1 st Knowledge Enhancement Session
As part of the Academic Year 2023/2024 curriculum, Fourth-Year BSMS students underwent practical training under the supervision of appointed Visiting Demonstrators (Registered Traditional Medical Practitioners) across the Northern Province. Commencing in March 2026, these weekend training sessions enabled students to enhance their practical skills, clinical exposure, and professional competencies in the field of Paramparai Maruthuvam (Traditional Medicine).
Dr. (Mrs.) Vijitha Vibushan
Date: 14th & 15th March 2026
Venue: Dr. S. Ponniah Siddha Ayurvedic Dispensary, Thirunelvely, Jaffna
Topic: “Siddha Manuscripts and Paramparai Maruthuvam: Preserving Traditional Knowledge for Future Practice”
Subject Relevance: Paramparai Maruthuvamum (Traditional Medicine)
Date: 22 nd July 2026
Venue: Auditorium, Faculty of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna
The Department of Nanjiyal & Paramparai Maruthuvam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna, successfully organized the 1 st Knowledge
Enhancement Session for the 4 th BSMS students (Academic Year 2023/2024) on 22 nd July 2026 at Auditorium, Faculty of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna.
The session was conducted under the theme: “Siddha Manuscripts and Paramparai Maruthuvam: Preserving Traditional Knowledge for Future Practice”. The session was delivered by Dr. V. Athavan, Community Health Medical Officer, Rural Siddha Hospital, Mulliyawalai,Mullaitivu, as the Resource Person.
The programme commenced with the Presidential Address by Dr. V.Sanmugarajah, Head, Department of Nanjiyal and Paramparai Maruthuvam, who highlighted the importance of organizing Knowledge Enhancement Sessions to strengthen students’ academic knowledge and clinical competencies beyond the regular curriculum. She emphasized the value of preserving Siddha manuscripts and Paramparai Maruthuvam knowledge for future generations of Siddha practitioners.
Dr. (Ms.) M. N. Roshana, Senior Lecturer, Department of Nanjiyal & Paramparai Maruthuvam, introduced the Resource Person by presenting his professional background and contributions to Siddha Medicine.
During the session, Dr. V. Athavan delivered an informative and interactive lecture on the importance of Siddha manuscripts, traditional medical knowledge, and the role of Paramparai Maruthuvam in contemporary Siddha practice. He provided practical training to students on reading and interpreting Siddha manuscripts, encouraging them to explore and preserve traditional knowledge sources. His attractive teaching approach, practical demonstrations, and interactive discussions greatly enhanced student engagement.
The session was followed by an interactive discussion and Question-and-Answer session, where students actively participated and clarified their doubts. Student representatives expressed their appreciation for the valuable learning opportunity. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Koshihan,expressing gratitude to the Resource Person, organizers, and participants.
A structured feedback form was shared through Google Forms, and 64 responses were received. The feedback indicated a very high level of student satisfaction regarding the content, clarity of explanation, communication skills of the Resource Person, practical training, and overall quality of the session. Students particularly appreciated the opportunity to learn manuscript reading and expressed interest in participating in similar Knowledge Enhancement Sessions in the future.
The programme successfully achieved its objective of enhancing students’ understanding and appreciation of Siddha Manuscripts and Paramparai
Maruthuvam, while motivating future Siddha practitioners to preserve and promote traditional medical knowledge.