Empowering Individuals
About Us
At Gurupeedam, our mission is to guide and empower individuals to experience themselves and identify their self-values by building their self-confidence to live independently with their individuality.
Background
Gurupeedam is a Canadian-based not-for-profit organization founded in Canada in 2008 and later incorporated in 2017 with the foundation and intent of guiding individuals through a journey of human transformation from Humanity to Spirituality to Divinity. Gurupeedam’s programs, services, charitable causes are grounded in enabling this human transformation. We are all born as human beings, but the first essential step in personal growth is to genuinely develop humanity – practices to live with respect, acceptance, love and care for themselves and others around them.
Gurupeedam offers all individuals in the community an avenue to freely participate, attend sessions on valuable topics, classes, practices to overcome personal struggles, build skills of self-confidence, independence, love, care, calmness, satisfaction and ultimately realizing the value of one’s life. In a society where many are affected by negative mental health and struggling within all ages from youth to seniors, Gurupeedam is an organization that recognizes and values the reality of life and transforms lives through these foundational principles to live a calm and satisfactory life irrespective of background, age, culture, material wealth and external factors.
Our Impact
Gurupeedam’s programs and services have positively impacted countless lives including youth building confidence, families overcoming psychological distress to live harmoniously, alleviating isolation and inability within the senior community (Experienced Valuable Individuals).
Gurupeedam’s mission is for individuals to realize the fact behind their mental struggles, to live a self-confident, calm and satisfactory life. This cannot be expressed in words, but countless testimonials share the experiences of those who have participated in these various programs and how they have been able to transform their lives and their families to identify their self-values to live satisfactory real lives.
Our Vision
To enable individuals from all walks of life to overcome psychological self-imposed limitations and move beyond a life of pain and suffering. Through guidance, individuals are empowered to experience their self-value, build self-confidence and independence, and live with acceptance, respect, love, and care.
This vision is realized through Gurupeedam’s programs and community services, including support for seniors, families, youth, and vulnerable individuals through food assistance, outreach programs, and life guidance initiatives.
Our Mission
To guide and empower individuals to experience themselves and identify their self-values by building their self-confidence to live independently with their individuality.
Self-confidence forms the foundation that enables individuals to accept everything as it is, respect and love themselves and others, and experience the freedom to live a self-satisfactory life.
Board Of Directors
Tharaga Kugathasan, MD
President
Ms. Tharaga Kugathasan was appointed President in December 2025. A dedicated Family Medicine physician and Palliative Care specialist, Tharaga has spent her career serving diverse communities across Northern Manitoba. Her clinical work is grounded in compassion, and commitment to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families navigating complex medical and social challenges.
Tharaga has been a member of Gurupeedam for several years. The unique programs and heartfelt guidance received from Guru have played a profound role in shaping her personal development and internal growth. Through her gratitude and her lived experience, she is committed to supporting the global community through the values held by Gurupeedam and providing service to others to access the profound guidance that has supported her own journey.
Shoabana Kugathasan
Secretary
Ms. Shoabana Kugathasan is an Occupational Therapist with over 15 years of experience in healthcare, education, and community rehabilitation. Her background includes working in hospitals, teaching at Centennial College, and running her own practice supporting individuals recovering from motor vehicle and workplace accidents.
Having been involved with Gurupeedam for several years, Shoabana has experienced many positive changes in her own life through the Guru’s guidance and blessings. With a genuine passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others, she is dedicated to supporting individuals through life’s challenges and sharing the love, strength, and spiritual guidance of the Guru, a truly special and life-changing opportunity.
Gayethri Arulselvam
Treasurer
Ms. Gayethri Arulselvam was appointed Treasurer of Gurupeedam in December 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and currently serves in a leadership role as a Resolution Analyst, bringing strong analytical skills, financial oversight, and organizational discipline to the Board. Gayethri’s association with Gurupeedam began during a pivotal period in her life. Through Guruji’s guidance, she discovered her self-confidence and recognized her inherent self-value—an experience that profoundly shaped her personal and spiritual growth. Guruji also provided her the opportunity to volunteer within the EVI (Experienced Valuable Individuals) program, where her commitment to service and community empowerment deepened.
With Guruji’s grace and guidance, Gayethri is passionate about supporting individuals in need and is dedicated to advancing Gurupeedam’s mission of compassion, empowerment, and holistic community well-being.
Suganya Janarthanan
Director
Ms. Suganya Janarthanan brings over 10 years of leadership experience in the food industry, where she has developed a strong passion for guiding teams, empowering individuals, and building meaningful relationships. Currently serving as a Resolution Analyst with leadership responsibilities, she applies her expertise in resolving complex challenges, conducting high-level analysis, providing financial oversight, and supporting strategic decision-making. Throughout her professional journey, she has remained committed to the belief that true leadership is rooted in compassion, understanding, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Her journey with Gurupeedam began during one of the most challenging periods of her life. Through Guru’s divine grace and guidance, she discovered strength, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. This deeply transformative experience inspired her to extend the values of compassion, patience, and responsibility beyond her professional life and into meaningful service to others.
For the past five years, Gurupeedam has played a significant role in her spiritual growth, strengthening her faith and deepening her commitment to selfless service. With heartfelt gratitude and devotion, she aspires to combine her professional leadership experience, personal journey, and spiritual values to support individuals navigating life’s challenges. She remains dedicated to contributing to Gurupeedam’s mission of compassion, spiritual guidance, and selfless service to the community.
Ramanan Logendran
Director
Mr. Ramanan Logendran is a Senior Business Management Analyst at a Financial Institution with 12 years experience and a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN). He has been involved with Gurupeedam for several years and through Guru’s guidance shaped his life, developed self-confidence and inner-growth. He is passionate to serve others through the guiding principles of Gurupeedam to bring awareness, clarity and self-confidence to each individual. He has been involved in many gurupeedam outreach programs such as Bluedoor, unhoused individuals, and food bank donations.
Administrative Controller
Thanusga Kugathasan, CPA, CA
Administrator
Thanusga has been a member of Gurupeedam for many years and shares a deep feeling of gratitude for the value of Guru’s guidance and the unique programs and services offered by Gurupeedam. As a participant of these programs and services and having held previous position of Gurupeedam Treasurer for 4 years, Thanusga has now transitioned to this role in Administration to continue to be an advocate to share her transformational journey, internal growth and experience with the global community.
Thanusga is a Chartered Professional Accountant with experience carrying leadership roles in internal and external audit, financial operations in the not for profit sector and the real estate management industry.