My journey… (Dr. Yogesh Prabhakaran writes)

Sometimes, it’s good to take a moment to pause and reflect on a long journey that has been incredible. Not for the purposes of self-glorification, but as a silent reminder to stay close to our inner compass…to what really matters. Environment and education play a very imperative role in shaping one’s career. I have been extremely fortunate on both these counts.
I hail from Kerala, the verdant epicentre of Ayurveda. After graduating from the legendary, century-old Government Ayurveda College at Tripunithura- Kochi, I interned for even older and more esteemed institutions – the125 year-old Government Ayurveda Hospital at Trivandrum and Arya Vaidya Sala – Kottakkal, an eminent name held in reverence by even royalty.
While specializing in Panchakarma and Ayurveda treatment practices, I had the opportunity to train under Ayurveda virtuosos like Late Dr. K Sanakran, the erstwhile Ayurveda Head for the State of Kerala, and other renowned traditional Vaidyas or masters, who interpreted the principles of Ayurveda into effective wellness practices.
This intense training entrenched me in the wellness principles of Ayurveda, which I strongly believe could reawaken any weary soul to the beauty and harmony within. Hospitality would be my chosen premise, as it was the most promising platform to showcase my beliefs and skills.
My first challenge was to set up an Ayurveda therapy centre within the Spa and wellness centre of the Leela Palace Kempinski at Bangalore, India. Upon successfully establishing the facility, I propagated my skills and learning to the flagship “Quan” spa at the JW Marriott Hotel, Mumbai. Once the mission was fulfilled, the JW Marriott chain invited me to train spa staff at its subsidiary – the Renaissance Hotel – Mumbai.
One opportunity led to another…After training and a pre-opening task for the Rejuve Spa at the LaLiT Hotel, Bangalore, I moved on to introduce Ayurveda therapies at the popular Mandarin Oriental Spas, where I also served as visiting consultant.
My career was taking off in the right direction and it was gratifying. My big breakthrough came, when I got an offer to work with the Oberoi Group of hotels – a preferred destination for Luxury tourists. It was a dream project, and I had a free rein.
With the Oberoi group, I set new milestones in my career. I revamped the entire Ayurveda offerings at the spas of the group, and under my stewardship, ‘Oberoi Udaivilas’ at Udaipur won the prestigious ‘Condé Nast Traveler’ awards for the ‘Best Spa’ for three years in a row (2006 to 2008), a benchmark for Indian luxury spas that remains unchallenged after more than a decade. My defining moment arrived when I helped develop the ‘Oberoi Spa’ brand between 2008 & 2010. Until then, the spas at Oberoi properties were managed by Banyan Tree, a Thai company.
Since 2010, I’ve served as Vice President of Operations at Sohum Spa, rated as the Best Day Spa in India for the past 3 years. In my seven-year tenure with this leading Spa chain, I have spearheaded pre-opening, operational and marketing functions of 60-plus spas. My most notable accomplishment within Sohum is the launch of the Business Class lounge spa at the Mumbai International Airport in 2015, with 24 Spa stations and 55 staff.
This is the treasure trove of experience I bring to ‘Thriphala’. I continue to be inspired by the knowledge that my contribution makes a difference to the lives I touch. It gives me a whole new appreciation of purpose and keeps me going.
Looking forward to serving you better…
Regards,
Yogesh Prabhakaran