Core Team

Dr. Varun Kalakoti

Senior Consultant Psychiatrist & Neuropsychiatry Expert

Dr. Varun Kalakoti is a highly respected psychiatrist in India with specialised expertise in neuropsychiatry, dual diagnosis, cognitive rehabilitation, mood disorders, and complex psychiatric conditions. A postgraduate alumnus of the prestigious Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP), Ranchi, he holds a DPM from CIP along with an MBBS qualification.

With extensive clinical experience in managing psychiatric comorbidities including depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, schizophrenia, epilepsy-related psychiatric conditions, and mental-health challenges linked to chronic medical illnesses, Dr. Kalakoti brings a research-driven, structured, and deeply personalised approach to patient care.

His academic research spans brain-stimulation therapies (tDCS), executive-function enhancement, neuropsychiatric effects of seizure disorders, and mental-health complications associated with chronic conditions such as HIV. This scientific foundation enables Hope Rehab & Wellness to deliver evidence-based, data-driven psychiatric and neurocognitive recovery outcomes.

Ms. Nitika Kamra

Clinical Head and Strategic Operations Officer

Clinical Psychologist | Addiction Therapist | Trainer | Program Strategist

My name is Nitika Kamra, and I serve as the Clinical Head and Strategic Operations Officer at Hope Rehabs & Wellness. My professional journey in the field of addiction and mental wellbeing began long before I joined Hope. As the Founder and Director of Swyam-Mental Health & Wellness Clinic, I have worked over one and half decade with individuals facing complex mental health challenges, trauma histories, and addiction-related concerns. Those years shaped my understanding of how deeply emotional pain, unresolved trauma, and psychological distress can affect a person’s life.

When I joined Hope, I brought with me every lesson, every insight, and every piece of experience I had gained working in this demanding field. Hope’s vision aligns closely with my own belief that recovery must be holistic, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based clinical care. Here, my primary responsibility is to oversee the mental health and therapeutic well-being of every client who walks through our doors.

Sarabjit Kaur Sarai

Director of admissions and client relation

My name is Sarabjit Kaur Sarai, and I am the Director of Admissions & Client Relations here at Hope Rehabs & Wellness. I am often the first point of contact for clients and families reaching out for help, and I understand how emotional and overwhelming that first conversation can be. My role is to guide each person with sensitivity, honesty, and complete support, ensuring that every client feels valued, understood, and safe from the very beginning.

Before joining Hope, I spent many years in the UK care sector, starting at the very bottom as a client and family liaison officer. Through hard work, dedication, and a deep passion for serving people, I rose to become a Director managing more than 60 care homes across the UK. That journey taught me the importance of compassion, communication, and trust — qualities I bring with me every single day at Hope. I know that when someone reaches out to us, they are often frightened, uncertain, or carrying the weight of a difficult family situation. My aim is to make that first step easier, to listen without judgement, and to ensure that clients and their loved ones feel supported throughout the entire admissions process. I take great pride in helping families move from fear to hope, and in being part of their very first step towards healing.

Mr. Iqbal Singh Siddhu

Pastoral Care

My name is Iqbal Singh Sidhu, and I serve as part of the Pastoral Care team here at Hope Rehabs & Wellness. My connection to this work is deeply personal. I have walked the painful path of being a father to a child suffering from addiction, and I have also experienced the joy, relief, and gratitude of seeing that same child overcome this terrible disease.

Because of this journey, I understand the fear, confusion, guilt, and isolation that many clients — and their families — feel. Recovery is not only a medical or psychological process; it is an emotional and human one. My role is to bring that different perspective into Hope, offering reassurance, understanding, and compassion rooted in lived experience. Sometimes clients need guidance, sometimes they need encouragement, and sometimes they simply need someone to sit with them and listen without judgement. I make it my priority to be that steady, calming presence — a reminder that recovery is possible, that they are not alone, and that every step forward, no matter how small, is meaningful. At Hope, we believe in healing with dignity and humanity. It is a privilege for me to support our clients on their path, and to offer the empathy and wisdom that I gained from my own family's journey.

Nikhil

24/7 Nursing

My name is Nikhil, and I serve as the 24-hour Emergency Nurse at Hope Rehabs & Wellness. My role is to ensure that every client remains safe, medically supported, and cared for throughout their recovery journey. I work closely under the guidance of our Consultant Psychiatrist and our Clinical Head, Nitika, to administer medications, monitor health conditions, and manage any clinical needs that arise during a client's stay.

I understand that entering rehab can feel overwhelming, especially when medical concerns are involved. My aim is to provide reassurance, stability, and round-the-clock professional care so clients can focus fully on their healing. Whether it's medication management, vital checks, or immediate response during an emergency, I am always present and fully prepared. Outside of medical care, fitness is a big part of my life. I enjoy going to the gym and playing cricket, and I am also a qualified personal trainer. At Hope, I use this passion to create personalised gym and training programmes for clients who want to rebuild strength, improve their physical health, and step back into life feeling mentally and physically strong. For me, nursing isn't just a job — it's a commitment to the wellbeing, dignity, and safety of every person who enters Hope. I am proud to be part of a team that truly changes lives.

Tej Bhavan

Head Chef

My name is Tej Bhawan, and I have spent my life creating food that brings comfort, balance, and healing. At Hope Rehabs & Wellness, my role goes far beyond cooking — I design meals that support recovery, nourish the body, and make every client feel cared for from the inside out.

I specialise in a wide range of cuisines, including Continental, Italian, Chinese, South Indian, and North Indian dishes. Whether someone needs something light and restorative or a familiar home-style meal that gives emotional comfort, I tailor every plate thoughtfully and personally. I am also fully qualified to work with clients who have allergies, intolerances, and special dietary requirements. From gluten-free and dairy-free needs to diabetic-friendly and low-sodium meals, I ensure that every client receives food that is both safe and genuinely enjoyable. What I enjoy most is seeing clients reconnect with food in a positive and healing way. For many, the dining experience becomes a moment of calm and grounding — and I take great pride in being part of their journey toward wellness, also I enjoy playing Billiards with team members and clients -where we regularly hold competitions on an evening at Hope.

Sujit Kumar

Housekeeping & Hospitality

My name is Sujit Kumar, and I am the Head of Housekeeping here at Hope Rehabs & Wellness. My role is to make sure every client feels completely comfortable, cared for, and at home during their stay. I personally oversee all aspects of housekeeping, including laundry, toiletries, room cleanliness, and the small daily details that help clients feel settled and supported.

I believe a clean, organised, and peaceful environment creates the foundation for true healing, and I take great pride in ensuring each room is kept with warmth, respect, and complete discretion. Whether a client needs fresh linens, personal items restocked, or simply reassurance that their space is being looked after, I am always here to help. One of the best parts of my job is connecting with clients beyond the housekeeping routine. I enjoy playing sports at Hope, especially badminton and billiards, and these moments often bring laughter, positivity, and a sense of community into their recovery journey. Spending time with clients and team members in this way reminds me how important human connection is in the healing process. For me, Hope is more than a workplace — it is a family. And I am committed to making sure every person who comes here feels safe, supported, and truly cared for.

Deepak Rathi

Concierge

My name is Deepak, and I am the Head of Concierge at Hope Rehabs & Wellness. Before joining Hope, I successfully ran my own travel and tourism enterprise, and I bring all of those skills, experiences, and values into the work I do here. My background has taught me the importance of hospitality, safety, cultural sensitivity, and making every individual feel cared for — qualities that I now apply to support our clients throughout their recovery journey.

One of my key responsibilities is meeting and greeting clients at the airport and ensuring they are brought safely and comfortably to Hope. I understand that the first step into treatment can be an emotional moment, so my aim is to create a calm, reassuring, and seamless experience from the very beginning. Once clients are settled in, I assist with any special requests or items they may need, as long as they are approved by our Clinical Head, Nitika. Whether it's sourcing specific foods, cultural items, or personal comforts from home, I go out personally to ensure clients feel supported, understood, and looked after. Another important part of my role is taking clients on outings and excursions when the clinical team feels they are ready. These may include visits to sacred temples, local city sites, or peaceful cultural locations. Towards the end of a client's programme, these experiences become a vital part of their reintegration — helping rebuild social confidence, easing the transition back into everyday life, and allowing them to reconnect with the world around them in a gentle, guided way. For me, being part of Hope means creating meaningful connections and standing beside clients as they find their strength again. I believe that healing is not only about therapy — it's also about feeling valued, welcomed, and supported at every step.