The Spirit That Binds Us
Behind every class, workshop, and community event stands a team driven by one shared purpose to make wellness accessible for all.
Our team is a family of educators, healers, volunteers, and dreamers who believe in service through compassion. We come from diverse walks of life, yet we are united by a single belief that when we help one person heal, we help the world heal a little more.
Together, we blend knowledge, creativity, and care to bring holistic wellness to every corner of the community.
Behind every class, workshop, and community event stands a team driven by one shared purpose to make wellness accessible for all.
Our team is a family of educators, healers, volunteers, and dreamers who believe in service through compassion. We come from diverse walks of life, yet we are united by a single belief that when we help one person heal, we help the world heal a little more.
Together, we blend knowledge, creativity, and care to bring holistic wellness to every corner of the community.
The Spirit That Binds Us
I’m Nanda Surendra, Founder and President of Aromananda Foundation USA Inc. What began as a personal exploration of therapeutic essential oils in 2006 grew into public wellness events in 2017 and a formal foundation launched during the pandemic in 2020. My mission is simple: make wellness welcoming, practical, and accessible to everyone.
I design and lead hands-on workshops across New York and India that demystify breathwork, adaptive yoga, nutrition, and emotional wellness. My classes, ranging from chair and senior yoga to laughter and dance yoga, use bite-sized learning, inclusive introductions, and team activities so even first-time participants feel confident and connected. I bring in specialists on heart health, mental wellness, and gut health to ensure participants receive both inspiration and reliable guidance.
Aromananda operates under the guiding principle “Wellness Without Barriers.” Recognized by the NYC Mayor’s Office, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and Nassau County, we focus on empowering people from within, encouraging self-sufficiency through practices summed up by Real Food Matters. Next, I’m training NYC teachers to bring practical wellness tools into classrooms so educators can support healthier, more resilient students and communities.
Our Team
Dr. Baggaon (Suri) Surendra
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Baggaon (Suri) Surendra brings more than 30 years of nonprofit finance and strategic leadership to the Aromananda Foundation. He holds an M.S. in Management and Policy and a Ph.D. in Strategic Management with a specialization in nonprofit sector, and has served in senior fiscal roles including Budget Director, Senior Director of Finance, and Controller—achieving seven consecutive clean federal Form 990 audits that demonstrate rigorous compliance and internal controls.
As CFO, Dr. Surendra ensures the Foundation’s financial integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability by aligning disciplined stewardship with mission-driven strategy. His combined academic rigor, hands-on fiscal management, and extensive nonprofit governance experience make him a trusted guardian of the Foundation’s assets and strategic growth.
Ravishankar N. Periyapatna
Chief Operating Officer, Board of Director
Ravishankar N. Periyapatna is a founding member and the Chief Operating Officer of Aromananda Foundation USA Inc., bringing strategic operational expertise and a deep commitment to holistic wellness. As an Administrative Manager for the NYC Transit System, he applies rigorous planning, logistics, and decisive leadership to Aromananda’s programs. A disciplined practitioner of yoga, pranayama, and meditation, he embodies the balanced well-being the foundation stands for and has supported every event since 2017.
A principal financial supporter and dedicated volunteer, Ravishankar oversees event planning and on-site operations—from logistics and hospitality to food service and participant care. He consistently arrives early, stays late, and ensures every detail is executed with excellence. His practical generosity and work ethic galvanize volunteers and elevate participant experience. Ravishankar’s operational mastery and unwavering dedication are central to Aromananda’s growth and impact.
“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” — Ryunosuke Satoro
Join the TeamFrequently Asked Questions
How does Aromananda select its team members?
Team members and volunteers are chosen for their commitment to community service and holistic health. We welcome individuals who bring both skill and heart to their work, regardless of background or experience.
Can I volunteer or work with Aromananda?
Yes. Aromananda regularly welcomes volunteers, instructors, and wellness enthusiasts who wish to contribute to community programs and events. You can reach out through our Join Us section to explore current opportunities.
What roles exist within the Aromananda team?
Our team includes yoga teachers, mindfulness trainers, nourishment, educators, program coordinators, creative professionals, and volunteers who support both on-ground and digital initiatives. Every role contributes to spreading wellness in its own way.
How does the team collaborate during events?
We operate like a community circle. Each event is a collective effort. From planning and facilitation to outreach and follow-up, every member contributes their expertise to create inclusive, high-impact experiences.
Where is the Aromananda team based?
The core team operates from New York City, with volunteers and collaborators extending across the U.S. Many team members also work remotely to support programs and digital wellness initiatives.
What makes working with Aromananda special?
Working with Aromananda means becoming part of a purpose-driven community. It’s a chance to serve, learn, and grow while making a tangible difference in people’s lives through wellness education and compassion-based initiatives.
Are there opportunities for partnerships or collaboration?
Yes. Aromananda frequently partners with schools, non-profits, and wellness experts to co-create community programs. If you represent an organization or wish to collaborate, you can connect through our Collaborate page.
How can I get in touch with the team?
You can contact us directly through the Contact page or email the foundation for specific queries related to volunteering, collaboration, or partnerships. We’re always open to connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations.