Meet the Mhat Management Team

Mr Krishna Kumar

Mr Krishna Kumar

Head of Administration

Krishna Kumar is a seasoned sales and marketing professional with over 30 years of experience in the consumer durables and FMCG sectors. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management and a degree in Economics, providing a strong foundation for his career.

Known for his strategic approach and proven track record, Krishna has a deep understanding of market dynamics and consumer behaviour. His extensive experience in developing effective marketing campaigns and leading successful sales teams makes him an asset to any organization seeking growth and competitive advantage.

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Dr Manoj Kumar

Dr Manoj Kumar

Founder and Clinical Director

Dr Manoj Kumar is the founder of the Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT). He founded MHAT in 2008 in Kozhikode. MHAT works on a decentralized model to provide mental health care to the rural populace. Dr. Manoj Kumar is a notable figure in the field of mental health,...

recognized for his work with the Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT), an organization dedicated to providing community-based mental health care in India. He is a pioneering psychiatrist and social entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to improving mental health services for underserved populations. Dr. Manoj Kumar founded MHAT with the vision of delivering comprehensive mental health care to those who traditionally have limited access to such services. His approach centres on community participation, where local volunteers are trained to support mental health programs and offer care to people with mental illnesses, including the homeless and those living in rural or remote areas. Under Dr. Kumar's leadership, MHAT has developed innovative models for mental health care, focusing on affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. The organization's approach emphasizes outreach and inclusion, breaking down stigmas associated with mental illness while promoting recovery and reintegration into society. Dr. Kumar's work with MHAT has gained recognition for its impact and unique approach to community-based mental health care. His dedication to improving mental health services and advocating for those in need has inspired many in the mental health field and beyond. Through MHAT, he continues to work towards creating a society where mental health care is accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic status

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Dr Meena Nair

Dr Meena Nair

Head of Social Development and Research

Dr. Meena Nair S is a senior Social Scientist and social development expert from Kerala, with over two decades of experience in areas of rural & tribal development, gender and ecological studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Kerala and has...

completed her Postdoctoral program with fellowship from ICSSR, critically evaluating the State health care programs for tribal communities. Her research extends to socio-economic studies, addressing challenges faced by single mothers, and evaluating development projects as working group member of State Planning Board. Dr Meena's career includes significant roles like Head of Social Development & Research at the Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT), where she leads programs on mental health and social inclusion. Dr Meena was Program Manager- Social Development at Life Mission, a flagship program of the State Government of Kerala. Her experience also includes leading the flood relief and rehabilitation work at MSSRF, conducting socio-ecological research in collaboration with IPSI, and promoting sustainable development through a project with JICA. Dr.Meena has also worked as a Gender Consultant with Kudumbasree, implementing women's empowerment programs. Beyond her professional work, Dr Meena is passionate about reading, travelling, music, photography and writing, with published works to her credit. Her dedication to social justice and empowerment of disadvantaged underscores her reputation as a leader in the field.

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Ms Radhika Kidao

Ms Radhika Kidao

Occupational Therapist

Ms Radhika is an Occupational therapist with a special interest in recovery-oriented community mental health and continuing professional development of staff. She completed her undergraduate training in occupational therapy in 1977 from Christian Medical...

College in South India and later her MPhil from the University of Derby, UK. She has, worked in India, the Seychelles, and the UK. Most of her work has been within the field of mental health. She has also worked for a few years setting up services for persons with chronic health conditions such as Chronic Pain and Fatigue. She has a special interest in recovery-oriented approaches that help individuals live well despite a chronic illness.

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Mr Ramesh Babu

Mr Ramesh Babu

Head of Finance

Ramesh Babu M.C. serves as Director of Finance & Accounts at the Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT). He holds a Master of Commerce degree and brings over 30 years of diverse experience in internal auditing, accounting, and financial management.

Throughout his career, he has worked across multiple industries, including logistics, real estate, construction, and project management services, with a focus on both Indian and Middle Eastern markets. His extensive background and expertise in financial operations make him a key asset to MHAT, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring sound financial practices and compliance.

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Dr Rekha Pallikkuth

Dr Rekha Pallikkuth

Clinical Psychologist and Head of Department of Clinical Psychology

Dr. Rekha Pallikkuth is a licensed clinical psychologist with a PhD in Community-Clinical Psychology from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, and an MPhil in Clinical Psychology from Manipal University. She has over 15 years of experience in community...

clinical psychology, focusing on school and college mental health programs, and participatory research in community clinics. At MHAT, Dr Pallikkuth heads the Centre for Psychotherapy (CfPT) at MHAT, which specialises in offering evidence-based treatment for diverse mental health issues without cultural bias. Her expertise includes a deep understanding of culturally sensitive psychotherapy techniques and a commitment to providing compassionate and holistic care to each client. At the CfPT, Dr Pallikuth leverages her passion for delivering inclusive and effective mental health care by focusing on promoting healing and well-being in individuals from all backgrounds. Dr. Pallikkuth strives to create a safe and welcoming space for individuals to explore and address their mental health concerns, fostering growth and empowerment in the process. Her professional work includes consultations, training, and supervision, where she supports other mental health professionals and guides best practices. Dr. Pallikkuth published several articles in international journals and contributed a book chapter in the field of community-clinical psychology. Dr. Pallikkuth's empathy, cultural sensitivity, and focus on community-based interventions have made her a respected figure in the mental health community. She actively promotes mental health awareness and works to reduce stigma through education and engagement with schools, colleges, and local organizations.

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Mr Sajan Raghavan

Mr Sajan Raghavan

Director Digital Transformation

Sajan is a seasoned Training Professional and Life Coach with over 32 years of diverse experience across industries such as Defence, Telecom, Banking, and Finance, spanning multiple countries including India, Oman, UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.

His experience is in creating and implementing client-focused Talent Management strategies that rely on Digital Innovations. He has led the design and implementation of various training programs as well as technology-driven talent management initiatives in the Banking, Oil and Gas, and Telecom sectors across geographies. In his previous role as Country Manager at XpertLearning, he helped several HR and Training Directors in the Middle East design, operate, and optimize their talent management functions. In 2019, Sajan transitioned from the corporate world to focus on bringing hope and support to individuals facing significant life challenges. His work combines wisdom, innovation, and technology to create meaningful change. Currently, he devotes his time to the Mental Health Action Trust, an organization known for its recovery-oriented mental health care for the underprivileged, and to McKesson, a leader in cancer care transformation through advanced technology. His ongoing pursuit is to apply thoughtfulness, innovation and technology to support individuals as they navigate their darkest times. Beyond his professional roles, Sajan is a devoted student of spirituality and music. His commitment to leading a meaningful life extends to offering Life, Leadership, and Recovery Coaching to individuals seeking personal growth and transformation.

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Ms Sona Narayanan

Ms Sona Narayanan

HOD Community Clinical Services

Ms. Sona K Narayanan, Head of Social Work at the Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT), has over 15 years of experience in community-based mental health, clinical practice, and education. She holds an MSW from Sree Shankaracharya University of Sanskrit and an MPhil in Psychiatric Social Work from NIMHANS, with a...

Post Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health from PATHWAYS Foundation. Ms. Narayanan's extensive experience spans clinical practice, teaching, and program management. At MHAT, she leads community mental health programs, overseeing rehabilitation efforts, coordinating community clinics, and spearheading mental health awareness initiatives. She is also a member of a team of experienced Psychotherapists delivering evidence-based care to clients from urban settings. Previously, at the Institute of Palliative Medicine, she focused on supportive counselling and rehabilitation, particularly for chronic illnesses. At Sasthra Family Counseling Centre, she handled family and adolescent counselling, among other responsibilities. In addition to her clinical work, Ms. Narayanan has experience in Teaching students at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) as well as at the MHAT, where she supervises research and trains volunteers and nurses. She has presented papers at national conferences and published research on psychiatric social work. Ms. Narayanan is known for her expertise in a range of therapeutic techniques and her skill in working with multi-disciplinary teams. She is a life member of the Indian Society of Professional Social Work and remains dedicated to advancing community mental health

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