Dr. Kannan Gireesh built his career on a solid foundation of psychiatric medicine. He holds an M.B.B.S. and an M.D. in Psychiatry from Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai. For over 18 years, his work has centered on healing.
His clinical practice at Padma Clinic and Nursing Home in Kilpauk is where theory meets individual struggle. Dr. Kannan specializes in addiction treatment and adolescent behavioral health. Patients trust his care, reflected in a perfect 5.0 rating.
But his vision reached beyond the clinic’s walls. He saw a critical gap between clinical treatment and preventative life skills. This insight led him to found LiveLife Education, a social-emotional learning organization.
The impact is profound. What started with a single child in his care has grown to touch tens of thousands of young lives across India. This work bridges psychiatry with real-world empowerment, addressing the root causes of mental health challenges.
Introducing Girish Kanan: A Multifaceted Talent
The decision to pursue psychiatry was rooted in a profound observation of a systemic gap affecting India’s youth. Dr. Kannan Gireesh saw a generation facing behavioral and emotional crises without strong support networks.
Early Inspirations and Dance Beginnings
His early clinical work revealed consistent patterns. Children struggled with behavioral disorders. Adolescents faced addiction cycles. Families were often fractured by communication breakdowns.
Treating patients individually was necessary, but it could not address the problem’s scale. The dedicated psychiatrist recognized that true change required transforming the systems where these issues began.
Cultivating an Artistic Vision
His vision crystallized around a central idea. Social-emotional learning and mental health support belong inside schools, not as optional extras. This insight became the core of his approach to education.
As a member of professional societies like the Indian Psychiatric Society, he brought clinical rigor to this new vision. His book, “Art of Parenting,” distilled his observations into guidance for families. It aimed to address root causes at home.
Through columns in leading publications, Dr. Kannan Gireesh translated complex concepts for a wider audience. He refused to choose between clinical practice and systemic reform, committing fully to both.
The Dance Journey and Cultural Legacy
A single transformative case in his psychiatric practice revealed the blueprint for systemic change across India’s education landscape. What worked for one child could work for thousands. Dr. Kannan Gireesh saw this potential clearly.
The organization grew from treating individuals to transforming systems. This evolution represents a signature performance in social-emotional education. It touches every part of a school community.
Signature Performances and Unique Styles
LiveLife Education approaches whole-school transformation with distinctive methods. Instead of isolated workshops, they redesign entire educational ecosystems. Students, teachers, and parents learn together.
Their programs build emotional intelligence as a core competency. Leadership skills and communication training create resilient young people. The impact reaches 57,000 transformed lives and counting.
| Program Name | Primary Focus | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Student Leadership Bootcamp | Emotional regulation & peer leadership | High school students |
| Mindfulness Training | Stress management & focus | Students & teachers |
| Teacher Development | Classroom emotional intelligence | Educators & administrators |
| Family Communication | Parent-child relationship building | Parents & guardians |
This work establishes a cultural legacy where emotional skills become universal. The Live Life approach makes mental health literacy accessible to all. It represents education reimagined for real-world success.
Girish Kanan: A Journey of Art, Education, and Transformation
Advisory roles across multiple institutions gave Dr. Kannan direct influence over curriculum design and teacher training standards. This position allowed him to shape how hundreds of thousands of students experience education.
Bridging Dance and Social-Emotional Learning
He introduced social-emotional learning to India as a scientifically grounded framework. It respects local educational realities while meeting global standards. World-renowned leadership content became accessible to Indian students.
His programs build on recent neuroscience developments. They understand adolescent brain development and trauma’s impact on learning. Mindfulness practices rewire stress responses effectively.
Working with the Tamil Nadu government created new learning models. These integrate mental health support with academic rigor. The elements enhance rather than compete with each other.
The Live Life approach creates continuity from childhood through young adulthood. Students experience social-emotional learning as an ongoing journey. Transformation occurs at both individual and systemic levels.
Pioneering Leadership in the Arts and Beyond
To build a truly transformative educational model, Dr. Kannan Gireesh looked beyond national borders. He sought out global experts to ensure LiveLife Education’s methods were both scientifically rigorous and culturally relevant.
Collaborations with Global Visionaries
The founder connected with leading minds in psychology and neuroscience. He worked directly with Jack Canfield, integrating proven success principles into the curriculum.
Collaborations with brain imaging pioneer Dr. Daniel Amen provided neuroscience-based tools. These tools help explain behavioral disorders and emotional challenges clearly.
Studying with renowned neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran deepened his understanding of trauma and empathy. This global network infused the programs with world-class insights.
Mentorship and Empowerment Initiatives
As a psychiatrist and founder, Kannan Gireesh built strong mentorship into the program’s core. Guidance from leaders like Sean Covey shaped the student leadership bootcamps.
Indian mentors provide crucial strategic support for scaling across the country. Their involvement ensures the model respects local educational landscapes.
Empowerment targets students, teachers, and parents together. Lasting change requires alignment across a young person’s entire support system. This holistic approach defines his pioneering work.
Embracing a Future of Creativity and Impact
From his base at 753 Poonamallee High Road in Chennai, the work of Dr. Kannan continues to bridge a vital gap. His clinical practice at Padma Clinic, where he treats individuals, directly informs the expansive vision of LiveLife Education. This dual role ensures every program remains honest and effective.
Kannan Gireesh sees a future where emotional intelligence is a standard part of every Indian student’s education. The goal is national expansion, making these skills universal. Impact will be measured in real outcomes like stronger family bonds and reduced youth crisis rates.
The psychiatrist believes the future lies in personalized learning pathways. Understanding each student’s unique needs is key. This creative approach, grounded in clinical reality, aims to deliver proven solutions to those who need them most.
For more information, contact LiveLife Education at [email protected].
