India has potential in food market: Dr Bhat

“India has potential to introduce food and cosmetic natural flavouring agents to the western world as the world market is looking for it,” noted Karnataka Bio-diversity Board Joint Director Dr Sathyanarayana Bhat.

Delivering the key-note address at the State-level seminar on ‘Concept of beauty: In the light of cosmetics and perfumes,’ organised by the Centre for Inter-Disciplinary Studies and Research in Sanskrit of Canara College here on Friday, he said vedic and post-vedic wisdom speaks significance of aroma and flowers in the prevention and management of diseases as well as promotion of positive health, mind and body.

“Beauty is the perfection of all including visual, physical, physiological and emotional aspect of human being,” he said and added that discovery of mirror is the first evidence of beauty concept. Dr Bhat said sandal was one of the commonest plant used by the Jain munis and Hindu sages. The ‘thilaka’ of sandal paste over the forehead is not just for symbolic but for its beneficiary effects.

“In the folklore, we find ample examples of aroma and use of flowers. Tulasi and Bilva leaves are commonly used for daily prayers (rituals) not just for customary practice but for therapeutic values. The rare traces of elements and chemicals present in such substances could enter the human body even through the nail beds while plucking which is enough to produce therapeutic effects,” he said.

Ancient methods

“Gums and resins of trees were used both externally on the body and thorough fumigation is the best example of ancient method of aroma therapeutics,” Dr Bhat added and said flowers of Ixora Coccinia which is used abundantly in the ‘Bhutha’ worship rituals has an important medicinal values.

He said in Naga and Siri worship flowers of ‘Areca catechu’ is widely used. The very concept of such rituals are closely inter-woven with the fertility and hormonal health of the society, particularly women. Areca flower is rich in tannins which rejuvenates skin and other vital organs of the body. He said Tulu literature, especially parddanas provide descriptions on how to keep fit, healthy and young.

Inaugurating the seminar, Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor (Acting) Prof B Thimme Gowda said the deliberations and observations of the seminar should provide new avenues to the production of perfumes and cosmetics in the Indian context.

Stating that achievement in science and technology is a marvellous progress made by the man, he said the problems of air and water pollution, drug addiction, alcoholism are the result of unimaginable applications of existing science by human beings. Canara Bank Senior Manager Hariram Shenoy released journal ‘Samskrita Tarangini,’ on the occasion. Canara High School Association President Basti Narayana Shenoy, Centre for Inter-Disciplinary Studies and Research in Sanskrit of Canara College Professor and Director Dr G N Bhat were present.