NMC Logo controversy: Who is lord Dhavantri, the god who is added to regulator's new logo

A row has erupted over the new logo of National Medical Commission (NMC) where the national emblem is replaced with a photo of Dhanvantri, an avatar of Lord Vishnu known as the god of Ayurveda in the Puranas.

Who is lord Dhavantri?
Called the divine doctor, or doctor of the gods, Lord Dhanvantri is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is also known as the father of Ayurveda since it is believed that he is the one who gave us the ancient medical system known as Ayurveda.


As per ancient scriptures, he is considered to have four arms. One hand is seen holding a beautifully adorned pot that holds the priceless Amrut (nectar). He is seen holding some herbs that is considered an important ingredient of ancient medical practises. In other representations, he is seen holding a scripture book, but in some other pictures, he is shown as Lord Vishnu himself, holding his usual conch and discus.

Dhanvantari Jayanti is observed on the day of Lord Dhanvantari's birth. Each year, on Dhanteras, two days prior to Diwali, the festival of lights. On this day, a Diya (lamp) facing north-east is lit at the house's doorstep to greet Lord Dhanvantari and wish for good health and happiness in life. It is written in the scriptures that, one who prays Lord Dhanvantari can be released from all diseases. Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped all over India as the God of Medicine.

What is the logo controversy?
The new logo has removed the national emblem and replaced it with a photo of Dhanvantri.

According to NMC officials, the Dhanvantri logo has been in use for almost a year. Previously, it was in black and white and not easily visible in printouts. The new logo simply features a colored photo in the center.

The NMC logo does not mention 'India' but uses the term 'Bharat'. However, no official announcement regarding the logo change has been made.

The Indian Medical Association's Kerala chapter has criticized the logo change, stating that it is not acceptable to the modern medical fraternity. They believe that the new logo sends the wrong message and goes against the scientific and secular nature of the commission. The association has called for the change to be reversed.

(with ToI inputs)