K. N. S. Varadhan is a social worker, trainer, counsellor, consultant and advocate with 27 years of experience in the field of addiction, HIV/AIDS, harm reduction and community-based interventions. With an academic background in M.A. Sociology and lived experience as an ex-drug user, he has dedicated his professional and social life to supporting people affected by substance use, HIV and other related challenges.

He initiated HIV Anonymous in Freedom, Chennai, in 2006, creating a platform for people affected by HIV and substance use to access support, information and referral services. Over the years, he has facilitated referrals for more than 5,600 clients for de-addiction services and over 4,075 HIV- and HCV-infected chemical dependents, connecting individuals and families with appropriate care and support.

Professional Experience

Varadhan has worked extensively with organisations involved in addiction treatment, HIV/AIDS prevention, harm reduction and community development. He served as a volunteer with Freedom Foundation for four years and subsequently worked as a Project Manager at Freedom Foundation, Chennai, for a Care and Support Project supported by Cochrane? [CAPACs].

He has also worked on IDU-related projects supported by the European Commission on Harm Reduction and Sahai Trust, and has served as a counsellor and consultant at Wisdom Hospital De-addiction Centre. He has undertaken consultancy assignments with organisations including New Life Care Foundation and Nivarthi Trust, and has contributed to IDU validation and community-based programmes.

He has served as an advisory committee member of organisations and networks including SIPN, SWAM, AICPRF, T. T. K. IDUF and other community-focused initiatives.

Training and Capacity Building

As an experienced trainer, Varadhan has contributed significantly to capacity building among professionals, community workers and law-enforcement personnel. He has served as a Master Trainer with TNSACS for police advocacy and awareness programmes and has been involved in training on injecting drug use (IDU), HIV/AIDS and addiction.

He has received training from leading institutions and organisations including UNODC, Colombo Plan, T. T. K. and NACO, and has worked as a Master Trainer associated with NACO programmes.

Awareness and Public Outreach

Varadhan has conducted extensive awareness programmes on substance use, addiction, HIV/AIDS, harm reduction and prevention. Through college and community awareness initiatives, including programmes associated with Madras University, TNSACS and Red Ribbon Clubs, he has reached hundreds of colleges and educational institutions.

He has also participated as a speaker in television and media programmes, including Sun TV, Jaya TV, Makkal TV, Vasanth TV, Headlines and Vijay Star, discussing addiction, recovery, HIV/AIDS and related social issues.

Recognition and Awards

His contribution to the fields of addiction, HIV/AIDS and social service has been recognised through several honours, including:

- Best Social Worker in the Field of Addiction & HIV/AIDS Award – TNSACS, 2007

- Dhruva Award – Sudesi Press, 2014

Social Commitment

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Varadhan remains committed to providing support to people affected by addiction and infectious diseases. His approach is centred on compassion, dignity, rehabilitation, harm reduction, recovery and social reintegration.

As someone with lived experience of substance use, he brings a unique understanding of the challenges faced by people who use drugs and those seeking recovery. His continued interest is to expand services, awareness programmes and support systems for people affected by drug use, HIV/AIDS and related social problems.

Served and Resigned as:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

AICPRF

Core Areas of Experience

- Addiction and de-addiction services

- HIV/AIDS and HCV awareness and referral

- Harm reduction

- Injecting Drug User (IDU) programmes

- Counselling and community support

- Police advocacy and sensitisation

- College and community awareness programmes

- Training and capacity building

- Rehabilitation and social reintegration

- Advocacy for people affected by substance use

K. N. S. Varadhan's work over nearly three decades reflects a sustained commitment to reducing the impact of addiction and HIV/AIDS and strengthening access to care, support, rehabilitation and dignity for affected communities.

Advisory Committee

Committee Members

Jayanth Shah

Sampangaiah. R

Dr R.C. Sahani ji

Dr. Bharath Bhushan

K. N. S. Varadhan

Sridhar Veera

Member Details

De Addiction And Rehabilitation Centers Association