Bernadhammal S. is a dedicated nursing professional with 18 years of clinical experience across maternity, operation theatre (OT), paediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and medical-surgical care. She holds a Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery, a Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing degree, a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and an MBA in Hospital Management.
Having worked with leading institutions like SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre and Nirmala Nursing Home, Bernadhammal has led nursing teams, managed critical care units, and upheld high standards of patient safety. She is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and skilled in neonatal care, surgical assistance, and emergency response.
Fluent in English, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, she combines clinical expertise with compassionate care, strong leadership, and a commitment to continuous professional growth.
Meera Bonila is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of diverse experience in the apparel and textile industry. Her expertise spans product development, design, business expansion, and vendor sourcing, making her a versatile force in the sector. She has worked closely with rural artisans in interior Karnataka, fostering sustainable livelihoods and preserving traditional craftsmanship. Beyond her professional achievements, Meera has pursued a rich academic journey. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA and has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Food & Nutrition. She has also undertaken postgraduate studies in Ayurvedic health and nutrition, reflecting her lifelong commitment to learning and holistic well-being.
As a mother, Meera believes that every mother deserves loving attention and to have their healthcare needs prioritised. At Aastrika, as a Project Coordinator of the Sphere In-Person programme, she aspires to contribute to this vision.
Shervin Ploriya is a dedicated registered nurse and midwife with over eight years of experience in nursing education and clinical mentorship. Her career spans roles such as assistant professor, lecturer, tutor, and staff nurse, where she has consistently demonstrated a passion for teaching and a commitment to excellence in patient care.
She earned her master’s degree in nursing (obstetrics and gynecology) and bachelor’s degree in nursing from Christian Medical College, Vellore, one of India’s premier institutions for medical education. As a certified basic counselor and experienced board examiner, Shervin brings both academic rigor and compassionate guidance to her work. Her focus lies in strengthening midwifery education and advancing clinical standards through evidence-based practices and continuous professional development.
She is a lifetime member of the Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI) and the Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI), actively contributing to the growth and integrity of the nursing profession.
Arjun C is the Project Coordinator for the Nurse Practitioner in Midwifery (NPM) training programme at the State Midwifery Training Institutes (SMTIs), supporting implementation at Cheluvamba Hospital and Vani Vilas Hospital in Bengaluru.
He holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Mysore (2017) and brings nearly a decade of experience in the Health and Family Welfare Department. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the implementation of several national health programmes across Karnataka.
With a strong commitment to maternal health and public health systems strengthening, Arjun is passionate about healthcare training, community engagement, and capacity building.
With over five years of experience, Preksha is deeply passionate about advancing maternal and newborn health. As a Midwifery Educator at Aastrika Foundation, she is committed to empowering healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver safe, respectful, and evidence-based maternity care.
Preksha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Delhi University, a Master’s degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing from JIPMER, Puducherry, and an MBA in Hospital Administration & Management, reflecting her commitment to combining clinical excellence with healthcare leadership.
Throughout her career, she has served as a Registered Nurse, nursing educator, and healthcare professional in administrative roles, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of patient care and health systems. Beyond her work at Aastrika Foundation, she shares educational content through her Instagram platform, @the.indian.nurse, supporting nursing students and professionals in their learning journey.
Fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi, Preksha enjoys reading novels, travelling, and exploring regional cuisines.
