Our Beloved Mentor | Ayurveda Visionary | Entrepreneur | Philanthropist | Educator

Padma Shri Dr. J. Hareendran Nair is a renowned Ayurveda physician, visionary entrepreneur, and the founder of Pankajakasthuri Herbals, Kerala’s first ISO-certified Ayurvedic medicine company. Through his innovations and over 350 herbal formulations, he has made traditional healing accessible while building educational institutions and research centers that uphold Ayurveda’s legacy. A committed philanthropist, he provides free meals, medical care, and scholarships to hundreds each year, embodying his mission to make Ayurveda an affordable and effective path to wellness.

Career Journey

• Began as a Research Fellow at the Poojappura Regional Research Institute (1984–1986).

• Resigned from government service in 1986 to pursue his dream of making Ayurveda accessible to all.

• Founded Sree Dhanwanthari Ayurvedics in 1988 at Poovachal, later rebranded as Pankajakasthuri Herbals India Pvt. Ltd. in 1996.

  • The name Pankajakasthuri combines his mother’s name Pankajam and his eldest daughter’s name Kasturi.

Business Achievements

• Pankajakasthuri Herbals grew from a small rural clinic into Kerala’s first ISO 9000-certified Ayurvedic medicine company.

• Today, the group includes:

  • Pankajakasthuri Ayurveda Medical College—Kerala’s first self-financed Ayurveda medical college (est. 2002)

  • Pankajakasthuri Ayurveda Hospital & Panchakarma Centres

  • Pankajakasthuri Herbal Research Foundation

  • Pankajakasthuri Engineering College

• Developed over 350 Ayurvedic formulations, including well-known products like

  • Breathe Eazy – for respiratory ailments

  • Orthoherb – for joint and back pain

  • Ilogen Excel – for diabetes management

  • Mayukhi Herbal Hair Oil – for hair health

• Expanded distribution to global markets, including the UK and Middle East, and sales via major e-commerce platforms.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

• Provides 1,000 free lunches daily through the Ayurveda Medical College.

• Sponsors education for 125 students annually.

• Offers free inpatient medical care (including medicines) to 50 patients at a time.

• Conducts monthly free medical camps in Thiruvananthapuram.

• Actively promotes Ayurveda as an affordable, effective healthcare system for all.

Leadership Roles

• Managing Director – Pankajakasthuri Herbals India Pvt. Ltd.

• Managing Director – Pankajakasthuri Ayurveda Medical College & Engineering College

• Founder & Secretary – Pankajakasthuri Herbal Research Foundation

• Advisor on Ayurveda – Government of Nagaland

• Member – Kerala State Medicinal Plant Board

• Founder Director – Care Keralam Ltd., a consortium promoting Kerala’s Ayurvedic products

• Patron – Chinmaya Mission, Thiruvananthapuram

Awards & Recognitions

• Padma Shri – Government of India (2012)

• Management Leadership Award – Trivandrum Management Association

• Sai Maa International Award – for Ayurvedic propagation

• Best Entrepreneur Award – Government of Kerala

• Ayurvedaratna Award – for contributions to Ayurveda

• Entrepreneur of the Year – Berchmans Institute of Management Studies

Philosophy & Vision

“My only agenda is the popularization of Ayurveda as an effective and economic mode of treatment among people.” – Dr. J. Hareendran Nair

Guided by the Malayalam proverb “Padikkuka, padippikkuka, pracharippikkuka, athil jeevikkuka”—study, teach, propagate, and live on that — he has dedicated over three decades to making Ayurveda relevant and accessible in modern life.

Legacy in Motion

Dr. Nair’s journey from a small rural clinic to a Rs 135 crore Ayurvedic enterprise is a testament to his resilience, innovation, and deep commitment to public health. His work continues to inspire entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and social leaders alike.