Sarju Raikundalia, aged 38, is the Managing Director of Kerala Ayurveda Centre which was founded in 2008. After graduating with a first class degree in Mathematics he went on to work in blue chip companies and qualify as an Accountant. Sarju first encountered Kerala Ayurveda Centre after exhausting conventional treatment for whiplash sustained in a car accident. Initially, dismissive of his mum’s recommendation that he try Kerala Ayurveda, Sarju was astounded by the results. Years later, married with children he founded the first Kerala Ayurveda Centre in Leicester to bring proven benefits of authentic Ayurveda to the UK.
1. What is your current position?
I am the managing director of a group of holistic treatment centres called Kerala Ayurveda Centre which was established in 2008. We have four branches; Leicester, Leeds, Blackburn and Birmingham.
2. What is your proudest achievement?
As a company we have served in excess of 25000 patients with various conditions. A number of our patients have been in significant pain and discomfort. Seeing clients having a positive experience through our authentic treatments is perhaps one of my proudest achievements.
3. What inspires you?
Hanumanji the mighty hero of Ramayana is a perfect integration of spiritual awakening, intellectual skill and dynamism in action. Such a personality is an inspiration and applying these qualities to the daily challenges faced gives me the motivation and inspiration to succeed in any challenging situation.
4. What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
In my twenties I had great ideas to make a difference and to pursue my dreams as an entrepreneur. However, the lack of confidence held me back from moving out of my comfort zone. Sometimes, life is about giving everything you have for a dream that no one can see but you!
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My parents! Thousands of Asians endured great challenges when they were excluded from Uganda in 1972. Growing up in this era of hardship gave me the vision and determination to work hard and to be successful in a career based on ethics, values and love. I believe the youth of today can learn from these principles.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
I value the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life with diverse knowledge, experiences and culture. As well as dedicating my time and efforts to my business my role allows me to have the flexibility to spend my time with my family, friends and hobbies. And the worst….. Whenever something stops challenging me, I just move on. The real challenge is to stay motivated; therefore it is essential the right choices are made. Having your own business presents many decisions and your success in business depends on the choices you make. I feel that when you follow your heart and intuition the decision proves to be successful.
7. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would try and change people’s mind sets through love and being a role model. Imagine if we all work together for the same cause - we can move mountains!
8. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Mahatma Gandhi. A man of great personality; he was respectable, humble and an ambitious man. His teachings convey good values and ethics for a good role model in society.
