At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Dr Anindya Anuradha for an exclusive interview with us. Dr Anindya is a Mentor, Entrepreneur and Founder at Adhvait India Foundation. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Dr Anindya:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I completed my primary education in a remote village school of Odisha, where I witnessed the sufferings of my friends and teachers due to poor healthcare and a lack of awareness.
My grandfather’s stories of India’s freedom struggle deeply inspired me, and my favourite poem was by Gopabandhu Das, the Odia freedom fighter and social worker who continued serving people even while his son was on his deathbed. The poem says: “Let my body blend in this country’s track; let my countrymen walk on my back. On the path of my country’s progress, let all potholes be filled with my flesh and bones.”
These words shaped my decision to become a doctor—the noblest profession to reduce pain and suffering. I was a Gold Medallist in Social and Preventive Medicine (MBBS, 3rd year) and Medicine (4th year) from SCB Medical College, Cuttack. After completing my MS in Ophthalmology from PGI Rohtak, I pursued a Glaucoma Fellowship at the University of Toronto.
My research on the five-year prospective study of Ahmed Glaucoma valve tube movement in the anterior segment was presented at ARVO 2015 in Denver, USA, and later published in the Journal of Glaucoma.
During my stay in Toronto, I closely observed Indians working tirelessly for Canada’s growth despite harsh climates and limitations. This made me question—why not in India? That thought brought me back home.
I joined Bhagwan Mahavir Medica (currently Manipal) Superspeciality Hospital, Ranchi, where I established Jharkhand’s only tertiary eye care centre with round-the-clock anaesthetist and ICU backup. This enabled us to manage mass blast eye injuries of Jawans and later function as the apex referral institute for black fungus cases during COVID-19.
For my contribution to healthcare, I received the Aparajita Award from the Governor of Jharkhand in 2017. I also established the Centre for Ophthalmic Research and Training (CORT), inaugurated by the Honourable Governor Mrs. Draupadi Murmu. Under the guidance of Dr. Anil Mandal, I developed a special interest in pediatric glaucoma and currently serve as a course instructor on an international platform.
To address inequities in health and education, I launched the Adhvait India Foundation. Its digital classroom initiative in tribal areas was appreciated by the Honorable President of India. We are now scaling up sustainable Telemedicine centres across Jharkhand.
I recently completed my MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Administration from BITS Pilani. My dissertation focused on community medicine strategies for Jharkhand, identifying key health gaps as per NITI Aayog indicators. My research shows that Telemedicine can optimise existing healthcare resources and deliver cost-effective solutions.
Dr Anindya Anuradha with Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu (Right)
‘Adhvait India Foundation’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
Even after decades of independence, though India has made tremendous progress in healthcare, out-of-pocket expenses remain a major barrier for communities to access quality care.
At Adhvait, our board members come from diverse healthcare backgrounds, and together we are committed to building a holistic health ecosystem for the underprivileged population of India.
With this vision, we aspire to lift India to become truly Adhvait—the best—for the world. If you believe you can contribute to this journey, we warmly welcome you to join our mission.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
When our purpose is larger than our individual aspirations, it naturally keeps us moving forward. For me, it is my team at Adhvait and the Manipal Ranchi Eye Department that constantly inspires and pushes me ahead.
And of course, a supportive and happy family that believes in living for a greater cause has never allowed me to stop dreaming. Honestly, I don’t recall a moment when I felt it was tough to keep going.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
First, always remain in a state where you are training and supporting the next generation, while at the same time having a mentor who can guide and handhold you whenever needed.
Second, always keep your emotional remote control in your own hands. In leadership, emotional intelligence (EQ) often matters more than intelligence (IQ).
Third, work with a team that truly believes in a shared vision. It is not just individual capability, but the quality of interpersonal coordination that ultimately determines the team’s efficiency.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
I believe the true key to success is to reach a stage where you never settle outwardly, yet remain peaceful within. When you find that balance, growth naturally becomes a habit—and even a hobby.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
When your career is also your passion, success follows naturally. The first question to ask yourself is: Am I truly enjoying this? It is always better to make a timely change than to continue sulking.
Every career comes with its own struggles, limitations, and advantages, so the approach must always be personalised.
Once you are certain that you love your chosen career, find a mentor who doesn’t merely direct you but supports and guides your growth. And never hesitate to seek and accept 360-degree feedback—it is one of the most powerful tools for continuous improvement.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
When my patients tell me they feel more comfortable after treatment, or when my students and children perform better than me, that is the most satisfying reward. I realise that, for them, I am like the Bible, the Quran, or the Gita. It is my actions, not my words, that should inspire and motivate them.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
