In our family of Lavgankar Vaidya-s, the ancient tradition providing Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment has been practiced over many generations now. The 1668 edition of the classic Sanskrit textbook “Yogaratnakar” on Ayurveda mentions that the oldest edition of this text was found to be in possession of one “Vaidya Harbhatta Lavgankar”. This establishes that the tradition of Ayurvedic practice has been in our family at least for 400 years, and we know that it continues through this day.

Our family hails from the town of “Vaidya Lavgan” near the city of Jaigad in Ratnagiri district of Konkan in the state of Maharashtra. Because every house in this town had at least one Vaidya, the town was named “Vaidya Lavgan”.

The speciality of Lavgankar Vaidyas has been diagnosis by Naadi-pariksha, followed by treatment of particularly difficult-to-treat ailments and diseases. It is because of this fame that had spread far and wide that the Peshwas invited Vaidya Daji Bhatt Lavgankar to Pune who subsequently established his practice there.

Son of Vaidya Daji Bhatt, Vaidya Narayan Bhatt, and after Vaidya Narayan Bhatt, his son Bal Shastri , carried the tradition of Ayurveda practice forward. Bal Shastri became such a well known Vaidya of the nineteenth century due to his Nadi-pariksha based on diagnosis and treatment that he was honoured with the title of “Pranacharya”. His students Vaidya Ganesh Shastri Joshi, Vaidya Purushottam Shastri Nanal, Vaidya Hirlekar and many others gained fame and continued the tradition of Ayurvedic practice in each of their respective families. The significance of Vaidya Bal Shastri Lavgankar’s work, impact and eminence is reflected in the special award that Vaidya Khadiwale Vaidyak Samshodhan Foundation periodically announced in his name.

Even in the period of waning interest in Ayurveda after passing away of Vaidya Bal Shastri, Vaidya Bapusaheb alias Laxman Balwant and Vaidya Dattatreya Balwant alias Kakasaheb Lavgankar carried on the family tradition through excellent treatment that they provided: Vaidya Bapusaheb via his mastery over herbal medicines and Vaidya Kakasaheb via his expertise on formulated rasaushadhi.

After these two stalwarts, Vaidya Purushottam Laxman alias Balasaheb Lavgankar continued the tradition of Ayurvedic treatment and integrated it with Yoga treatment. For this purpose he founded the “Yoga.Vidyabhyas, Pune”institution. It was through the guidance of this institution that Nootan Marathi Vidyalay School won the award for Suryanamaskar competition for thirteen straight years.

Our Nana alias Vaidya Chandrakant Dattatreya Lavgankar carried forward the tradition after Balasaheb till date. Because he grew up in the dual tradition of Ayurveda and Yoga, it can be said that they became a part of his identity, and his lifelong contribution in these two fields has been very impactful.

Nana studied Ayurveda ever since he was in the 8th standard. He passed his University examination in Ayurveda with the first rank!

Owing to the range of his contributions in the various fields, he was associated with and has received many awards among which are:
1. Maharshi Annasaheb Patwardhan Vaidyakeeya Puraskar, 2011
2. Sharngadhar Pharmacy’s Punyavaidya Puraskar, 2011
3. Jeevan-gaurav Puraskar for his work in the field of yoga, 2011

After Vd. Chandrakant Lavgankar, his son Vd. Laxman, daughter in law Vd. Gargi followed his path in Ayurved tradition. Sukhada, daughter of Vd. Chandrakant and Mrs. Lalita took the responsibility of Ayurvedic medical shop ‘Paurnima’ .