Ayurveda can help in gender selection, claims AYUSH varsity VC

The vice-chancellor of the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) University in Haryana has courted controversy for claiming that Ayurveda can help in "gender selection" before a conception.

Dr Baldev Kumar Dhiman, an RSS ideologue, even talked about a two-month restriction regime for desired results in gender selection.

Dhiman is considered to be close to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who himself is a protégée of the RSS.

The comments made by Dhiman are seen not only in conflict with the Centre's flagship scheme on gender equality but also a case liable under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.

The VC while speaking at a function in Kurukshetra on Sunday maintained that ayurvedic medicines can prove useful for desired results (gender selection).

He further explained saying that even the ancient scriptures mention that gender selection is possible before pregnancy.

The vice-chancellor said that traditional alternatives techniques, including meditation, dietary and physical regulations at the stage of pre-conception can prove helpful for gender selection.

Dhiman claimed that all this was possible if the instructions are followed for two months.

Officials are puzzled over whether the vice chancellor is advocating gender selection or merely attempting to broadcast a piece of information that he believes is true.

Health officials discounted all such talks as rubbish saying there is no scientific or medical evidence or research to corroborate the claim that gender can be selected at the pre-conception stage.