Author: Dr Kiran Kumbhar

I am a medical doctor and health policy graduate, and currently PhD student at Harvard University (history of science). I write primarily about public health and the history and culture of medicine in India.
History India South Asia · History of Medicine · Recommended movies, books etc. · Religion

Notes on the history of Ayurveda – 1: Zysk, Chattopadhyaya, and the origins of Ayurveda

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[In this series I attempt to inform readers of the wonderful scholarship that exists on the history of Ayurveda, which is one among several of the premodern medical traditions of South Asia.] In this first installment we will look at the work of two important historians: Kenneth Zysk and Debiprasad Chattopadhyaya. Kenneth Zysk currently is… Continue reading Notes on the history of Ayurveda – 1: Zysk, Chattopadhyaya, and the origins of Ayurveda

Culture & Life · Politics · Public health

COVID-19 in India – Society and Culture – the Lockdown and its Pain

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For the previous posts in this series, see here, here, here, and here. [Throughout history epidemics have served as excellent windows into social and cultural beliefs and norms. While this contagion-catalyzed uncovering of a society’s thought processes helps historians understand past societies in better ways, for present societies it can potentially be utilized as a… Continue reading COVID-19 in India – Society and Culture – the Lockdown and its Pain

Medicine & Doctors · Politics · Public health

COVID-19 in India – Society and Culture – PPEs, Frontline workers, and their families

Dr Kiran Kumbhar1 Comment

For the previous posts in this series, see here, here, and here. [Throughout history epidemics have served as excellent windows into social and cultural beliefs and norms. While this contagion-catalyzed uncovering of a society’s thought processes helps historians understand past societies in better ways, for present societies it can potentially be utilized as a way… Continue reading COVID-19 in India – Society and Culture – PPEs, Frontline workers, and their families

Culture & Life · History of Medicine · Medicine & Doctors · Public health

COVID-19 in India – Society and Culture – March 22 Diary

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For the previous posts in this series, see here & here. [Throughout history epidemics have served as excellent windows into social and cultural beliefs and norms. While this contagion-catalyzed uncovering of a society’s thought processes helps historians understand past societies in better ways, for present societies it can potentially be utilized as a way to… Continue reading COVID-19 in India – Society and Culture – March 22 Diary

Medicine & Doctors · Public health · Recommended movies, books etc.

COVID-19 in India – Health Journalists and Public Health Experts You Can Follow on Twitter

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In view of the large amount of misinformation about COVID-19 being circulated in India, especially after the Indian PM made some announcements which then had to be elaborately (even if incorrectly) justified, I thought of compiling a list of people/accounts that provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on the pandemic in India. Besides news,… Continue reading COVID-19 in India – Health Journalists and Public Health Experts You Can Follow on Twitter

Culture & Life · Medicine & Doctors · Public health

COVID-19 in India – Society and Culture – March 19 Diary

Dr Kiran Kumbhar3 Comments

For the previous post in this series, see here. [Throughout history epidemics have served as excellent windows into social and cultural beliefs and norms. While this contagion-catalyzed uncovering of a society’s implicit and explicit thought processes helps historians understand past societies in better ways, for present societies it can potentially be utilized as a way… Continue reading COVID-19 in India – Society and Culture – March 19 Diary

Culture & Life · Medicine & Doctors · Public health

COVID-19 in India – Society and Culture – March 17 Diary

Dr Kiran Kumbhar2 Comments

[Throughout history epidemics have served as excellent windows into social and cultural beliefs and norms. While this contagion-catalyzed uncovering of a society’s implicit and explicit thought processes helps historians understand past societies in better ways, for present societies it can potentially be utilized as a way to understand our hidden biases, prejudices, and even kindnesses.… Continue reading COVID-19 in India – Society and Culture – March 17 Diary