From martial arts champion to mental health crusader, Dr. Manish Shukla turned his life’s purpose into a mission of healing. Through his foundation he empowers people to break free from addiction and reclaim their dignity.

Dr. Manish Shukla is the visionary Founder of the Pathway Foundation, based in Mumbai.

Deeply rooted in the field of public health, his specialized focus lies in the realm of mental health, particularly in addressing the challenges associated with substance use disorders. His foundation is dedicated to treating individuals who have fallen into the grip of addiction caused by the use of intoxicating substances.

But his work goes beyond just addiction recovery. Dr. Shukla and his team also extend care to those whose mental health has been adversely affected due to substance abuse, as well as individuals dealing with various psychological disorders. With a compassionate approach and clinical expertise, he strives to help people reclaim their lives and restore emotional well-being through holistic, evidence-based care.

Dr. Shukla has established the Pathway Foundation Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, located in Kalyan, Mumbai. Prior to establishing this center, he had launched another organization, which later evolved and was restructured into the Pathway Foundation. This new integrated treatment center reflects his refined vision and commitment to holistic mental health and de-addiction care.

At the Pathway Foundation Rehabilitation Center, the team provides comprehensive treatment for individuals suffering from:

• Drug addiction

• Alcohol dependency

• Inhalant addiction

• Gambling addiction

• Eating disorders

• Psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other mental health challenges

With over 15 years of experience in the field, Dr. Shukla is a seasoned Clinical Psychologist, currently in the final stages of completing his Ph.D. He is also an Internationally Certified Addiction Professional, recognized by a global body in the field of addiction management. His qualifications further extend to being a Neuroscience Coach and a trained therapist specializing in evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Shukla is actively involved in research and innovation, constantly exploring new methods to enhance recovery outcomes. His mission is clear and impactful: to free individuals from the grip of substance abuse and empower them to reintegrate into mainstream society, helping them lead meaningful, substance-free lives with dignity and confidence.

Reflecting on his early years, Dr. Manish shares that he was born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and raised in Mumbai, where he also completed his education. His childhood was joyful and filled with meaningful experiences. While he wasn’t particularly bright in academics, he had a deep interest in sports. He actively pursued martial arts, earning a black belt and winning over 25 gold medals at national and international levels.

He fondly recalls his family as extremely supportive. His bond with his siblings during childhood was strong—they spent a lot of quality time together, making his early years truly memorable.

He believes that as people evolve, their interests shift over time. During his college years, he began studying Human Sciences and was introduced to the harsh realities of addiction—something he witnessed up close. This deeply moved him and sparked his interest in the field.

As he delved deeper into the study of Psychology, he realized how powerful and transformative the field could be. He found psychology fascinating, especially its ability to help people reconnect with themselves and transform their lives. The concept of transformation resonated with him strongly—it became a core motivation.

As he explored further, he gravitated towards understanding substance addiction and was intrigued by how chemicals can drastically alter human behavior. He noted that individuals often lose their true essence under the influence of substances.

With growing interest and commitment, Dr. Manish immersed himself in research and gained deeper insights into addiction and behavioral change.

Talking about his role models, Dr. Manish Shukla says he draws deep inspiration from some truly remarkable individuals who have shaped his journey in the field of mental health and rehabilitation.

At the top of his list is Sigmund Freud, the Father of Psychoanalysis, whose groundbreaking contributions to the field of psychology have always fascinated him. Dr. Shukla admires Freud's visionary work and considers his innovations in understanding the human psyche as a major source of learning and inspiration.

Another key figure who deeply influenced him was Mr. Aldert Telis, the director of the very first organization where Dr. Shukla began his professional journey. He describes Mr. Telis as a true role model, not only for his dedication and unique approach to healing but also for the way he provided shelter and support to those in need, transforming countless lives. Dr. Shukla says that observing his commitment to service left a lasting impact on him.

During his early learning phase, Tukaram Kulani Sir also played a pivotal role in mentoring and encouraging him. Dr. Shukla recalls sharing his dream of opening a rehabilitation center to help the community, and it was Mr. Kulani who wholeheartedly supported and motivated him, saying, "I believe in you—you will definitely achieve something meaningful."

Fueled by the guidance, belief, and inspiration of these mentors, Dr. Manish Shukla was empowered to launch his own initiative. Their encouragement helped him transform his vision into a mission—to heal and rehabilitate individuals suffering from addiction, and help them find a dignified place back in mainstream society.

"If you want to do anything, do it now—and before doing it, study your plan. But don’t wait for too long."

This quote has always deeply inspired and motivated Dr. Manish Shukla. For him, it's a reminder that timely action backed by thoughtful planning is the key to turning dreams into reality.

When reflecting on the word “struggle,” Dr. Shukla doesn’t see it as a setback—instead, he defines struggle as a path of improvisation and continuous learning.

He recalls the early days of establishing his rehabilitation center, a time filled with significant challenges. From financial hurdles and labour shortages to management difficulties, every step came with its own set of trials. One of the toughest parts was being unable to provide patients with the kind of care and facilities they truly needed. Meeting their expectations and addressing their unique mental health needs felt overwhelming at times.

However, instead of letting those struggles break his spirit, Dr. Shukla saw them as stepping stones for growth. He understood that in order to improve, he and his team needed real-world experience—to learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to build a system that truly heals.

Today, those very challenges have shaped the strong fundamentals of Pathway Foundation. His journey stands as a testament to the belief that struggles are not roadblocks, but valuable lessons—and that with the right mindset, they can fuel transformation.

Substance-abuse deaddiction specialist Dr. Manish Shukla considers continuing his education alongside his professional career to be one of his greatest personal achievements. Despite working in a demanding and emotionally intensive field, he successfully completed his Master’s Degree, earned prestigious Neuroscience Certifications, and went on to become an Internationally Certified Addiction Practitioner—a milestone he holds close to his heart.

Over the years, he has amassed more than 120 certifications in the field of mental health, rehabilitation, and psychotherapy. His dedication and contribution have also earned him several prestigious awards, including:

• Excellence in Mental Health Empowerment – from the Trustees of Achievers

• Bharat Ratna Samman – awarded by the Mental Health Foundation

• Star Achievers Award

• Best Counsellor Award – by the National Cadet Corps, Mumbai

• Served as a spokesperson for the Rehab Association Committee

His leadership has extended beyond patient care—he has actively contributed to capacity building for staff working in rehabilitation centers. For Dr. Shukla, empowering the workforce means ensuring that individuals struggling with addiction receive quality, compassionate care, and this—he says—is an achievement as important as any award.

Among his proudest accomplishments is the founding of the Pathway Foundation – Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, a place where patients receive comprehensive, integrated services. The center offers:

• Medical and neurological care

• Evidence-based therapies (like CBT, REBT, DBT)

• Personalized attention

• A healing, comfortable environment

• Nutritional meals and recreational activities

• Brain-enhancing exercises and holistic wellness support

This carefully designed structure helps individuals suffering from substance use disorders return to a natural, balanced way of life, which Dr. Shukla considers his most meaningful achievement.

In his 15–16-year-long career, he has successfully treated over 1.5 to 2 lakh patients through OPD consultations, online counselling, and residential rehabilitation services.

However, he is also deeply aware of the challenges in the sector. Despite the efforts of individuals and organizations like his, the success rate in addiction recovery remains low, largely due to weak implementation of government policies and the scale of drug trafficking. He explains how drugs are being smuggled across borders and even manufactured domestically in harmful forms—leading to mental breakdowns, overdoses, and rising deaths.

Pathway Foundation founder Dr. Shukla is now working to collaborate with the government to push for stronger policies—particularly in schools, colleges, corporate sectors, and other public spaces—where prevention, awareness, and enforcement against substance abuse must be made stricter and more effective.

His mission is clear: To build a society where addiction is not just treated—but prevented, understood, and fought with collective responsibility.

To new aspirants entering the field of mental health and addiction recovery, Dr. Manish Shukla offers heartfelt and practical advice.

He believes that the foundation of this profession lies not just in knowledge, but in compassion. According to him, anyone who wishes to step into this domain must first cultivate a strong spirit of service—and at the core of that is empathy. Without the ability to genuinely feel and understand another person’s pain, one cannot truly help in the process of healing.

When it comes to skills and education, Dr. Shukla emphasizes the vast learning opportunities now available. He credits Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for launching a range of specialized courses through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aimed at strengthening the workforce in the mental health and de-addiction sectors. These programs equip individuals with essential knowledge in areas such as:

• Counselling techniques

• Patient management

• Documentation protocols

• Assessment of psychological functioning and behavior

By enrolling in these courses and committing to continuous learning, aspirants can significantly upgrade their professional capabilities and stay aligned with global standards.

However, Dr. Shukla reiterates that the most vital quality for anyone entering this field is a selfless desire to serve. The intention should be pure—to bring transformation in people’s lives. In his words, "This is not just a career; it’s a calling."

In this line of work, one becomes deeply connected with people’s emotions, trauma, and recovery, and often, patients begin to see their caregivers as nothing less than divine. Service, therefore, is not just a moral duty—it is the most powerful healing tool, one that keeps you grounded while giving others a new chance at life.

Dr. Shukla’s advice to future mental health professionals is clear:

"Enter this field with empathy in your heart, skills in your hands, and the spirit of service in your soul—only then can you truly make a difference."

When it comes to the comparison between education and experience, Dr. Manish Shukla firmly places experience at the top—especially in the field of mental health and addiction recovery.

He shares that in this profession, there are many individuals who may not hold advanced degrees, yet possess such deep, practical knowledge that they can sit alongside doctors and psychiatrists and study remarkably insightful case reports. Their ability to observe patient behavior, assess mental states, and understand emotional patterns is often exceptional—all because of their hands-on experience.

Dr. Shukla emphasizes that experience is the most crucial asset in this field. It teaches you things no textbook ever can—like how to recognize subtle behavioral changes, how to connect with individuals across different emotional spectrums, and how to adapt your approach based on real-world encounters.

That said, he also acknowledges the importance of education. According to him, education provides the framework and wisdom necessary to understand people more deeply and to develop the technical finesse, patience, and methodology required for effective treatment. While education gives structure to your service, experience refines your instincts and enhances your ability to respond to complex human emotions.

As Dr. Shukla puts it: "Education gives you knowledge. Experience gives you insight. And in our field, insight is what truly changes lives.”

De-addiction expert Dr. Manish Shukla raises a significant concern about today’s new generation, describing it as increasingly “gadget freak” and deeply entangled in non-substance addictions. He observes a growing pattern of behavioral addictions such as:

Mobile and screen addiction

Pornography addiction

Gaming and online gambling addiction

These addictions, he explains, are silently eroding emotional bonds within families and distancing individuals from real-world connections. The natural bonding between family members is weakening, and with it, the support system people once relied on is diminishing.

Worse still, when these non-substance addictions cause mental and emotional distress, many young people seek relief in substance use. They turn to cigarettes, vaping, alcohol, and increasingly, weed and its variants, which have now become more mainstream and socially accepted in some circles. According to Dr. Shukla, this shift is leading Generation Z down a dangerously distracted path.

He offers this vital advice to the youth:

"Try to limit your screen time, and replace it with time spent with family, friends, and meaningful interactions."

He emphasizes the importance of engaging in:

• Physical activities

• Outdoor games

• Face-to-face conversations

• Nature-based experiences

He notes that modern behavior is heavily influenced by trends and online fads, which many follow blindly—often without realizing their long-term psychological, emotional, and social consequences.

Dr. Shukla encourages young individuals to rediscover the simplicity and balance of the 90s lifestyle—a time when life was more grounded, human connections were stronger, and people were more in tune with their mental health and overall well-being.

“If we want to move forward in life with progress and peace,” he says, “we must learn to value our family, nurture our mental health, connect with nature, and make conscious choices—not just trendy ones.”

His message is clear:

In a world full of distractions, choose a life full of meaning.