Padmanabha "Padman" Narayan Pillai

Padmanabha Pillai (Padman to many) was born on March, 23rd, 1938. He was born in North Parur, Kerala India to Padmanabha Pillai and Gourikutty Amma. He was named Narayana (he used his father’s name throughout his life) and was as mischievous as little Krishna.

He did not study too hard but always ended up at top of his class with a couple of state rankings. He left India at the age of 23 and immigrated to London, England with 3 pounds in his pocket and spent 2 pounds on an over-priced drink on the plane.

Padman found his true partner in Indira Menon. Even though their marriage was arranged, he sent her many romantic love letters (Indira’s letters were intercepted by her very protective father) leading up to their wedding day on May 7th, 1967. Two years later, on their wedding anniversary, Thara, their first daughter arrived. Thirteen months later daughter number two, Sandhya, arrived.

Padman worked at the University of Alberta and then transitioned to pharmaceutical & investment sales. He also designed and built several commercial projects. After he retired from pharmaceutical sales at 65, he launched into a new career by starting a hypnotherapy clinic and the Wellness Hypnotherapy School. Students from the United States and as far away as Korea, and Israel traveled to learn from him. He coached athletes, salespeople, and professionals to put them at the top of their game. But more importantly, he saved many lives… counseling countless people who suffered from chronic illness, substance abuse, and depression. He would always take a call night or day from someone in need.

He was also a community builder, helping launch the first Kerala Cultural Association with many of the first Malayalee families in Edmonton. He was an active Lions Club and Rotarian member. One of his greatest joys was being part of the Sai Center of Edmonton where he and a group of devotees helped coordinate the purchase and construction of a permanent location for the spiritual group.

A big part of Padman’s community service activities included feeding people. He often volunteered to cook for religious celebrations, weddings, and soup kitchens. Padman and Indira’s house was like Grand Central Station. Cooking for a 100 or more people was commonplace. And at all of these events, dozens of people were recruited to chop, stir, and peel. Please know that if you were recruited, he had great trust and faith in you as he wouldn’t just let anyone stir his beloved payasam or sambar.

He was still in the middle of a very busy life when he became ill. He passed away at the age of 84, after seeing a thousand full moons. He left on his latest trip with his favorite bhajan on his lips, “Sree Rama Charanam”.

A spiritually evolved person, loved by many, and a true family man... Bon voyage Padman.

Padman is survived by his wife, Indira Pillai, and children, Thara Pillai (Joel Abdinoor, Nadia, and Elias), Sandhya Pillai (Sudeep Naidoo, Uma, and Ariya), and many family members from around the world who were dearly loved by him.