Some people chase success, while others create meaning. Deepa Muthaiya belongs to the latter. For over 26 years, she has been a ray of hope, bringing palliative care to those who need it most. Through DEAN Foundation, she has redefined what it means to serve, ensuring that no one suffers alone and every individual receives care with compassion and dignity.
Founded in 1998, DEAN Foundation, a medical charitable trust, is dedicated to providing comfort and dignity for those battling life-limiting illnesses. With a mission to ease suffering, the organisation provides care that nurtures the body, mind, and soul. From a single centre in 1998, DEAN Foundation has grown, now operating four centres, including partnerships with government hospitals, ensuring that palliative care reaches even the most underserved communities. All services are provided free of cost to economically weaker sections of society.
DEAN specialises in the care and management of individuals suffering from progressive, incurable diseases such as cancer, dementia, neurological disorders, multi-organ failure, end-stage diabetes, etc. The foundation not only addresses physical symptoms but also provides psychological, emotional, and spiritual support to families and caregivers, preventing burnout and easing the weight of prolonged illnesses.
DEAN’s Dept. of Integrative medicine focuses on the body’s natural ability to repair and heal itself through Ayurveda and Naturopathy alongside conventional treatment. This project promotes healthy change by guiding patients and caregivers regarding nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention. The project also promotes interprofessional collaboration and destigmatises illness to address specific risk management problems like tobacco cessation, weight management, healthy eating, physical activity & glycaemic control.
Growing up in the Nilgiris, Deepa Muthaiya’s path was never conventional. After studying science for her pre-university course, she went on to pursue literature and communication, earning multiple postgraduate degrees. Her determination and perseverance shaped her journey into the nonprofit space, where she went on to carve a niche for herself.
With no medical background, Deepa took on the challenge of establishing DEAN Foundation, an NGO dedicated to hospice and palliative care. Many in the medical community doubted her capabilities, but she remained focused. She worked with the Dept. of Excise and Drugs Control, Tamil Nadu Govt., and the Dept. of Pain and Policy, Wisconsin. Her persistence paid off when she succeeded in amending the Narcotic Rules of the state. “When the mission is clear, no obstacle can stop you,” she says.
Deepa took advantage of each opening that presented itself and expanded DEAN’s reach despite inadequate resources. She partnered with government hospitals and launched home-based care and India’s first Paediatric Palliative Care Pilot Project in Tamil Nadu. She also led efforts to integrate palliative care into Tamil Nadu’s healthcare system, training professionals and setting up services in multiple districts—all without government funding.
Deepa’s inspiration comes from her grandmother, Dr. Adaline Micah, a lady doctor in Tirupati 75 years ago. However, it was the book by Sogyal Rinpoche, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, which made a deeper impact on her. His words resonated with her— “Don’t most people die unprepared for death, as they have lived, unprepared for life? We can begin, here and now, to find meaning in our lives, make of every moment an opportunity to change, and to prepare wholeheartedly, precisely, and with peace of mind for death and eternity.”
Deepa wanted to do just that—help people who were fighting critical, life-threatening illnesses find meaning and purpose and improve their quality of life, as long as life lasted. And thus, was born DEAN Foundation—an acronym for to Dignify and Empower the Ailing and the Needy.
Leading a non-profit is challenging on its own, but being a woman in this space added another set of difficulties for Deepa. Despite marrying young and raising two exuberant boys, Deepa completed her first Master’s degree in English Literature, and a second Master’s in Journalism and Communication, followed by an M.Phil. With determination, she balanced her career and family, maintained high standards at the workplace while making time for celebrations, whether at home or in the office.
Raising awareness and securing support for palliative care and integrative therapy in a system often resistant to change, demanded conviction, persistence and an unshakable belief in the power of healing. She overcame this by building trust, involving local leaders and building supportive networks. Her resilience, continuous learning, and demonstrating consistent excellence have helped her break barriers and drive lasting impact.
For over 27 years DEAN Foundation has been a pioneer in palliative care, earning State Government recognition and trust, beginning when the very first Government, rural Palliative care centre was set up by Deepa and her Team, in an upgraded PHC in Tiruppukuzhi, Kancheepuram Block, Kancheepuram District. Families of past patients continue to refer others, reinforcing its credibility. “Palliative care is about restoring dignity and informed decision-making,” Deepa emphasises.
In 2020, DEAN Foundation expanded its activities with the addition of Integrative Medicine.
“The pandemic became a watershed period, and those who are wary of allopathy now have an alternative to address chronic and lifestyle issues,” she reflects. Her resilience and vision continue to set DEAN apart, proving that true impact is driven by unwavering dedication and the courage to evolve.
Deepa views success through the lenses of compassion and sensitivity to the needs of those she serves to make her world a better place. Her life’s purpose to alleviate pain and suffering in any form and make a positive impact on her community has earned her and DEAN Foundation widespread recognition over the years, including:
Saadhana Award of Excellence by Dr. Sudha Raghunathan, Founder of Samudaaya Foundation (2024)
NGO Leadership Award at the NGO-CSR Summit, Madurai (2024)
Top 20 Best NGOs of the Year at the Indian Social Impact Awards, Delhi (2024)
Honoured by the Indian Medical Association, Coimbatore, on International Women’s Day (2024)
9th Dalmia Bharat - CSRBox Impact Award for CSR Implementing Agency of the Year (2023)
Outstanding Woman Achiever Award by The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (2012)
Despite the lack of structured support for palliative care, Deepa continues to champion a system where dignity in dying is recognized as a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Women played an essential role in paving Deepa’s path. “I grew up watching my grandmother, Dr. Adaline Micah, who would rush to patients in the middle of the night, never once complaining. She instilled in me the values of selfless service, resilience, and patient-centred healing,” she shares.
Dame Cicely Saunders, the founder of the modern hospice movement, further influenced her philosophy. Saunders’ belief that “You matter, and you matter as long as you live” became the foundation of Deepa’s vision for palliative care in India. Similarly, Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s groundbreaking work on grief and emotional healing helped her understand the complexities of end-of-life care.
Deepa’s journey is proof that resilience, vision, and purpose can turn challenges into stepping stones. For women looking to carve their paths, she advises, “Your mission must be greater than yourself because passion alone will keep you going when challenges arise. And they will—whether it’s lack of funding, scepticism, or bureaucratic hurdles. But every obstacle is an opportunity to innovate and grow. The key is to surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, mentors, advisors and a strong team because no one builds success alone. Stay curious, keep learning, and familiarise yourself with new techniques, research, information, and forge ahead in your area of expertise, because knowledge is power. And while passion fuels your journey, it isn’t enough. You need a financial strategy, discipline, and a long-term sustainability plan.”
Deepa defines success through the lens of compassion, guided by an unwavering sensitivity to the needs of those she serves. Her life’s purpose is deeply rooted in alleviating pain and suffering in any form—whether among humans or animals—transforming her world into a haven of kindness and care. She finds profound joy and fulfilment in this mission, taking pride in the positive impact she creates within her community. Constantly striving for growth, she embraces every opportunity to learn, evolve, and refine her ability to serve. This relentless pursuit of a higher calling shapes her journey, making it both meaningful and sublime.
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