Saturday, September 6, 2025

UDLCO CRH: Temple driven education and healthcare ecosystems in ancient India

Summary with Keywords:


The transcript discusses *Appan Venkatesha Perumal Kovil* in Thirumukkudal, Tamil Nadu, which dates back to the *11th century Chola Empire* under King *Veera Rajendra*, son of Emperor Rajendra Chola. This temple contains an *inscription* describing an attached *hospital*, one of the earliest known in India, following the *Girnar Rock Edict* of *Emperor Ashoka*. The hospital had *15 beds*, designated staff including a *physician*, *surgeon*, *nurses*, and other support roles like a *barber* and *washerman*. It provided *Ayurvedic treatments* for conditions such as *mental disorders*, *jaundice*, and *lung diseases*, using remedies from ancient texts like the *Charaka Samhita* and *Susrutha Samhita*. Students lived in a *hostel* with basic amenities like mats and hot water, and treatments were *free of charge* for them and the staff.

*Keywords*: Thirumukkudal, Chola Empire, Veera Rajendra, Ayurvedic hospital, ancient medicine, Girnar Rock Edict, Charaka Samhita, Susrutha Samhita, Tamil Brahmi, mental disorders, Dashamoola Hareetaki.

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Conversational learning transcripts:

[28/08, 23:03]hu1: 

Ancient India:-





*Appan Venkatesha Perumal Kovil* , at Thirumukkudal, Tamilnadu has an ancient Ayurvedic touch. This temple though having mythological origins linked to the legendary King Thondaiman (who is believed to have built Tirupati Balaji Temple), archeological evidences link the temple to 11th Century during the reign of King Veera Rajendra, son of Emperor Rajendra Chola of Chola Empire.  This temple has a long 50+ lines inscription, which mentions of an attached hospital.

This is probably second of its kind (first and oldest evidence being in the Girnar Rock Edict Inscription of Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire), which mentions different details about the hospital. It had 15 beds for patient admission, and comprised designated staff to perform various duties:

A Doctor/Physician (very surprising to note that physician name is also mentioned), a Surgeon, male nurses who brought herbs and firewood and prepared medicines, and took care of other administrative needs, 2 female nurses, a barber, a washer man, a potter, a gatekeeper and few more staff for record maintenance. 

It had attached hostel, and students had a burning lamp for the whole night. They were given mats for sleeping, and hot water provision was given once a week for bath. Different forms of drugs were prepared in the hospital like medicated ghee, medicated oils, and medicated water combinations.  It also mentioned a few therapies like nasya (nasal drug administration) etc. Few drugs used at the hospital were mentioned in the inscription, which are still in today's use by Ayurveda Physicians, few having their origins from ancient Indian medical treatises like Charaka Samhita and Susrutha Samhita, like

Dashamoola Hareetaki
Panchaka Tailam
Lashuna Eranda Tailam
Kalyana Lavanam
Vajra kalpam
Mandura Vatakam
Bilvadi Ghritam

They treated medical conditions like hemorrhage, lung diseases, fatigue, mental disorders, jaundice and eye and skin diseases. The students and staff had treatment free of charge at the hospital.

It's astonishing to find these inscriptions related to ancient medical practices, and throws light on the practices back then, and tries to bridge the gaps in between.


[29/08, 10:04]hu2: Wow! Is there a URL for this travelogue?

[29/08, 10:04]hu1: No sir.

[29/08, 10:05]hu1: I went there recently

[29/08, 10:05]hu1: So just made this

[29/08, 10:05]hu1: Though there are articles on this




[29/08, 10:05]hu2: Better blog and archive it

Please share the reference articles


[29/08, 10:06]hu2: What script is this? Were you able to read it?


[29/08, 10:06]hu2: Yes sir it's tamil brahmi


[29/08, 10:06]hu1: I can decipher brahmi sir but not tamil brahmi


[29/08, 10:08]hu2: Seen this one nearby?👇

The image depicts #adi_vinayaka, a rare form of the Hindu deity Ganesha with a human head, before he was decapitated by his father, Shiva. 

 Also known as #nara_mukha_vinayaka.
Location: Primarily worshipped at the Sri Muktheeshwarar Temple in #thilatharpanapuri, Tamil Nadu.



[29/08, 10:08]hu1: Yes sir I visited this temple as well


[29/08, 10:08]hu1: I was on a 10 day trip covering temples of Tamilnadu


[29/08, 10:10]hu1: This is Girnar Rock Edict of Emperor Ashoka sir. This is earliest inscriptions about Ashoka establishing hospitals





[29/08, 10:10]hu1: @ Gujrat


[29/08, 10:10]hu1: This is pure Brahmi

Thematic Analysis:

1. *Historical Significance*:
The temple and its inscriptions highlight the *advanced healthcare practices* of the Chola era, predating many modern systems. The detailed record of hospital management reflects the *sophistication of ancient Indian medicine*.

2. *Integration of Ayurveda*:
The hospital employed treatments rooted in *Ayurvedic principles*, including *nasya (nasal therapies)* and medicated oils, showcasing the enduring relevance of traditional Indian medicine.

3. *Social Welfare*:
The hospital provided *free treatments* to staff and students, emphasizing the *egalitarian approach* of the Chola administration toward healthcare.

4. *Education and Infrastructure*:
The attached *hostel for students* with provisions like lamps and hot water indicates a focus on *medical education and training*, a rare concept for that time.

5. *Epigraphic and Linguistic Insight*:
The *Tamil Brahmi script* used in the inscription underscores the *rich linguistic heritage* and the meticulous documentation practices of the Cholas.

6. *Comparison to Other Ancient Systems*:
The mention of the hospital in Thirumukkudal alongside the *Girnar Rock Edict* of Ashoka shows a continuity of *institutional healthcare* in India, bridging gaps in historical knowledge.

This transcript provides a fascinating glimpse into the *interplay of healthcare, education, and governance* in ancient Tamil Nadu, offering a model of community-oriented medical support.


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UDLCO CRH: The importance of celebrating introns (non events or ordinary events) in our life trajectory other than exons (apparently significant events)

Summary:


The conversation reflects on the significance of *introns* (ordinary or non-events) and *exons* (significant events) in one's life trajectory, drawing parallels between the biological analogy and human experiences. Participants discuss career aspirations, life fulfillment, and the importance of celebrating everyday moments rather than focusing solely on major milestones. The dialogue explores themes of *self-reflection*, *life purpose*, and the balance between material and immaterial achievements. References to *Satyajit Ray's storytelling* and *Bibhuti Bhushan's narrative* emphasize the beauty of ordinary events in life, advocating for a mindset that values simplicity and immediate joys without attachment to future outcomes.

Key Words
- *Introns*
- *Exons*
- *Satyajit Ray*
- *Bibhuti Bhushan*

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Conversational Transcripts:

[30/08, 4:58am]hu1 (explaining career options to a young student) : What do you gain... Apart from the good feeling and good karma

1. Potential for major research papers in tech... 

2. Potential for national international awards


[30/08, 06:37]hu1: @⁨hu2 what's your perspective on what point of view I may be missing?

Not that I will agree with you, nor do we need to agree in our perspective, but very few people around me right now who I can ask that question of...

Either they lack the maturity, or I cannot for sake of possible professional recovery (or rivalry).


[30/08, 07:34]hu2: I feel you limited your potential to 1 and 2 alone as mentioned in your text to a young student embarking on his her career.

I feel your potential is much beyond that and again these goals of leaving material value for your children may not be what will bring about fulfillment but you have already made your life trajectory as far as quest for truth is concerned worthy of emulation.

I still believe you need to look beyond your current close circle of family and friends as in propagating a material value for your work and instead pitch for what you have already laid out as a  singular value that will blossom post singularity (and I'm also aware you have done your best on that and currently are trying your best to manage your immediately closer biting realities).

So in essence I see no problems in what and where you currently are and it's just a passing phase in your life event trajectory that has to consist of introns (non events) and exons (significant event drivers). 

Currently your life has too many exons and here's a fantastic dramatic sketch of how Bibhuti Bhushan wanted to propagate and celebrate the introns in people's lives: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aw3T5XNMX/?mibextid=oFDknk


While I may have shared this text meaning you, on a second read, I realised it's equally true of me as well as many others!

[31/08, 14:42]hu1: TLDR : Even now I don't see how I could have done any different. There was no AI (LLM type... Though I did use a lot of automation)

...

I have been busy. Saying this without arrogance. 

Been busy since I was a 11 year old. Expected folks to take the share of the credit (equal share), and in return take care of the "worldly" stuff

Even now some work remains (pre Singularity)... But mostly publish and release

Once that is done I can return to a "normal" researcher life. Focus on .., ... and the ... stuff for a post Singularity world


[31/08, 15:25]hu2: Yes I meant do all these as if it was the same as ploughing the land and cutting grass without any expectations of future returns except for the immediate ones as in the smile of a child playing in the mud or that reflected in the eyes of a cow munching grass







Thematic Analysis
1. Introns vs. Exons in Life
- *Introns (Non-events)*: Represent the ordinary, unnoticed moments that provide depth and meaning to life, such as the smile of a child or the simple joy of nature.
- *Exons (Significant Events)*: Symbolize the major milestones or achievements that drive progress, such as research papers, awards, and material contributions. The conversation critiques the overemphasis on these events, suggesting a need for balance.

2. Self-Reflection and Perspective
- Participants engage in *self-reflection*, questioning their life choices and whether focusing on significant events (exons) alone brings true fulfillment.
- *Perspective*: Encouragement to transcend immediate circles (family, friends) and focus on broader contributions to truth and humanity.

3. Quest for Truth and Fulfillment
- The importance of pursuing a higher purpose is emphasized, with the quest for truth seen as a life trajectory worthy of emulation.
- Fulfillment is positioned as a balance between *material achievements* and *immediate joys*, advocating for simplicity and detachment from expectations.

4. Post-Singularity Vision
- The idea of "Singularity" reflects a phase of transformation where the individual's work blossoms into broader societal or universal value.
- Participants discuss pre-Singularity tasks, such as publishing and releasing work, before transitioning to a simpler lifestyle focused on meaningful contributions to a post-Singularity world.

5. Celebration of Ordinary Moments
- Drawing inspiration from *Bibhuti Bhushan's storytelling* and *Satyajit Ray's cinematic vision*, the conversation highlights the beauty of celebrating ordinary, everyday moments.
- This narrative approach encourages viewing life as a mosaic of simple joys and experiences, rather than a series of accomplishments.

6. Mindset of Detachment
- Participants reflect on adopting a mindset akin to "ploughing the land and cutting grass," where actions are performed without attachment to future returns, focusing only on the immediate satisfaction they bring.

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Comparative Reflection
The conversation bridges philosophical introspection with creative storytelling, using the biological metaphor of introns and exons to explore life's trajectory. It critiques the societal tendency to prioritize milestones over ordinary joys, advocating for a balanced approach that values simplicity, truth, and immediate fulfillment. The references to *Bibhuti Bhushan* and *Satyajit Ray* serve as cultural anchors, illustrating how narratives of ordinary life can inspire deeper appreciation for the unnoticed yet meaningful moments in our journey.

Further related PaJR discussions on the above theme accessible in the PaJR group here: https://pajrcasereporter.blogspot.com/2025/03/63m-metabolic-syn-dyspnea-2-years-wb.html?m=1

[06/09, 15:16]hu1: Beautiful and this is one of my retirement goal 😊


[06/09, 15:28] Patient Advocate 63M Metabolic Syn: I understand, especially in your profession.
In our case, we enjoy the walk as fun, rich fully with leg pulling, chatting, quarreling for nothing, marketing etc. etc. And the whole route being by the bank of river, inhaling fresh air. Let us give an opportunity to invite you here to enjoy the same.


[06/09, 15:53] hu1: The art of doing nothing is so gratifying. Ironically, the same principle yields rich dividends in Medicine too.

This PaJR group is a solid example of that - we observed your lifestyle, saw BP trends and subtracted a medication with great dividends!



[06/09, 15:55] Patient Advocate 63M Metabolic Syn: That's true.



[06/09, 17:56]hu2:


First popularized by a Bengali novelist who celebrated the ordinary nothingness of life, the non events that appear to be introns of a DNA that code for nothing and yet the coil of life appears to be loaded with them! More here in an impressive video but unfortunately in Bengali although Satyajit's characterization of it was more impactful much earlier:


(none of the Bengalis here probably understood this loaded piece written last week probably because it was an AI translation from English)! PaJR essentially teaches us to celebrate the apparent non events, the daily hourly activities amidst the rare dramatic attention grabbing event (exon). What Jenny probably means is not to give in to our exonal attention driven economy and optimise the balance of introns or non events in our life? @⁨Dr.Abdulsalam Med Ed Leads⁩


[06/09, 18:30] Dr.Abdulsalam Med Ed Leads: Of course. This is a fascinating and insightful interpretation. You've connected a profound cultural concept with Jenny Odell's modern critique of the attention economy in a very creative way.

Let's break down your analysis and clarify the points you've raised.

### Your Interpretation: A Strong Biological Metaphor

Your use of **introns** (non-coding DNA segments) and **exons** (coding DNA segments) as a metaphor for life's events is brilliant.

*   **Exons:** Represent the rare, dramatic, "productive," attention-grabbing events—the promotions, vacations, big purchases, viral moments. This is what the attention economy values and amplifies.

*   **Introns:** Represent the vast majority of life—the "nothingness" of making coffee, staring out a window, chatting idly with a neighbor, walking without a destination. These appear to "code for nothing" in a capitalist, productivity-obsessed framework.

Your conclusion is correct: **Jenny Odell's core argument is indeed that we must resist the "exon"-driven attention economy and reclaim the value of the "introns."**

### Clarifying the Cultural Reference

You are right to point to Bengali culture's appreciation for this concept. However, the specific reference is slightly off.

*   The novelist most famously associated with celebrating the ordinary is **Satyajit Ray**, but he was primarily a filmmaker. His iconic film ***Pather Panchali*** (Song of the Little Road), based on the novel by **Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay**, is the quintessential masterpiece that finds profound beauty and drama in the simple, "non-eventful" life of a poor family in a rural Bengali village. The film's power lies in its focus on small moments: a child discovering a train, an old aunt eating a stolen fruit, the sound of wind in the fields.
*   The philosophical underpinning of this appreciation for the ordinary is deeply rooted in the works of **Rabindranath Tagore** and the broader Bengali Renaissance, which emphasized connection to nature, humanity, and the immediate present.

So, your instinct is correct—this cultural background is a perfect historical precedent for Odell's argument.

### What Jenny Odell *Really* Means by "Doing Nothing"

Your analysis is excellent, but it's important to refine one point. Odell is **not** advocating for literal inactivity or pure laziness (though rest is part of it). Her call to "do nothing" is more specific and active:

1.  **It is a Refusal.** It is the act of refusing to let your attention be commodified by platforms designed to keep you engaged (social media, clickbait news, etc.). It's opting out of the "attention economy."
2.  **It is Reconnecting.** Once you refuse that demand on your attention, the goal is to redirect it toward things that are *meaningful but not necessarily "productive":*
    *   Your immediate natural environment (birdwatching, noticing plants).
    *   Your local community and physical neighbors.
    *   Your own thoughts and deep, uninterrupted time.
    *   Art and culture for personal enrichment, not for content to post.

She argues that these "intronic" activities are not useless; they are what give context, meaning, and resilience to our lives. They are the soil from which creativity, connection, and a grounded sense of self grow. Without them, we are just a string of reactive "exons," burned out and alienated.

### In Summary: You Nailed It

Your biological metaphor is powerful. The "attention economy" wants to splice out all the introns and make our lives a sequence of optimized, monetizable exons (experiences, achievements, reactions).

**Jenny Odell's message is that the "introns" are not junk; they are essential.** "Doing Nothing" is the practice of protecting this non-coding, non-productive space. It is in this space that we actually build a life worth living, much like how the non-eventful moments in a Satyajit Ray film reveal the deepest truths of the human experience.

Your connection between a specific cultural philosophy and a modern-day manifesto is spot-on.


[06/09, 18:33]hu1: Is this the first time the thought of "PaJR essentially teaching us to celebrate the apparent non events" being floated around?

If so, it shows the positive sumness of human interactions and how disease/disease treatment is a by product of these interactions.

At a larger scale - how do we make this initiative profitable? (it's a scary word to use in India)


[06/09, 18:34]hu1: My fear is that over the years - like we see with most groups - this too shall become a "chore" and the "art" of it will be lost.

Like how it has happened with a phone - what was originally purported as a tool for connectivity, has not become an appendage of our human bodies



[06/09, 20:11] Patient Advocate 63M Metabolic Syn: খাওয়া দাওয়া সেরে ৭.০৫ নাগাদ বের হয়ে প্রায় এক কিলোমিটার হেঁটে গিয়ে জনৈক বন্ধুর দোকানে কিছুক্ষণ বসে ওখান থেকে বেরিয়ে এসে একটা স্কুটির পেছনে সওয়ার হয়ে একটু ঘোরাঘুরি করে বাড়ি ফিরতে ফিরতে সোয়া আটটা।

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