ABOUT US
The Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Limited is the flagship company of the AVP Group. Since its incorporation in the 1940s, AVP has grown in reputation as one of the pioneers in the field of Ayurveda. The Company headquartered at Coimbatore has a pan India network of doctors and sales and distribution network.
Management of the Company is headed by Shri P.R. Krishnakumar who was instrumental in bringing Ayurveda to the attention of the World Health Organization (WHO). For his tireless efforts towards promotion of Ayurveda and service to society, Shri Krishnakumar has been conferred the prestigious Padmashri Award in 2009 by the Government of India and with the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award in 2016.
AVP’s manufacturing facility at Kanjikode in Kerala is GMP certified and its newest facilities are created is ISO 22716:2007 certified and designed to meet the World Health Organization’s GMP standards. It produces nearly 500 products, majorly authentic classical formulations, in these facilities blending the best of tradition and modernity and by adhering to a strict quality control and assurance mechanism. AVP has nearly 600 outlets across the country, where all these medicines and expert clinical services are available.
AVP Group over the years expanded from ‘Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing’ to the field of ‘treatment centres’, ‘education and research’, and ‘manufacturing of ayurvedic equipments’ to ensure high quality products, practitioners and services. The twin values of commitment to ‘quality of care’ and ‘purity of treatment’ are the distinguishing factors of AVP.
The main treatment facility of AVP called The Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam & Research Institute (AVC), functioning since 1957, is located in the heart of Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. AVC has the distinction of being one of the first ayurvedic hospitals to become ISO 9001:2008 certified for its compliance with international quality standards.
After much scrutiny by the western media and medical fraternity, and AVC's relentless efforts to propagate ayurveda, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in its investigative feature on Ayurveda has featured AVC while the Washington Post has acclaimed it as the ‘Mayo Clinic of Ayurveda’!
AVC had partnered with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for research on efficacy of ayurvedic treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. In recognition of this pioneering work, AVC has been the recipient of funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA for the first-ever clinical trial to scientifically evaluate Ayurveda outside the USA. Department of AYUSH, Government of India awarded AVC, “Centre of Excellence” in clinical rheumatology in the year 2009.
AVP initiated a comprehensive clinical documentation program to produce preliminary data on safety and efficacy of Ayurveda treatments With the backing of its decades old background of efforts in research on Ayurveda, The AVP Research Foundation (formerly known as AVT Institute for Advanced Research) was established in 2003 as a research department under AVC and became an independent not-for-profit research institution registered in 2012. The foundation is known for its excellence in clinical research on Ayurvedic medicines, initiatives on practice based evidence, developing research and education oriented softwares for Ayurvedic fraternity and its journal indexing service in Ayurveda. The department of scientific and industrial research, Government of India has recognised the institution as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation(SIRO).
The AVCRI, Ramanathapuram campus is also famous for a unique ‘Dhanwantari Temple’ and attracts patients from all over the world. The Aryavaidyan Shri P. V. Rama Variar Birth Centennial Ayurveda Hospital and Training Academy located at the foothills of the Western Ghats in a serene, unpolluted and picturesque environment. It is a chosen destination of many foreigners with learning and treatment interests. Saranya Ayurveda Hospital is the other facility off the National Highway to Kerala is nestled in a beautiful rustic location. AVP has official tie-ups with Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Switzerland and Latvia to conduct academic and research activities. AVP Baltics was registered in 2015 in Riga, Latvia with an aim to promote Ayurveda in European Union, with Baltic countries as the base.
founder
The Aryavaidyan Shri P. V. Rama Variar was born in 1908 as the only son of Vaidyavichakshanan Mankulangara Kunjan Varier, a reputed Sanskrit scholar, poet and physician and Smt. Putiya Variyath Kutty Varasiar. He joined the Ayurvedic College at Kottakkal after his high school studies and was the trusted disciple of Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier. Under the able guidance of his preceptor, he was trained not only in the treatment of illnesses but also in the preparation of medicines. He was given the independent charge of the Calicut Branch of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala in 1930, which he continued till 1943. The thirteen years of his office under the able Guru, found him to be a trusted lieutenant, a well known Ayurvedic physician and a man to be reckoned with in various spheres of public activity. His deep knowledge, innate sincerity, humility and capacity for untiring hard work, won him the deep affection and trust of all those around him. The affluent and congenial atmosphere of his life at Calicut could not fetter his restless soul. He yearned for a dedicated to the cause of Ayurveda. He resigned his job on 30th June 1943 and with the blessings of his Guru and good wishes of his colleagues, set out on his new venture.
Our Mentor
Shri P.R. Krishnakumar
Dr. P.R. Krishna Kumar was born in 1951 to P.V. Rama Varier and his wife, Pankajam Rama Varier. Dr. Krishna Kumar grew up mentored by Rama Varier in the skills and techniques of Ayurvedic treatments. He studied at Shoranur Ayurveda College, after which he decided to dedicate his life to the propagation of Ayurveda through research and education.
Dr. Krishna Kumar’s first major achievements were in 1977 when he initiated the first clinical research study on rheumatoid arthritis in partnership with the WHO and the Indian Council of Medical Research. The research was recognized by the National Institute of Health who funded a clinical trial project through the University of Washington.
Dr. Krishna Kumar successfully implemented a variety of projects, established the AVP Research Foundation, and launched a clinical documentation program called RUDRA, which is now used by the Indian government’s AYUSH department.
For his phenomenal achievements, Dr. Krishna Kumar has received multiple awards including India’s highest honor, the Padma Shri, in 2009.
In 2020, Dr Krishna Kumar passed away shortly after in September leaving a deep vacuum here at AVP (CBE).
Board of Directors
C. Devidas Varier
Managing Director
C. Devidas Varier was appointed as the Managing Director of AVP (CBE) in 2021 and is the grandson of Arya Vaidyan P.V. Rama Varier. His father, P.V. Chandrasekhara Varier was the Managing Director from 1961 until 1994.
Varier has over 28 years of experience in operations management and was instrumental in taking the brand overseas. In 2015, Varier established AVP Baltics expanding brand presence considerably.
Prior to that, Varier played a key role in forging collaborations with Hindustan Unilever (Ayush) and Kama Ayurveda.
Varier started out as a management trainee in the company in 1993. Varier’s deep understanding of Ayurveda, the company’s businesses and growth plans has enabled him to make deeply relevant contributions towards AVP (CBE)’s progress. His diverse perspectives on the industry, knowledge of Ayurveda, and determination to take Ayurveda to a global level has ensured an exemplary track record for showing outstanding results.
R. Haresh
Partner, Phi Capital Director
R. Haresh is a partner with Phi Capital and currently serves as the Managing Director of TVS & Sons apart from being on the boards of several companies.
He has over three decades of core management experience in operational and senior positions within the TVS Group. He was responsible for spearheading multiple business initiatives, and forming collaborations and joint ventures with global companies.
As an active member of the Family Business Network (FBN) International he has tackled unique challenges successfully for sustainable results. Previously, he was the head of CII-FBN India and continues to participate and speak at different family business events.
Porinju V. Veliyath
Founder, Equity Intelligence Director
Porinju Veliyath is the Founder of Equity Intelligence, a portfolio management company founded on the principles of value investing.
Veliyath began his career as a floor trader with Kotak Securities in 1990, later moving to Parag Parikh Securities where he worked till 1999. He returned to Kochi in 2002 and started Equity Intelligence, which today is known for its exceptional track record of giving great returns to its clients.
Sivadas R. Warrier
Director
Sivadas R. Warrier has been in the accounting and finance industry for over 15 years. He brings with him a unique combination of fine management experience and deep knowledge of Ayurveda.
Warrier began his career by working with various investors on Dalal Street after which he honed his management accounting skills at the Al Naboodah Group in Dubai.
Warrier is a keen believer and practitioner of Ayurveda and has also worked in the industry.
Dr. Ramkumar Kutty
Founder & Director, Punarvana Ayurveda Director
Dr. Ramkumar Kutty is the Founder and Director of Punarvana Ayurveda, a company committed towards promoting wellbeing with authentic Ayurveda.
Dr. Kutty completed his formal education in Ayurveda in 1991 and went on to work on a project aimed at improving the healthcare system in India. From 1994 to 2003 he was one of the trustees at the Ayurvedic Trust Hospital in Coimbatore, India, recognized by the Government of India as one of the top five Ayurvedic hospitals in India
Sudhakar Mallya
Director
Sudhakar Mallya is an entrepreneur with business interests in South Asia and South East Asia.
He has over two decades of business experience across geographies of South Asia, South East Asia, Western Europe and North America. As an entrepreneur, Sudhakar co-founded and sold his first start up to an international investor at the beginning of his career. Sudhakar was part of Mr. N. S. Raghavan’s (co-founder of Infosys) Nadathur Group for over a decade gaining valuable experience in investment, portfolio management and also being entrepreneur-in-residence to start new businesses for the group.
Sudhakar has firm conviction in Ayurveda and while striving to follow the principles of Ayurveda personally on a daily basis, he seeks to propagate Ayurveda as a way of life for all.
Krishandas R.Varrier
Executive Director
Krishnadas R Varier is basically qualified in BSc Mathematics. Further he has done Advanced Diploma in systems management from NIIT. Before joining AVP in 2002 he has worked in programming and IT management areas for 10 years in companies like Amritlal Chemaux limited, Cabot corporation, Mattel India Limited
In AVP he has played a key role in IT infrastructure development. He further took responsibilities like Production, HR, Branch administration and Sales. As recognition to his hard work, cross functional skills & contribution to the company growth, he is appointed as Executive Director.
Milestones
AVP was established by late Aryavaidyan Shri P. V. Rama Variar who was a humanitarian, philosopher and physician par excellence. The key milestones
1943
Establishment of Arya Vaidya Pharmacy
1950
Establishment of Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam, an Ayurveda Hospital at Coimbatore
1976
The World Health Organization and ICMR sign an agreement with the Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam for clinical research on Ayurvedic remedies for rheumatoid arthritis.
1982
Recognition of the research institution by the Dept. of Science & Technology and various universities as a research centre.
2000
Granting of the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificate to Kanjikode plant from the Drug Controller, Government of India.
2008
Inauguration of second plant at Kanjikode.
2018
AVP Celebrated its Platinum jubilee.
Launch of AVPs Over the Counter Medicines