlight.

Mullai SHG Under SFURTI Opens an Outlet at Kamalapuram

To create awareness among the people about the importance of

Shri M. T. Wakode, Divisional Director, KVIC, Madurai opened the

Siddha and Ayurveda, various camps are conducted in the project

outlet and started the first sales. Shri Sivanandha Doss, Branch

area of SFURTI. As part of the programme one of the SHGs

Manager, State Bank of India distributed the linkage loan to the

among 35 groups formed in this project, MULLAI started a sales

members of SHG. Shri M. R. Rajagopalan, Secretary of

outlet to sell the Siddha and Ayurveda medicines at Kamalapuram

Gandhigram Trust, Shri K. Shivakumar, Secretary of Lakshmi Seva

village of Nilakottai Block, Dindigul District on 27th February

Sangham, Shri K. Joseph, General Manager, Lakshmi Seva

2009. It is expected that there is a lot of scope for the use of

Sangham and Shri M. A. Jeyakannan, Nodal Officer, SFURTI, KVIC

traditional medicines in that area, and the response from the

Madurai, attended the function.

public is very good.

World Women's Day

Every year the world women's day is celebrated at LSS in a grand

participate in the game without inhibitions and to develop a

manner. Like always, this year also the Lakshmi Seva Sangham

feeling of celebration. Two ice-breaking games were conducted

celebrated the World Women's Day at Gandhigram on 07th

which made the participants relieved of their day-to-day stress.

March 2009. This programme mainly aimed at motivating the

The participants enthusiastically participated in the games.

women employees of LSS. This programme helps to recognize

After the games, the women staff assembled in the prayer hall.

and honour the women staff and their hard work. Dr. Malathy

Dr. R. Kamatchi, Deputy Production Manager welcomed the

Production Manager of the LSS, presided over the function and

gathering. Dr. P. Malathy, Production Manager delivered the chief

Ms. Neela, District Chairperson, Child Rights Committee and Mrs.

guest address. In her speech, she said that women should be

Jeyanthi, Secretary, N. Panchampatti, Leader, Panchayat Women's

empowered and they should exhibit their talents to the world. She

Federation, felicitated the function.

also said that women were performing and achieving in all fields

To celebrate the World Women's day, playoffs were conducted by

of human endeavour on a par with men.

Ms. Manjula, Project Coordinator, Ford Foundation Project. These

Ms. Neela, District Chairperson Child Rights Committee, in her

games were organized to encourage the women staff to

felicitation address pointed out that women have to be polite,

humble and be strong enough to face the challenges of day-today life. She also reiterated that women could avoid divorces by
resolving the issue at the earliest in a polite manner. She said that
we could be modern, but, at the same time, we should not forget
our tradition and culture. On behalf of all the women staff, Mrs.
Geetha, Accounts Assistant, thanked Ms. Neela & Mrs. Jeyanthi
and she also promised that the women workers would follow the
advice offered by the guests of honour. LSS distributed
compliments to all the women staff. Ms. K. Kousalya conveyed the
vote of thanks on behalf of the LSS team to the guests.

GSR Training
A three days training programme for Gandhigram Sales
Representatives (GSRs) of SFURTI for the promotion of Siddha
and Ayurveda medicines in rural areas was organized by SFURTI
at Lakshmi Seva Sangham from 20th to 22nd march 2009. Shri
R. Ramesh, AGM, NABARD, Dindigul District inaugurated the
training and gave a speech which motivated the participants. A
team of doctors in LSS and other experts from Gandhigram Khadi
Trust gave a lecture about the importance and usage methods of
Siddha & Ayurveda medicines as well as the village industries
products produced by Gandhigram Trust. A kit consisting of GSR
bag and book was issued to the participants by Shri T. V. Antony,
former Chief Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu. The
members started their sales from the day itself.

Exposure Visit
The artisans involved in collection and cultivation of herbal plants
were taken into Inba Seva Sangham (ISS), Sevapur in Karur District
from 26th to 28th March 2009 in three batches. ISS has a herbal
garden which is seventh biggest in the World. They are growing
253 varieties of plants including trees, shrubs, herbs etc. The
artisans were taken into ISS and a team of technical persons

planning to initially take over the Gandhigram Printing Press from

LSS Gandhigram Trust has facilitated many Self Help Groups
(SHGs) and formed federations working along with Women
Development Corporation and other Government Institutions.
There is likelihood that these units may be delinked in the long run
perhaps due to possible legislations of the government. Dr.
Soundram Trust is planning to develop nonmathi groups in the
areas and strengthen the SHGs independently. They may also be
helped to form federations and other related micro enterprise
activities. Natural Dye is one of the strong points of Gandhigram
Trust and Gandhigram wants to involve more rural people and
develop a separate industrial unit. The surplus of the Trust will be
utilized for running Children's Home. These are all only some of
the seeds which we are sowing and hope and pray the
beneficiaries, who are helping to involve in the governance and
the second line of Gandhigram Trust, will make these dreams

explained the name, local name, scientific name and parts used of
the plants and diseases cured by the plants elaborately. The
artisans were very much interested and identified many plants as
herbals which are all available in their areas. They also assured to
collect the plants from their areas without destroying their
procreative prospects.
Continued from Page1

Board of the Trust and in other important positions. But it was not
possible to accommodate more of them in the direct governance
process. There are certain activities of business nature and the
committees could not be expanded due to legal constraints.
Hence, there was a need felt for floating another organisation
and a new Trust under the name and style of Dr. Soundram Trust
in memory of Dr. Soundram who toiled all her life for the people
at the bottom rung of the society.

SFURTI Project Reviewed by KVIC

The project Scheme of Funds for Regeneration of Traditional
Industries (SFURTI) was reviewed by the Divisional Director and
Nodal officer of SFURTI, Madurai from 18 - 22nd of March
2009. The team visited all the villages where SFURTI scheme is
implemented and interacted with them about the benefits
enjoyed by them from this project, problems faced by the

The Trustees have been considerably guided by Dr. Soundram in

working with the development activities. Dr. Soundram Trust is en's

artisans and the requirements in future.

Sales Promotion Camp Under FORD Foundation

Madurai
With the aim of increasing the sales of Siddha and Ayurvedic medicines
in the local market, a sales promotion camp was organized and
conducted by LSS on 06.03.09 at Madurai. The programme was part
of the activities of the Ford Foundation project, New Delhi. Totally fifty
nine traditional Siddha & Ayurvedic practitioners (SMP, RMP, RIMP,

their experience about the usage and values of Siddha and Ayurvedic
medicines in utilizing their LSS products. This programme helped us to
provide detailed information about the organization and products &
their quality. This programme was an opportunity to bridge the gap
between the traditional Siddha & Ayurvedic practioners and LSS (i.e.
between the customer and producer).

RSMP, DSM, RHMP and ESMP) from in and around Madurai,

Ooty

participated in the programme. This programme helps us to provide

LSS plans to concentrate on promoting the sales of its medicinal

detailed information about the organization, the range of products &

products through private marketing. It was made possible with the

their quality. It also creates an opportunity to bridge the gap between

financial support of FORD Foundation, New Delhi. With this plan, a

the traditional Siddha & Ayurvedic Practitioners and LSS (i.e. between

sales promotion camp for Siddha & Ayurvedic medicines has been

the customer and producer). Mr. C. Vellaipazham, Deputy General

organized at Ooty on 31-03-09, to make the 25 siddha vaithyas to

Manager of LSS gave brief description about the organizational genesis

understand the quality of the products, their uses and the benefits

and its development. Dr. P. Sakthiranjan, Quality Control Manager, gave

available to those purchasing the products.

a talk on quality of the medicines manufactured in LSS and interacted

with the Siddha & Ayurvedic Practitioners and clarified their doubts.

Sivagangai
A Sales Promotion Camp for Siddha & Ayurvedic medicines was
organized at Sivagangai on 25.03.09. Nearly 34 Siddha Vaithiyas
participated in the programme. Some of the Siddha Vaithiyas shared

Continued from Page1

Lakshmi Seva Sangham planned to propagate traditional systems of
medicines through the marketing outlets. Our Chennai showroom at
Purasaivakkam was renovated under Market Promotion Assistance of
SFURTI project and was opened on 16th February 2009 by Shri G. A.

Free Medical Camp at Thamaraikulam

Rajkumar, I.A.S., Principal Secretary and Director of Indian Medicine

and Homeopathy, Government of Tamil Nadu. Shri I. Jawahar, State
Director, KVIC lighted Kuthuvilakku and initiated the first sales. Dr. R.
Kousalya Devi, Managing Trustee of Gandhigram Trust, presided over
the function. Khadi Bhavan and Sarvodhaya Sangh representatives
attended.

Help Age India is a non- governmental organization which serves the

destitute and uncared elderly people of India. It serves as the residence
for the senior citizens offering care and support in their last stage of
life. Help Age International helps older people claim their rights,
challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead
dignified, secure, active and healthy lives. In association with Help age
India, Gandhigram Lakshmi Seva Sangham organized a free Siddha &
Ayurvedic medical camp and a seminar on Rights of the Elders &
Livelihood for the Elders has been organized on 17.03.09 at
Thamaraikulam, Cuddalore District. In this camp, approximately eighty
senior citizens participated and benefited. Dr. S. Mariappan, Manager
System & operation, LSS gave a lecture on the above mentioned topics.
Shri K. Shivakumar, Secretary of LSS participated and graced the
programme.