kanthari – Meet Our Inspiring Team

Ajith Kumar T - Administration Manager

My name is Ajith Kumar. I completed my Post Graduation in Business Management at Chinthaman Rao College of Commerce, Maharahstra, presently known as Institute for Management and research (IIMR). I started my career as a Client Service Executive in an advertising agency in Pune and slowly moved into other areas of retail marketing, exports, and real estate. Most of my working years were spent in Bangalore, which gave me good exposure to the corporate culture and the urban way of life. But something was always missing in my life, I couldn’t pinpoint what. Then I realized that in this corporate environment, I was missing out on how the majority of Indian’s lived. I realized that we needed a second revolution to transform the lives of the underprivileged to bring them on par with main stream society. Revolution to me was always about transforming the lives of the poor and empowering them to stand on their own; rather than spoon feeding and bringing about a culture of dependence and protection. I have always shouted to myself the injustice meted out to the poor; but could not find a trigger for a non-political movement, which will help the poor and the distressed.

The Revolution I saw during my teens included unnecessary strikes by politicians for the upliftment of the poor, or for some other trivial issues that never really left an impact on the lives of the underprivileged. Rather, it was merely used for political gains and for pushing personal agendas. It was then that I realized that my usefulness to society was limited and any chance of progression in this field was non-existent. I was merely flowing with the tide and not doing justice to my potential. My life was at cross roads, when destiny brought me before two people who had a clear vision and idea on how they can empower people to stand on their own and create positive social change. I did not want to let go of this wonderful opportunity to venture into a field which was near to my thoughts, and dear to my heart. So I decided to lend my full-fledged support to nurture and raise kanthari in India. Since 2009, it has been a pleasure to work at kanthari. I am now able to live my dream of being a social advocate whose wish is to fight injustices and work for social causes. Every day at kanthari is a learning experience to me, and I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing Project.

Surji S.I – IT / Media Coordinator

I am an energetic, ambitious person who has developed a mature and responsible approach to any task that I undertake, or situation that I am presented with.
After a long term in the corporate service sector, I was looking for a position where I could contribute towards a greater good. I got to know about kanthari where social changemakers are being nurtured and wanted to be part of it. Here it is not about just local but global impact. kanthari offers leadership training to all no matter what background.
In my role as IT/media coordinator i have been learning many new skills here, which i love!

Salini John – Administration Academic Supporter

Salini holds a Bachelor in Commerce and a Post Graduate Diploma in Hotel Management (PGDHM) . She is a very systematic person and takes care of all our guests. She brings the best out of her staff and ensures that the campus is kept neat and clean. She is in charge of the Housekeeping department and also works as a bridge between the Academic team and the Administrative team.

Sreekantan – Accounts Officer

My name is Sreekantan and I am the accountant at kanthari. I hold an MBA in Financial Management. I am making sure that kanthari has a transparent and effective accounting system. kanthari is a place where I love to work, a place that is nature friendly, with people who are very positive in their attitude from all over the world. I feel lucky to be a part of kanthari.

Arvind Joshi - Catalyst

I am a filmmaker with a deep interest in capturing the diverse experiences that lie at the intersection of society and politics. My documentaries and short fiction films have been screened at several international festivals, including the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) in 2021. That was my first visit to Thiruvananthapuram, and I instantly fell in love with the city—a place I always wanted to return to.
Before joining kanthari, I worked across television, feature films, and advertising in various roles, writer, director, and editor, mainly in Mumbai and Pune. While those cities shaped my craft, their constant noise made me long for a more grounded creative environment.
At kanthari, I found what I was looking for: a community rooted in nature and driven by purpose. The campus, surrounded by greenery and quiet, provides space for reflection, while the stories of the participants are endlessly inspiring. Being part of this ecosystem feels like discovering a home where my passion for storytelling aligns with a shared vision for a better world.

Ravi PV - Catalyst

My name is Ravi. I am a visual storyteller who believes in the power of real stories. I started with corporate gigs and freelancing, but something always felt missing. I've always wanted to highlight those often overlooked. Joining kanthari was a turning point. I realised this was the place I had been searching for,  a community that empowers individuals from marginalised backgrounds to become torchbearers for social change.
At kanthari, we see potential where others see limitations. As a Catalyst with a focus on media, my role enables me to utilize my skills to highlight powerful stories that deserve to be seen and heard. Being part of this journey, where personal adversity is transformed into societal impact, is not just a job; it's a calling. It’s not just about creating content, it’s about creating impact.
Every day, I'm inspired by the courage and creativity of those around me. Their stories fuel my passion and reaffirm my belief in the transformative power of authentic storytelling.

Rohin Manuel Anil – Catalyst

I trained as a mechanical engineer, but very early on I realised I was far more interested in understanding why society breaks down than in repairing machines. That vague itch for “purpose” eventually took me to Bihar as a rural development fellow, where I learned two things: systems can change, and they do it at the pace of a very lazy buffalo. Still, I discovered that development is really about helping someone live with a little more ease, dignity, and awareness of the strings pulling them. I’m definitely still caught in a few strings myself, but at least I’m learning which ones to cut.

At kanthari, I enjoy diving into conversations about social and economic systems, questioning the kind of “growth” we’re all told to chase, and exploring the structural and existential quirks of business. When I’m not overthinking the world, I’m on the volleyball court or pretending I didn’t once break a leg playing badminton. If you ever want to analyse problems—or debate football—I’m always around.

Joseph Mathew – Executive Chef

As a diploma holder in Hotel Management Joseph heads the team in the kitchen. He comes from the mountains of Wayanad and is a very friendly and jovial person. The cooking in kanthari is well-known for its fresh, healthy and tasty food and helps people from around the world to adapt to India.

Divya – Chef

Divya is a member of our kitchen team. She is an experienced chef who assures that all meals are healthy and tasty. Divya is also experienced in making tasty pastry bites.

Geetha – House Keeping Attendant

kanthari for me is a very good organization. It is situated very near to my house. The founders and all the staff, behave very nicely to me So, I love to come to kanthari.

Chandralekha – Kitchen Assistant

Chandralekha is well known for her cleanliness. She makes sure that the dining area and her work area is always clean and tidy and keeps all the kitchen utensils ready to be used at all times.

Sreedevi – House Keeping Attendant

I came to know about kanthari through my Father in Law who was working here as a security guard. He told me that it is great place to work. I am very happy to come to kanthari campus everyday.

Beena – House Keeping Attendant

kanthari is a good organization that works for a better society. The people who come here to study go back to be a contributing member of our society. The good behaviour of all the staff, and that kanthari is situated very near to my house attracts me to kanthari. I forget all my worries when I am at kanthari.

Ratheesh – Electrician, Maintenance

Ratheesh is an electrician by profession, but capable of doing everything and anything that comes his way. He played a crucial role in installing the solar power plant in our campus. He is also a person who is very much interested in Agriculture.

Ravi – Gardener

Raveendran is one of our gardeners. Ravi, as everyone calls him, is very creative and hard-working. Together with our other gardener Rajan, he grows organic vegetables and also takes care of all the trees, plants and flowers that make the kanthari campus a lush and green habitat

Sivankutty - Gardener

Sivankutty is one of our gardeners. He and Ravi are very creative and hard-working. They growsorganic vegetables and also take care of all the trees, plants and flowers that make the kanthari campus a lush and green habitat

Prakash – Security

I Joined kanthari on November 2017. I respect the founders of kanthari who have come all the way to India start up this Project.

After hearing about them, I felt to be a part of this great venture and I am happy to work as a Security guard at kanthari.
kanthari provides all of us a family atmosphere.