our team
Our team consists of local and global professionals with a proven track record of positively impacting those around them, both at home and at work. Together, we are dedicated to helping youth become leaders, and empowering leaders to make a greater impact in their communities and the world at large.
our story
Gnanamma was founded by Bhaskar Neel, who brings a unique blend of engineering curiosity, consulting rigour, and transformational leadership to this initiative.
Bhaskar Neel
M.Sc. Imperial College London,
MBA London Business School
Born and raised in France, Bhaskar hails from the Karkathar (கார்காத்தார் பிள்ளை) community in Tamilnadu, known for its agricultural heritage and commitment to sustainable practices. The Karkathars, meaning “those who protect the rain”, have historically played a vital role in the agrarian economy of Tamilnadu, particularly in the Thanjavur – Kumbakonam – Mayiladuthurai corridor. This background informs Bhaskar’s vision for Gnanamma:
Our retreats aim to honour local traditions while fostering global connections and opportunities.
Bhaskar’s upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of giving back. His parents nurtured his curiosity about French literature and history, science, and architecture, while also encouraging him to explore his Tamil heritage, including language, spirituality, Carnatic music, visual arts, and cuisine.
His profound connection to nature, rooted in a decade spent in the Amazonian rainforest during his childhood and further enriched by his explorations in metropolitan cities like Paris, London, and Berlin, fuels his passion for continuously experimenting with and learning to incorporate healthy and sustainable practices into his urban lifestyle.
Who is Gnanamma?
Summer visits to his grandmother’s home in Mayiladuthurai (மயிலாடுதுறை, “the place where the peacock dances”) tested Bhaskar’s capacity to embrace stillness; yet, they were filled with joyful memories, where he fondly remembers her as “Gnanamma” (“Mother Gnanam”) to everyone.
A caregiver for many generations, she raised her sisters, nephews, and daughter, later caring for relatives in their old age. Although she always dreamed of travelling abroad, she never had the opportunity to fulfil that aspiration. Through Gnanamma, Bhaskar proudly brings the world to her, honouring her legacy and creating a nurturing environment that fosters authentic connections, serving as a transformative launchpad to India and from India.