Stroke of Gratitude: How To Find Truth, Love And Happiness In Healing After A Health Crisis

Aanandha Sharurajah (formerly known as Ananda Rajah), founder of Atos Group since 1983, is a pioneer in the wellness and beauty industry. He came to Singapore from Malaysia in 1983 with 20,000 ringgit and a big dream to build his wellness business. With a start-up funding from his father, Aanandha started a business selling industrial cleaning machines and later on, selling spa products and beauty equipment. He is a highly respected person who in the course of building his wellness business, never forgets to give back to society and has contributed to the well-being of others in many ways. Even with the success of his spa and wellness business today, Aanandha still remains passionate about helping others. His company has contributed their innovative and state-of-the-art wellness equipment to a social project in Toa Payoh to provide holistic treatments for the elderly who cannot afford physiotherapy programmes.

From 2009 to 2011, Aanandha spearheaded the establishment of the Spa, Beauty and Wellness Alliance (SBWA) to offer assistance to customers who were left stranded by spas that had suddenly ceased operations overnight. Today, despite recovering from stroke and a busy schedule, Aanandha still spends time doing charitable work such as raising funds for community projects. 20 years ago in 2002, he participated and supported a charity ride organized by the Sikh Welfare Council where he rode together with more than 30 other cyclists from Ipoh to Singapore, covering 700km over 4 days for a good cause. He would also participate in other charity events as well. In 2009, he was awarded the Spirit of Enterprise Award.

However, due to a highly stressed work life, he suffered a devastating stroke in July 2012, which left him paralysed on the right side of his body, requiring the use of a wheelchair for 3 years. Slowly recovering and able to walk with assistance, Aanandha actively returned to work and to give back to society as usual. Aanandha was a stroke advocate and served in the executive committee of Singapore National Stroke Association (SNSA) between 2019 and 2020. He continues to give talks on recovery after stroke, stroke prevention measures to patients and participants of health and wellness workshops as well as giving talks to organisations. He was also invited to talk at the 13th World Stroke Congress on 28 to 29 October 2021.

His belief to serve and give back to society while doing business has formed a strong foundation for the group to grow the business. His strong will and determination as well as support from families, friends, and employees led to his recovery, which went against many odds as he was informed three month after his onset of stroke, that his recovery had plateaued.

During his course of recovery, Mr. Aanandha has documented his experience, reflections, and hopes in his new book will be a powerful inspiration to anyone reading it.