Meet Our Team
We are a group of Counsellors, Survivors and Caregivers.
Padma Mahadev, Counsellor, Co-Founder & Chair Person of the trust
At 84, Padma Mahadev exemplifies resilience and unwavering commitment as the chairperson of ‘Connect to Heal’. With a rich educational background including a BA, MA, B.Ed, and a Diploma in Counselling, Padma’s journey in supporting those facing critical illnesses spans over three decades. Her personal encounter with cancer began when caring for her mother, an advocate of diverse healing methods. Later, as a caregiver for her husband with tongue cancer, she deeply understood the emotional toll on patients and families. These experiences have reinforced her belief in the crucial role of psychological support in the healing process.
Nagesh Sriraj, Co-Founder & Trustee, Connect to Heal.
An IT professional and cancer survivor, transformed his personal challenge into a mission to support others. Diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) in 2011, he encountered an unfamiliar path, with no family history of cancer to guide him. The concept of support groups, introduced to him by a former roommate in New York, opened a new horizon, leading him to the supportive community of Connect to Heal (CTH) in Bangalore.
Dr Sunanda Easwaran, Ph.D., Member, Operations Committee, Connect To Heal
Dr Easwaran, PGDM (MBA) from IIM Calcutta and with a Master’s in Statistics and a Ph.D. in Management., combines her extensive academic background with a rich professional history. With 14 years of experience in marketing and market research, she transitioned to academia, teaching at various business schools across the country for about 30 years. Her specialized interest lies in Marketing Research and Entrepreneurship.
Muralidhar ‘Murali’ Adamane, Member, Operations Committee, Connect To Heal
Murali, an engineer by qualification, boasts a diverse 29-year career encompassing Electronics Equipment Manufacturing, Testing, Supply Chain, and Software Development Program Management. His technical acumen is complemented by his skills in Past Life Regression Therapy, Career Development Facilitation, and Lay Counselling. His passion for fostering balance, calm, composure, and direction in individuals’ lives reflects his holistic approach to personal and professional development. This unique blend of expertise and his commitment to nurturing growth have led him to form a meaningful connection with Connect to Heal, where his talents contribute significantly.
Ajitha Deo, Member, Operations Committee, Connect To Heal
Ajita, a dedicated teacher and cancer survivor, brings a unique and compassionate perspective to her role as a counsellor. Having navigated her own journey with cancer, she also stood steadfast as the primary caregiver for her husband during his battle with a chronic ailment. These deeply personal experiences have honed Ajita’s sensitivity and understanding, making her an empathetic guide and support to many facing similar challenges. Her resilience and empathy shine through in her counselling, providing solace and strength to those grappling with the complexities of illness and caregiving.
Ramachandra Shetty, Member, Operations Committee, Connect to Heal
Ramachandra Shetty, a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur, experienced a life-altering moment in 2007 when diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma T Cell. Enduring chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, he emerged from this formidable challenge with a renewed purpose.Compelled to connect with others who have faced similar trials, Ramachandra sought a community of survivors and caregivers where he could share his experiences and offer support.
Abhilash Sridharan, Trustee & Treasurer, Connect to Heal
Abhilash is deeply influenced by his family’s experiences with cancer. His involvement is personal; he lost his paternal grandfather to cancer and witnessed his maternal grandfather’s battle with cancer. Additionally, the societal contributions of his grandmother, Padma Mahadev, have significantly shaped his approach and commitment. Bringing over a decade of expertise in management, operations, and finance, Abhilash has played a pivotal role in establishing and overseeing the operations of various entities. His proficiency in strengthening internal control systems has greatly benefited numerous organizations.