Dr Ankur Kumar TANWAR responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
I always wanted to serve the needy, more so patients, from my childhood. My family would sometimes visit a government hospital, for treatment. I’d see people waiting for long hours, what with the number of doctors available being far too limited. This triggered my idea of being a doctor, especially in my formative years. My love for Ayurveda first began in the kitchen — when my mother gave home remedies to treat everyday ailments. It was much later that I got to know that Ayurveda was, by itself, a complete system of medicine. Agreed that I enrolled as a student of Ayurveda, by a quirk too, but I’ve always accepted, learned and practiced it, with all my mind and heart.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
My father Virender Tanwar was my inspiration. It was he that first thought I’d become a good Ayurveda physician and researcher. I believe that everything happens for a reason — this may have well led to my taking up Ayurveda. It’s a pleasure to serve Ayurveda; besides, I am proud to say that I’m the only individual from my family who has made Ayurveda, not just a profession, but also a mission.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
That I got into Ayurveda was one thing, but my love for it took more than just a bit of time. I began to accept Ayurveda as a way of life a tad slowly too — to lead a happy and healthy life. I read Ayurveda texts, practically every day, and there’s something new that I learn each time and apply them in my practice. The fact is the concept of Ayurveda is as old as the hills. I believe that Ayurveda has a bright future. It’s nothing short of a ‘back-to-the-future,’ go-to medicine — this has been an ongoing, enriching experience for me as a practicing Ayurveda physician.
What unique and special skills do you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
Discipline, compassion and a personalised approach to treating every patient as unique — these are qualities that has helped me a lot in my journey as a physician, researcher and academician.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness?
Optimal wellness is a balanced state of physical, mental, social and spiritual wellness. This is best achieved through holistic and integrative medicine. All systems, I believe, should join hands to achieve optimal well-being for the community, and also society — at large.
Your ‘best’ case?
This was a chronic case of psoriasis. It was one of my first cases too. I treated the patient with holistic Ayurveda and appropriate lifestyle changes. It took time, doubtless, but the best part is he responded favourably and is also free of his psoriatic distress for more than 4-5 years now.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
This was the case of male infertility. The patient, who was married for eight years, had a low sperm count, also low testosterone levels and libido. His spouse’s reports were all normal. We gave him panchakarma [yapana basti]. We, thereafter, got his reports done and they were normal. His testosterone levels too had markedly improved. His wife became pregnant subsequently, but sadly it ‘progressed’ to spontaneous abortion. The patient did not lose heart. He followed up with us for several months — but, there was, unfortunately, no turnaround, or success, in the case.
What appeals to you the most?
Discipline.
What annoys you the most?
Selfishness.
Your favourite book?
Munshi Premchand’s Godaan and Ravinder Singh’s I Too Had A Love Story.
Your favourite joke?
Nothing specific.
Your favourite song?
I love classical songs. I also love Andy Grammer’s Do not give up on me, from the movie, Five Feet Apart, and Kishore Kumar’s Nile nile ambar par from the album, Kalaakaar.
Your favourite movie?
Five Feet Apart [2019] and Ajooba [1990].
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
I loved How the Universe Works and Body Story [Discovery]. I’ve also loved CID from my childhood.
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Painting, writing and learning new things.
Your goal in life?
To start an integrated hospital in New Delhi, with all systems of medicine, under one roof.
