GLN Sastry, homeopath and architect of brain fever prevention programme, died on April 2, aged 83 |

There are hundreds of homeo physicians in the state, but Dr GLN Sastry stands out. He is considered the father of homeopathy in Andhra Pradesh.
Homeopathy is known as poor man’s medicine and Sastry practised it as such.
When the dreaded Japanese Encephalitis (JE), known commonly as brain fever, spread across the state killing several children between 2000 and 2007, Sastry with his thorough knowledge of homeopathy, saved thousands of lives.
He is the main architect of the BCT programme for the prevention of JE in the state. BCT is a combination of three homeo medicines--Belladona, Calcarea and Tuberculinum. Sastry prepared a module dosage for Japanese Encephalitis and prevented the spread of the decease to a large extent.
Following Sastry’s combination, several organisations took the initiative and distributed the pills to children in schools. The government too took up the distribution of the pills in a big way.
Sastry was born on August 15, 1930, at Agiripalli in Krishna district. His family later shifted to Nandigama, where he completed elementary schooling.
Later, Sastry fought with his father and studied homeo medicine. He was a student of Dr Gururaju Homeopathic Medical College at Gudiwada in Krishna district from 1947 to ‘51. After the diploma in homeopathy, Sastry shifted to Miryalaguda in Nalgonda district and practised there for 10 years. He collected only a nominal fee from his patients.
Later, Sastry joined the government service and worked as professor at homeo colleges in Hyderabad and Gudiwada.
He was superintendent of Government Homeopathic Hospital, Malakpet, Hyderabad, and served as a member of the Central Council of Homeopathy during 1990-97.
He was the founder-member of the Indian Institute of Homeopathic Physicians (IIHP) and severed as its national president. He continued as honorary president of IIHP till his death.
“Sastry’s contribution to homeopathy is remarkable. He brought pressure on the state government to include homeopathy in its medical services in 1956,” IIHP national president KRK Prabhakarmurthy said. He also recalls the services of Sastry in Bholakpur area in Hyderabad when epidemics like cholera spread.
According Dr SK Vashisht, a homeo drugs manufacturer, Sastry started his private practice in Mirayalguda among the tribals and had a very successful practice.
He charged only 4 annas (25 paisa) per patient and was still able to earn Rs 1,000 per month, he said. Sastry is survived by four brothers.
He had no children and his wife died 20 years ago.

Comments(6)

This is sad news about a remarkable man who did remarkable things using homeopathy. Homeopathy is an extremely effective medicine in times of epidemics because, as described in this article, a specific targeted response of already existing homeopathic medicines matched to the general symptoms of the disease can be formulated very quickly and cheaply and rapidly distributed throughout the affected population. One day the West will come to recognise and use what India already knows and values about homeopathy.

Posted by Stephen Gordon at 04/04/2013 16:10

On behalf of the family of Dr.G.L.N.Sastry we convey our thanks for your kind words at the moment of bereavement. We continue the rich medical legacy of Dr.Sastry. We once again thank you for your touching words..

Posted by Dr.Srinivasulu Gadugu at 04/05/2013 11:27

We can honour Dr Sasty's memory world wide by developing the beautiful quality of humility this great man showed in service to the brotherhood of man, in using the world's best - but commonly neglected or forgotten- collective and preventive medecine known: homeoprophylaxy. May we follow in his steps truly! Martine Jourde

Posted by Martine Jourde at 04/04/2013 22:38 

Dr.Sastry's life was indeed a tough one. Inspite of that he touched so many lives and saved so many. Having lost his mother at a very early age,he raised his younger brothers and was a great motivational factor behind their success in life. Salute to a very responsible soul. His life needs to be celebrated.

Posted by Bindu at 04/04/2013 23:41 

I am inspired to read about the life and work of such a generous man and a great homeopath.

Posted by Kristi Rielly at 04/05/2013 09:03

 

One less dangerous quack, spouting witchcraft instead of medicine. Homeopathy. Is. Nonsense!

Posted by Some fella at 04/05/2013 11:04