He is the son of Vaidyan Gangadharan Nair. Following in the footsteps of his Father, it was his idea to establish a hospital – till September 2003 the hospital was functioning with a limited facility of five rooms in a rented building. At this juncture, Dr. Manikandan, who was assisting his Father in the medicine manufacturing unit as well as in consultation and treatment, ever since his graduation in 1996, decided to venture on establishing a full-fledged hospital, the success of which has gained ISO Certification (2005) as World’s First Ayurveda Pediatric Hospital. Simultaneously he won the National Excellency Award in Child health. He too is an expert in the eight branches of Ayurveda and serving the ailing community, particularly giving significance to Children’s health. Dr. Manikandan is also on research to develop various medicines to a palatable standards as children always resist taking medicines that taste bitter.

During May-June 2011 and June 2011 he was invited by UNESCO as a special guest to participate in a conference on “Ethical implication of Traditional medicines” held in Azerbaijan. The conference was attended by participants from several countries. He did address the gatherings, replied to the queries, and presented a paper on the subject. Incidentally, he was the only Ayurveda Physician from India to get this coveted opportunity.

Dr. Manikandan is also associated with an upcoming Ayurveda Hospital and Medical College, viz Ashtangam Ayurveda Chikitsalayam – Vidyapeedham scheduled to function under the aegis of Ashtanga Educational Trust, Vavanur, Koottanadu, Dist: Palakkad.