May is recognised globally as the mental health awareness month, providing an opportunity for reflection and collective action to address the stigma from preventing individuals from getting the care they need. The purpose is to raise awareness of struggles people are dealing with and to observe their recovery and progress. Mental illness is one of the most significant challenges we face as a collective, and it also points to a substantial opportunity for us to show our best. It has never been higher on the agenda for businesses. The pandemic has shown us that mental health conditions can affect everyone. Perhaps this realisation has had a knock-on effect on our acceptance of mental illness.
M.K. Padma Kumar is involved in developing strategies and managing operations for the IPE Global Group.
He has over 25 years of experience in the development sector, working in civil society organisations and international development agencies like DANIDA and DFID. As the Head of State Partnerships at the DFID India, he was responsible for developing partnerships, programme design, management and strategic oversight of all programmes implemented in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. He has managed various development programmes. His expertise lies in driving operational, financial and programmatic transformations. Before DFID, he was associated with Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), Help Age and World Wildlife Fund.
He holds a Master’s degree in Business Management with specialisation in Human Resource Management and Finance. He is extensively trained in Project Cycle Management, Grant Management, Performance Management, Leadership Skills and Change Management.
