Resident Practitioner
Meet our Resident Practitioners
Luxury blends with nature at Dharana at Shillim, our resident practitioners are more than experts; they are compassionate guides on your path to holistic wellbeing. Each practitioner brings a wealth of knowledge, deep care, and a commitment to nurturing your journey to conscious being. With their expertise and empathetic approach, they create a transformative experience tailored to your unique needs, fostering a profound connection between mind, body, and spirit.
Dr. Arun Pillai
Director of wellness
Dr. Arun Pillai is an accomplished professional with an extensive background in the wellness industry, boasting over 15 years of experience, including 12 years of management in 5-star establishments. He holds a BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery) degree, an MBA specialising in Hotel & Hospitality Management, and postgraduate diplomas in Wellness Management and Beauty Therapy from prestigious institutions. Dr. Pillai’s comprehensive skill set encompasses various areas, including pre-opening, operations, marketing, and sales leadership, as well as financial management and P&L responsibility.
His career has spanned multiple countries, including India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and the Caribbean, and he has excelled in directing complex management activities. Dr. Arun Pillai’s expertise extends to promoting wellness as a preventive healthcare measure and managing large multicultural teams. He is well-versed in managing core operations and establishing wellness as a core aspect of the hospitality industry. His rich mix of intuitive business sense, hands-on experience, and knowledge of traditional therapy has enabled him to resolve long-term issues and implement innovative initiatives to enhance productivity and guest service levels.
Throughout his career, Dr. Pillai has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, achieving notable results such as significant revenue enhancements, cost reductions, and successful pre-opening projects. He is skilled in team building, training, and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for guests, all while adhering to high standards of safety and quality.
Dr. Arun Pillai’s accomplishments include overseeing complex facilities with a comprehensive range of services, designing and developing new treatments, and integrating traditional therapies like Ayurveda with contemporary wellness practices. He has received accolades, awards, and recognition for his contributions to the industry, making him a respected figure in the field of wellness management. His approach combines a holistic perspective on well-being, a commitment to professional standards, and a dedication to enhancing customer satisfaction, making him an asset to any operation.
Dr. Pillai’s extensive experience, professional qualifications, and impressive track record make him an invaluable expert in wellness management, capable of driving success and excellence in the field.
Throughout his career, Dr. Pillai has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, achieving notable results such as significant revenue enhancements, cost reductions, and successful pre-opening projects. He is skilled in team building, training, and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for guests, all while adhering to high standards of safety and quality.
Dr. Arun Pillai’s accomplishments include overseeing complex facilities with a comprehensive range of services, designing and developing new treatments, and integrating traditional therapies like Ayurveda with contemporary wellness practices. He has received accolades, awards, and recognition for his contributions to the industry, making him a respected figure in the field of wellness management. His approach combines a holistic perspective on well-being, a commitment to professional standards, and a dedication to enhancing customer satisfaction, making him an asset to any operation. Dr. Pillai’s extensive experience, professional qualifications, and impressive track record make him an invaluable expert in wellness management, capable of driving success and excellence in the field.Dr Jayanta Gogoi
Head of Physiotherapy
Dr Jayanta Gogoi brings a wealth of experience to Dharana at Shillim. He specialises in helping patients with physical injuries, pain management, improvement in movement, and rehabilitation, showcasing his expertise in identifying trauma causes and crafting safe, effective physiotherapy programmes. Dr.Gogoi also offers dry needling, cupping, sports massage, medical acupuncture, chiropractic and osteopathy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation and gait training. Alongside working with his patients, Dr Gogoi continues to make significant contributions within the field of physiotherapy.
Dr Jayanta Gogoi
Head of Physiotherapy
Dr Jayanta Gogoi brings a wealth of experience to Dharana at Shillim. He specialises in helping patients with physical injuries, pain management, improvement in movement, and rehabilitation, showcasing his expertise in identifying trauma causes and crafting safe, effective physiotherapy programmes. Dr.Gogoi also offers dry needling, cupping, sports massage, medical acupuncture, chiropractic and osteopathy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation and gait training. Alongside working with his patients, Dr Gogoi continues to make significant contributions within the field of physiotherapy.
Dr. Sagar Mahajan
Wellness Operation Manager
Dr. Sagar Mahajan, Wellness Operation Manager at Dharan at Shillim, is a renowned Wellness Expert and Integrative Ayurveda Physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in conceptualizing, planning, and executing wellness programs, pre-opening operations, training, and enhancing guest experiences in leading international institutions across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Experience:
Founder : DV Advanced Aesthetics Skin & Hair and Multispeciality Ayurveda.
Head Consultant: Ananda SPA Foundation.
Associate Director Advisory: SVS Ayurveda Hospital, Hyderabad.
Head of Administration & Faculty: Ananda Spa Institute.
Head of Department – SPA: SBJ Centre Of Excellence and Blossom Kochhar College of Creative Arts & Design.
Spa Consultant Doctor: Club Mahindra.
Dr. Mahajan’s career highlights his expertise in wellness and integrative health, contributing significantly to the industry through his innovative approaches and leadership.
Dr. Sagar Mahajan
Wellness Operation Manager
Dr. Sagar Mahajan, Wellness Operation Manager at Dharan at Shillim, is a renowned Wellness Expert and Integrative Ayurveda Physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in conceptualizing, planning, and executing wellness programs, pre-opening operations, training, and enhancing guest experiences in leading international institutions across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Experience:
Founder: DV Advanced Aesthetics Skin & Hair and Multispeciality Ayurveda.
Head Consultant: Ananda SPA Foundation.
Associate Director Advisory: SVS Ayurveda Hospital, Hyderabad.
Head of Administration & Faculty: Ananda Spa Institute.
Head of Department – SPA: SBJ Centre Of Excellence and Blossom Kochhar College of Creative Arts & Design.
Spa Consultant Doctor: Club Mahindra.
Dr. Mahajan’s career highlights his expertise in wellness and integrative health, contributing significantly to the industry through his innovative approaches and leadership.
Dr Pranathi Bollapragada
Experienced Dietitian with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceuticals industry. Skilled in Food Science,Hospitality sector, wellness retreats, Weight Management, Health Promotion, Medical Nutrition Therapy, and Pharmaceutical Industry. Strong healthcare services professional with a Masters in Nutrition & Dietetics focused in Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist from Acharya Nagarjuna University. Currently working as Head of Nutrition and Dietetics at Dharana at Shillim.
Dr. Akshaj Dev J
Dr. Akshay is a dedicated and ambitious wellness professional with a strong commitment to patient care and overall employee welfare. With a background in Ayurvedic medicine, he has a robust skill set that includes relationship development, lifestyle coaching, wellness strategy, administration, and Panchakarma expertise.
Dr. Akshaj Dev J
Dr. Akshay is a dedicated and ambitious wellness professional with a strong commitment to patient care and overall employee welfare. With a background in Ayurvedic medicine, he has a robust skill set that includes relationship development, lifestyle coaching, wellness strategy, administration, and Panchakarma expertise.
Ajinkya Deshpandey
Head of Yoga
Trained at the world-renowned Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Ajinkya Deshpandey specialises in meditation, healing, and Hatha Yoga. At Dharana, Ajinkya, with his profound understanding of ancient Yogic traditions, coupled with innovative approaches, inspires guests to embark on their transformative journey towards holistic wellbeing through traditional Hatha Yoga practices and Tibetan singing bowl meditation. He continues to significantly impact the global Yoga community and is also renowned for his mastery of Yoga Nidra, guiding guests towards relaxation and rejuvenation.
Ajinkya Deshpandey
Head of Yoga
Trained at the world-renowned Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Ajinkya Deshpandey specialises in meditation, healing, and Hatha Yoga. At Dharana, Ajinkya, with his profound understanding of ancient Yogic traditions, coupled with innovative approaches, inspires guests to embark on their transformative journey towards holistic wellbeing through traditional Hatha Yoga practices and Tibetan singing bowl meditation. He continues to significantly impact the global Yoga community and is also renowned for his mastery of Yoga Nidra, guiding guests towards relaxation and rejuvenation.
Rajan Madhusudan Welingkar
Iyengar Yoga Expert
With over 26 years of dedicated practice and teaching, Rajan Madhusudan Welingkar is a renowned Iyengar Yoga expert, specialising in Therapeutic Yoga. Rajan’s journey in Yoga has been deeply rooted in tradition, having been a direct disciple of BKS Iyengar Guruji for six months. His tireless efforts in spreading the teachings of Iyengar Yoga and his compassionate approach to healing have earned him the respect and admiration of students and colleagues alike. In Rajan Madhusudan Welingkar, you will find not just a Yoga teacher, but a beacon of light guiding you towards health, harmony, and inner peace.
Rajan Madhusudan Welingkar
Iyengar Yoga Expert
With over 26 years of dedicated practice and teaching, Rajan Madhusudan Welingkar is a renowned Iyengar Yoga expert, specialising in Therapeutic Yoga. Rajan’s journey in Yoga has been deeply rooted in tradition, having been a direct disciple of BKS Iyengar Guruji for six months. His tireless efforts in spreading the teachings of Iyengar Yoga and his compassionate approach to healing have earned him the respect and admiration of students and colleagues alike. In Rajan Madhusudan Welingkar, you will find not just a Yoga teacher, but a beacon of light guiding you towards health, harmony, and inner peace.
Chef Kuntal Kumar
Executive Chef
Renowned for his deep understanding of culinary trends and dynamic outlook, Chef Kuntal Kumar’s passion is to provide beautiful food and unparalleled service to guests. He has worked at a variety of properties across India, launching and spearheading the food and beverage offering, with a commitment to excellence, which he now brings to Dharana at Shillim.
Chef Kuntal Kumar is a highly experienced Director of Food & Beverage with a profound passion for culinary excellence. He brings extensive expertise in managing all facets of F&B operations, including menu planning, budgeting, and team leadership. Known for his creative flair and unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, Chef Kuntal has consistently exceeded expectations by developing innovative menus that cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences.
Throughout his career, Chef Kuntal has demonstrated a deep understanding of what it takes to create memorable dining experiences. He excels in working with local suppliers, creating seasonal menus, and introducing new culinary concepts. His strategic approach to budget management and financial analysis has maximized revenue and profitability across various establishments.
A skilled leader, Chef Kuntal inspires and motivates teams to deliver outstanding results. He prioritizes staff training and support, ensuring exceptional customer service by monitoring guest feedback and addressing issues promptly.
Chef Kuntal stays abreast of the latest culinary trends and techniques, constantly seeking new ways to enhance the dining experience for guests. As a driven and results-oriented professional, he is committed to achieving success for himself and his team. If you’re looking for a Director of F&B who is passionate, skilled, and dedicated to delivering outstanding results, Chef Kuntal would be an invaluable addition to any organization.
Siddharth Chogle
Executive Sous Chef
Siddharth Chogle is a distinguished Chef Consultant specializing in holistic and Ayurvedic-inspired cuisine with a plant-forward and sustainable approach to food systems. With extensive pre-opening experience, Siddharth has served as Executive Sous Chef at Dharana at Shillim and Chef De Cuisine at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, among other notable positions. He excels in developing wellness-centric menus, fermenting, and promoting wellbeing through innovative culinary practices. Siddharth is known for his exceptional ability to integrate traditional wellness principles with modern culinary techniques, ensuring a balanced and health-conscious dining experience.
Siddharth Chogle
Executive Sous Chef
Siddharth Chogle is a distinguished Chef Consultant specializing in holistic and Ayurvedic-inspired cuisine with a plant-forward and sustainable approach to food systems. With extensive pre-opening experience, Siddharth has served as Executive Sous Chef at Dharana at Shillim and Chef De Cuisine at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, among other notable positions. He excels in developing wellness-centric menus, fermenting, and promoting wellbeing through innovative culinary practices. Siddharth is known for his exceptional ability to integrate traditional wellness principles with modern culinary techniques, ensuring a balanced and health-conscious dining experience.
Priyanka Vivek Raokar
Head of Pottery + Ceramic Artist
Over the past decade, ceramic artist Priyanka Vivek Raokar has carved out a niche as a versatile artist, educator, and designer. Her artistic journey blossomed at Dharana at Shillim, where she has honed her craft by designing ceramic products, conducting engaging workshops, and fulfilling bespoke commissions. Showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation, she loves to share her expertise with guests and ignite young minds with her clay modelling workshops, fostering the next generation of artists. Priyanka has won numerous awards, and her work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions.
Priyanka Vivek Raokar
Head of Pottery + Ceramic Artist
Over the past decade, ceramic artist Priyanka Vivek Raokar has carved out a niche as a versatile artist, educator, and designer. Her artistic journey blossomed at Dharana at Shillim, where she has honed her craft by designing ceramic products, conducting engaging workshops, and fulfilling bespoke commissions. Showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation, she loves to share her expertise with guests and ignite young minds with her clay modelling workshops, fostering the next generation of artists. Priyanka has won numerous awards, and her work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions.
Bhaskar Kolekar
Head of Horticulture
With a strong academic record in horticulture, Bhaskar Kolekar worked at N.K.U Agro Shivshree Farms and Kumar Properties before joining the team at Dharana at Shillim. Bhaskar oversees a variety of horticultural activities at the retreat, including landscape design implementation, maintenance of landscape gardens, irrigation system management, tree rescue operations and indoor plant care. He also maintains a nursery unit for plant propagation and curing. Eco-friendly practices, such as vermicomposting, provide the backbone to Bhaskar’s work, in line with Dharana’s deep commitment to sustainability.
Bhaskar Kolekar
Head of Horticulture
With a strong academic record in horticulture, Bhaskar Kolekar worked at N.K.U Agro Shivshree Farms and Kumar Properties before joining the team at Dharana at Shillim. Bhaskar oversees a variety of horticultural activities at the retreat, including landscape design implementation, maintenance of landscape gardens, irrigation system management, tree rescue operations and indoor plant care. He also maintains a nursery unit for plant propagation and curing. Eco-friendly practices, such as vermicomposting, provide the backbone to Bhaskar’s work, in line with Dharana’s deep commitment to sustainability.
STEP INTO THE DHARANA WAY OF LIFE
To pick the perfect wellbeing programme for your needs contact us, in the strictest confidence, with some initial personal details. We’ll then be in touch to help guide your choices.
