Dr. E M Kashi is a dedicated Ayurveda postgraduate scholar in Dravyaguna Vijnana with a strong academic and research interest in Vrikshayurveda, medicinal plants, plant science, Ayurvedic agroforestry, and research innovation. Her academic pursuits focus on integrating traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with contemporary scientific methodologies, particularly in plant cultivation, growth and development, One Health, and emerging applications of Vrikshayurveda.

As a postgraduate scholar at Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Hassan, Dr. Kashi has been actively involved in teaching, research, clinical exposure, seminars, field visits, and interdisciplinary academic activities.

Research & Academic Excellence

A significant component of Dr. Kashi's research is experimental work on Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina), which was selected for PG STAR (Scheme for Training in Ayurveda Research for Post-Graduate Scholars), a national research fellowship and support programme of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.

Her research interests extend to systematic exploration of Vrikshayurveda and Ayurvedic agroforestry, with an emphasis on sustainable cultivation and the relationship between plants, health, agriculture, and the environment.

Publications & Scholarly Contributions

Dr. Kashi has contributed to scholarly literature in Ayurveda and plant-based health sciences. Key publications include:

• “Application of Principles of Vrikshayurveda in Ayurvedic Agroforestry to Achieve ‘One Health’: A Systematic Review”, published as a book contribution with Dr. Prakash L. Hegde through Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth.
• “Role of Natural Methods to Avoid Use of Antibiotics in Agricultural Practices for Healthy Ahara: A Review Article,” published in the Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences in 2025.

These works demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach connecting Ayurvedic principles, sustainable agriculture, medicinal plants, and contemporary One Health concepts.

Research Presentations

Dr. Kashi has presented research at both national and international academic forums. Her international presentations include “Ayurveda Beyond Earth: Integrating Vrikshayurveda with Space Agriculture for Nutrition, Medicine, and Health” and a comparative in-vitro study on Sarpagandha seed germination using Vrikshayurveda-based and growth-enhancing treatments.

At the national level, Dr. Kashi presented research on the application of Vrikshayurveda principles in Ayurvedic agroforestry to achieve One Health. They have also presented a poster at an international scientific and practical conference organized by I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University.

Teaching & Academic Engagement

Alongside research, Dr. Kashi has gained valuable academic experience by conducting theory and practical classes for undergraduate Ayurveda students, delivering departmental presentations, and providing training on network pharmacology and its practical applications using scientific databases.

They have participated in clinical learning through OPD and IPD exposure in Madhumeha (diabetes) and Kaumarabhritya (pediatrics). Her interdisciplinary activities also include collaborative projects and articles with the Swasthavritta, Kaumarabhritya, and Kayachikitsa departments.

Leadership & Extracurricular Achievement

Dr. Kashi served as Literary Secretary at SDM College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Hassan (2024–2025), coordinating literary, academic, and co-curricular activities and encouraging student participation.

They also secured First Prize in a debate on “Online/Remote Consultation – Boon or Bane for Ayurveda,” demonstrating communication, critical-thinking, and leadership abilities.

Training & Professional Development

Dr. Kashi has actively participated in numerous national and international seminars, workshops, field-training programmes, and certificate courses. These include programmes in flora identification, ethnobotany, herbal drug research, phyto-analytics, pharmacovigilance, clinical cosmetology, Agnikarma, pediatric Ayurveda, artificial intelligence for healthcare and research, and international pharmacopeial requirements.

Her participation in recent programmes on AI tools for healthcare professionals and Artificial Intelligence for AYUSH Healthcare & Research further reflects an interest in incorporating emerging technologies into Ayurveda research.

Areas of Research Interest

Dr. Kashi's principal research interests include:

• Dravyaguna Vijnana and medicinal plants
• Vrikshayurveda and traditional plant science
• Ayurvedic agroforestry
• Medicinal plant cultivation and sustainable agriculture
• Plant growth and development
• Sarpagandha cultivation and experimental research
• One Health and environmental health
• Ethnobotany and herbal drug research
• Network pharmacology
• Space agriculture for nutrition, medicine, and health
• AI applications in AYUSH research

Research Impact & Future Potential

Dr. E M Kashi is developing a distinctive research profile by bringing together Ayurveda, medicinal plant science, Vrikshayurveda, sustainable agriculture, One Health, and emerging technologies. Her  PG STAR-supported research, publications, international and national presentations, teaching activities, field-based training, and continuous participation in research and innovation programmes demonstrate promising potential for an independent academic and research career.

Eligibility for Young Researcher Award 

Dr. E M Kashi is eligible for the Young Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels in recognition of her promising early-career contributions to Ayurveda and interdisciplinary plant research. Her eligibility is supported by PG STAR research selection, peer-reviewed scholarly publications, national and international research presentations, systematic research in Vrikshayurveda and Ayurvedic agroforestry, experimental work on Sarpagandha, academic teaching experience, leadership as Literary Secretary, and extensive participation in specialized research workshops and training programmes. Her innovative research interests—particularly at the intersection of Vrikshayurveda, One Health, medicinal plant cultivation, sustainable agriculture, and space agriculture—highlight significant potential for future research impact.