To emphasize the efficacy of traditional herbs and shrubs available in Goa, it would be pertinent to write on an actual case that happened in 1993. A local Goan boxer from Saligao who was running the canteen in the Goa Medical College and was suffering from diabetes had a wound on his leg which had to be amputated. However, his colleague told him to avail the services of a traditional healer in Saligao who procured for him a mix of herbs and shrub leaves that had to be made into a paste and applied to the wound. Surprisingly, the wound healed and the man survived amputation. This man was then the Secretary of the Goa Amateur Boxing Association. He began to hone his skills in refereeing and officiating in the national tournaments in India and soon caught the eyes of top boxing officials. His big break came in 2012 as he was selected to officiate in the London Olympics. Also, in 2021, when the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, he again officiated and brought laurels to the country. This incident was narrated to me by a life member of the Goa Amateur Boxing Association.
RYAN RODRIGUES, Panaji
