Acharya D. S. Antarkar: A Vaidya with a vision

Dhondo, the eldest son of Sadashiv Antarkar a priest, was born and grew up in a beautiful small village ‘Dugave’ of Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra. The village had a tranquil surrounding and abundant natural wealth. While his two younger siblings were busy playing in the courtyard of their house with make-believe toys made out of mango and jackfruit tree leaves, Antarkar was either engrossed in playing tabla or attempting carpentry. However, very early in life, he had to leave the secure surroundings of his home. He moved to Mumbai with his younger brother as their village provided only primary education. They stayed with their uncle in a joint extended family under one roof, at Worli. He adapted to the transition from a small village with surrounding bountiful greenery to a busy hustle and bustle of a metropolis like Mumbai. Soon he excelled in his studies. At school, he developed an aspiration to be a physician, with an interest in science.