An old practice has been revived in Parushkheda village, which is six km. from Niwali cluster in Barwani district. Ayurvedic shop of Shantilal has brought relief to many poor families by offering them less expensive herbal treatment for common diseases. Complimenting the MPRLP, he says that not only I have set up my Ayurvedic shop but my knowledge is being used for common good. Shantilal has gained popularity in surrounding villages for treatment of many complicated diseases. He earns Rs. 700 to 800 per month. Shantilal is now ably managing his six-member family. Apart from livelihoods opportunity, Shantilal is more happy to have practiced his knowledge for the community. He has a good number of herbs collected from the nearby forest areas. He has started giving herbal treatment for various diseases with the support of MPRLP. A few months back, Shantilal had a tough time. Despite having knowledge in herbal treatment, he was not able to do it in a systematic manner. He used to go deep into Toranmal forests to collect the rare herbs. Even from open market, he had to purchase some common herbs. Over exploitation of forest wealth in course of last few years has brought to extinction some richly available herbs. Shantilal was not financially sound to purchase herbs from the open market. Livelihoods options were limited for him. When contacted by PFT members, Shantilal told them that he could systematically start giving herbal treatment even with a paltry fund. The PFT had a clear thought that indigenous knowledge must not die out. It should be harnessed for the community good. The PFT suggested him to continue practicing his knowledge.

After initial dialogues, Shantilal participated in the Gram Sabha meeting and gave a proposal seeking financial help to purchase herbs and start Ayurvedic shop. He was thus selected for initial training. The Gram Sabha sanctioned Rs. 10 thousand, which included share of Rs. 2000.

Shantilal purchased herbs and set up his Ayurvedic shop. Encouraged by MPRLP, he also participated in the National Herbal Fair organised in Bhopal, where he earned Rs. 3000 in three days by selling herbs and giving consultation to the visitors. Now Shantilal is the Herbal Man in Purushkheda village and is known in surrounding villages for his outstanding knowledge. He informed that he had to depend on half an acre piece of land to feed his family. While the knowledge of herbal treatment helps him secure his own livelihoods. The Project has helped him practice the knowledge. Villagers rest assured of easy availability of a medicine man.