Chairman
Dr Sanjeev Jain, MBBS, MD, DPM, Professor of Psychiatry, NIMHANS
Dr Sanjeev Jain has been providing clinical care to persons and families with HD for more than 20 years. His clinical experience has contributed to several scientific papers, and also engagement with patients. He initiated the Genetic Counselling and Testing (GCAT) Clinic at NIMHANS, that provides care for many neuro-psychiatric disorders that have a genetic basis. He will thus contribute to the HDSi in his capacity a leading researcher, and a committed clinician.
Email: sjain.nimhans@gmail.com, chairman@hdsi.in
Vice Chairman
Dr Nikhil Ratna, M.B.B.S, PhD (Clinical Neurosciences), EHDN/MDS fellowship in HD-2017
Dr. Nikhil Ratna is a clinician turned researcher. During his Ph.D he received training in clinical care and research in HD. He met approximately 150 HD patients and many families are in regular consultation which sensitized him to the misery caused by HD in their lives. He notes that besides the obvious biological deterioration of the individual, there is stigma, marginalisation, lack of specialised care and institutional support for the affected people. He is committed to the cause of empowering the people affected by HD and ensure dignity to them. He strongly believe in team work and have been connecting all the HD related people from India and abroad. He is looking forward to join hands with anyone who is passionate to make a difference for HD families.
Email: vice-chairman@hdsi.in, mbrainjourney@gmail.com
Treasurer
Venkateswara Rao Koushik, Scientist/Engineer ‘G’, Deputy Project Director, Integrated Flight Control System Directorate(IFCS), Aeronautical Development Agency(ADA)(Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India), Bangalore
As a family member of HD, Mr. Koushik would like to contribute to the community of HD patients and their families i) in the form of establishing the HDSI Society ii) To create an environment to let HD patients live their life with dignity. iii) Approach the Government to frame polices to help in medical and social justice. IV) be the treasurer and maintain the Accounts of the HDSI Society
Email: koushikada@yahoo.com
Founding Member
Dr Nayana shah, PhD, Founder Director of Manthan Centre for Human and Organization Development, Ahmedabad.
Nayana Shah was on the Board of Directors and a Fellow at Sumedhas, the Academy for Human Context. She is a core member of Indian Academy for Organizational Development – Sumedhas. She was the President of Visamo Task Group of Visamo Kids Foundation, Ahmedabad and its trustee.
As an affected individual, She is also exploring new ways and methods to deal with Huntington Disease as a family, trying hard to create a national presence towards this. She is the caretaker office in-charge during the registration of HDSI.
Email: manthancentre@gmail.com
Founding Member
Vikas Bhat, Poultry Automation Specialist
Mr. Vikas is an specialist in Poultry Automation and at present rendering his services to a Belgium based company to spread its business in India and surrounding countries. He came to know about HD in 2015 when his wife diagnosed with it. Having no idea, what the disease is and with very little, almost zero information form the Neurologist, He started looking for more information about the disease. The facts he found during his research truly shook him. He contacted several therapists, general practitioners who also expressed their lack of knowledge about this disease. Then he realised the need to create awareness about this disease among not only the medical professionals but also people in general; because until then, during this journey, He met several patients and care givers who were facing common challenges.
The uncontrolled movements considered in a different angle created annoying situations for patient and families. Realising the need to bring all the stakeholders of this disease together he initiated various groups on social media. In due course of time, it was realised that without a formal legal entity to represent the HD community, it would be difficult to provide the suitable solutions to several needs of the patients and families. HDSI is an outcome of this need. HDSI will always look into the well-being of patients and families suffering from this dreadful disease. It is the most satisfying thing for him to be associated with this organisation.
Email: vikasbhat.pune@gmail.com
Founding Member
Dr Priti Mishra, Gynecologist
Dr.Priti Mishra, Gynaecologist by profession, working in a multispeciality hospital in Greater Noida. Recently my husband was diagnosed with HD who himself is an ENT specialist. Facing and dealing with so many problems related to HD and the lack of awareness in India, I contacted European association. Through them, I got connected to the recently evolving HD community in India which inspired to contribute to the cause of HD. Anyone in need is free to contact Dr. Priti.
Email: drpritimishradelhi@gmail.com.
Founding Member
Sri Harika, Crafter
Ms. Sri Harika ,a crafter by profession and a resident of Mumbai. She have seen her mom and grandfather suffer through Huntington’s Disease. Through this organization, She would like to bring a change as to how this disease is perceived and treated in our society. To promote awareness about the disease , improve sensitivity towards the patients and increase accessibility to all possible treatments which can make the life a bit easier to patients and their families is her vision for the Huntington’s Disease community in India.
Email: hasa04@gmail.com
Founding Member
Dr Akila Ramanathan, Associate professor in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Coimbatore
Dr. Akila Ramanathan, an Associate professor in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Coimbatore. She was the caretaker of her late HD affected husband, a physician Dr.Ramanathan for around 10 years. In tribute to her late husband and with her expertise in the development of drug delivery systems for various diseases, she has been recently involved in HD research. As an HD society member, who is seeking to do more in raising the awareness of Huntington’s disease and helping others affected to create an HD free world for future generations.
Founding Member
Sanjay Mashruvala, Managing Director, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd
Having seen many family members who suffered with HD, very committed to support efforts that can reduce the trauma and sufferings of the patients and family members. Hopefully treatment and cure would be found soon.
Email: smashruwala@gmail.com
Founding Member
Daksha Mashurvala, classical Odissi dancer and Founder Director of Kaishiki Nrityabhasha, Mumbai
She belong to a family of Huntington disease. Her mother and two sisters have been HD patients. She look forward to getting rid of the stigma attached to the disease and Of course want to see some solution to the cure and care for the patients and also help the caregivers. Immediate attention to be driven to the pharmaceuticals, the insurance companies , medical practitioners and the society for more awareness and concern in HD.
Email: dakshacheerful@gmail.com
Joint Secretary
Dr. Meera Purushottam, NIMHANS Bengaluru
Email: meera.p@hdsi.in
