Dr Pankaj AGGARWAL responds to ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Why and how did you think of becoming a doctor?
My doting dad, Dr M L Agrawal, was a renowned homeopathic physician. That I was fortunate to work in his clinic since my childhood was a huge plus. It aroused my interest in homeopathy. It also instilled in me that fundamental credo — how respectful our profession always is. This was my eureka moment. I just followed my inner call and became a homeopathic physician.
What made you think of, study and specialise in the system of medicine you now practice?
I was witness to seeing positive, as also a host of amazing, results at my father’s clinic. I remember cases, such as gangrene, being treated successfully by my father. He would tend to such patients — with dressing and sundry — and, I was like his ward boy getting warm water, medicine, etc. I can never ever forget one instance when a patient knocked at our door at 4:00am, one wintry morning. He was a regular visitor to the clinic. He was horrified — he could not raise his hands. His forearms were paralysed. I made him sit comfortably. I quickly informed my father. My father came and examined him and told me to bring just one homeopathic medicine. I gave him one dose of it. My father now asked me get some tea. The man was aghast. He said how could he hold the cup, much less sip his tea. My father just laughed. The tea was soon served. I could not believe my eyes — my father and his patient were enjoying their tea. He left our home at 7:00am with a huge smile. His fully reassured and happy countenance spoke a language like no other. Of huge relief. Just imagine a young aspiring boy, as I was, seeing such miraculous cases, by way of routine — I just wanted to be like Dr M L Agrawal. My admiration for my father was enormous. For over three decades, I’ve been following his footsteps and trying to match his awesome proficiency with diligence and fidelity.
What has been your personal and professional experience as a doctor?
I treat myself and my family with homeopathy only. I tested positive for COVID-19 twice. The infection was moderately severe. I got cured with homeopathy. My daughter, Dr Saleha Aggarwal, MD [Hom], is a homeopathic paediatrician. In my three decades of practice, I have cured a variety of cases — of all types, the general and the complicated, right from chronic sinusitis, atopic dermatitis [eczema], cancer, kidney failure and myasthenia gravis, among others. I am convinced that homeopathy can treat most degenerative diseases, provided the homeopathic doctor does their job meticulously; else, failure is most likely. For me, the practice of homeopathy is more than a profession. It is my passion.
What unique and special skills you think you have that has made the big difference for your patients?
As my patients and friends often say, ‘patience.’ This is one quality that gives me the courage to delve deep into every case, find out the ‘root cause,’ and also the appropriate homeopathic remedy. I recall one case in point. This gentleman came to me for inveterate sinusitis. It took me more than an hour to evaluate his case. I just told him to ‘weep well.’ It is possible that when one holds their tears, to prove a point, and for whatever reason, it may not be the right thing. It’d just be the bizarre ‘trigger’ for sinusitis. If this becomes a habit, it is anybody’s guess. He was surprised with my diagnosis. Well, the best part is he followed my advice, along with a homeopathic remedy, and his sinus distress is now a thing of the past.
What is your best definition of optimal wellness and why?
Wellness is a feeling of well-being, based on three cardinal principles. One, a feeling of connectedness, or harmonious relationship with the world around you. Two, the full awareness of your thoughts in the present-moment. Just think of it. Many hours are lost — yet, we are unaware about what are we thinking. Three, your goal. Most people, today, I reckon, do not know their goal. In fact, when we keep in mind the triad, and work on them, we can script our birth and death too. Also, anyone who is adept with the three principles will understand and also boost their wellness quotient, or index.
Your ‘best’ case?
This was a case of gangrene. A gentleman came and informed me that his relative was in hospital ready for surgery of the great toe and, maybe, more. He told me, “I’ve come to you because you must have learnt its treatment from your father.” So, I went to the hospital and saw the patient. I gave him the homeopathic medicine, which I thought, was most appropriate for him. The crucial question was: what about surgery? I told him that the great toe was in extremely bad shape. It was beyond medical treatment. The specialist quickly decided to amputate the whole leg, up to the knee. I told him, rest assured, that he’d be free of any complication. And, yes, he was fine in a month’s time.
Your ‘not-so-good’ case?
All cases of diabetes and epilepsy have been my utter failures. I am working on them, learning and exploring the best methodology to arriving at the right homeopathic remedy — for such cases.
What appeals to you the most?
A sense of gratitude that one should always have.
What annoys you the most?
Egoistic propensity; also, ‘I, me, myself’ attitude.
Your favourite book?
The Turning Point by Fritjof Capra, the noted physicist. It made me transform my way of thinking.
Your favourite joke?
The best joke is when anyone says, “I can do it.” It’s the best joke, because now I know, with experience, that it’s a delusion. It is He, up there and above us, who does everything.
Your favourite song?
Aa chal ke tujhe mein leke chalo/Ek aise gagan ke tale [Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein/Kishore Kumar]. My eyes well up when I recall the song. I am actually playing it right now, while keying in, or typing, my responses to the ThinkWellness360 questionnaire.
Your favourite movie?
3 Idiots.
Your favourite TV, Netflix show?
All period and music-related serials/shows. Bandish Bandits is, by far, the best I’ve watched recently.
Your other interests, or hobbies?
Walking, especially with people having special knowledge of religion, music, psychology, history and, of course, homeopathy. Also, reading books on the subjects cited.
Your goal in life?
To taking homeopathy, the safe, gentle system of medicine, in my own humble way, along with professional homeopaths around the world, to the next level, and making it the first choice of treatment in every home — a boon to humanity.
Fantastic interview. Your expressions are apt, frank, honest, and also candid.
Thank you, Sir, for your comment.
Nicely articulated. Very impressive, Doc.