GUWAHATI, Jan 7 - Governor PB Acharya has expressed his grief at the demise of Dr Gunaram Khanikar.
A well-known herbalist from Golaghat district in upper Assam, Khanikar was popularly known as �Charak of Assam�. A science graduate in Botany, he was also the first in the country to initiate a mobile herbal hospital, and had set up medicinal gardens.
�Dr Khanikar was one of the most popular and recognised names in the field of herbal medicines. He cured more than three lakh patients from all parts of the world such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Japan, the Middle East and South East Asia. Such was his popularity that his birthday, March 22, is observed as Medicinal Plants Day in Assam. He received numerous awards for his innovation in herbal medicine,� the Governor said in his message.
The Governor conveyed his condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul.
Various organisations and associations, besides political parties, also have condoled the death of Dr Khanikar, widely acclaimed as Bheshaj Ratna.
The Directorate of AYUSH and National AYUSH Mission mourned the death of Dr Khanikar, terming him a pathbreaker in the field of herbal medicine. At a condolence meeting, it paid floral tributes to him.
The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, Asam Gana Parishad and Bharatiya Janata Party too have mourned his death.
Paresh Baishya Foundation, Saraighat Journalists� Forum, Rekha Prakashan, Chandra Prakash, Hajor Batori, among others, have also condoled Dr Khanikar�s death.
