Dr. A R Kannappar belonged to a hereditary Siddha physicians’ family popularly known as Kaapukara Vaidyars – meaning Royal physicians, in Arcot region. His grandfather Vaidyar Ayyavoo Mudaliyar and father Vaidyar Ramakrishna Mudaliyar were well known for treating skin diseases and their Nadi examination skills. Dr. Kannappar had great passion for Siddha medicine even though the colonial and post-colonial period was a great set back to the system.

He moved to Vellore and started his humble Murugan Vaidya Salai. Along with his practice, he wrote articles in Dinamani every week about native herbs and their uses in a fascinating style which brought about a tremendous change among people and renewed the interest for native medicine. In 1964 he founded Mooligaimani, a Tamil monthly magazine dedicated for Siddha medicine. His writings were revolutionary during the times of Indian independence, which promoted the use of Swadesi medicine and contributed to the renaissance of Siddha medicine.

Soon Mooligaimani became a household magazine in every Tamil home for self-reliance with Siddha medicine, in a time when the western medicine wave took over people aggressively. After him Dr. Venkatesan carried the Siddha Vaidya tradition and continued to publish Mooligaimani, spreading awareness about Siddha medicine for decades till 2021. During his time, he contributed at large towards the social and structural development of the system.

He held several posts in government committees and was instrumental in establishing government policies and key educational institutions for Siddha medicine. He fought for the registration of 4000 hereditary Siddha Vaidyars and successfully completed the task. After serving the society and system for 5 generations, we proudly witness the widespread social awareness and acceptance of our native medicine despite several challenges. Today we are committed to taking Siddha medicine across the globe as our new mission.

Dr. K V Abirami (Siddha Physician), Dr. K V Balaji (Research and development), Dr. K V Ajitha Porkodi (Pathologist and Integrated medicine) now serve as ‘Team Modern Siddha’ carrying the baton forward.