About Us

Swami Ananda Theerthan, originally named Ananda Shenoy, was born on January 2, 1905, in Thalassery, Kerala, into a Gowda Saraswatha Brahmin family. His father, Ramachandra Shenoy, served as a port conservator and was a respected figure in the community. From a young age, Ananda was exposed to the prevailing social inequalities, which profoundly influenced his life's mission.

In 1928, Ananda Shenoy met Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, which inspired him to adopt an ascetic life dedicated to social reform. He was initiated into sannyasa by Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri and took the name Swami Ananda Theerthan. This marked the beginning of his relentless fight against caste discrimination and social injustice.

Recognizing education as a powerful tool for social change, Swami Ananda Theerthan established the Sree Narayana Vidyalayam in Payyanur on November 21, 1931. The school aimed to provide quality education to underprivileged children, challenging the caste-based restrictions of the time. Despite facing opposition, the institution became a beacon of hope for many.

In 1933, Swami Ananda Theerthan founded the Jathinashini Sabha, an organization dedicated to eradicating casteism and promoting inter-caste marriages. Through this platform, he conducted awareness campaigns and encouraged social integration, often facing resistance from orthodox sections of society.

Between 1952 and 1958, Swami Ananda Theerthan actively worked with the Harijan Sevak Sangh in Tamil Nadu, focusing on the upliftment of marginalized communities. He organized educational programs and social awareness campaigns in over 30 villages in the Melur region, advocating for the rights and dignity of the oppressed.

To institutionalize his social reform initiatives, Swami Ananda Theerthan established the Swami Ananda Theertha Trust in 1984. The trust aimed to continue his mission of promoting education and social equality, ensuring that his life's work would endure beyond his lifetime.

Swami Ananda Theerthan passed away on November 21, 1987, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to social justice and education. His contributions continue to inspire generations in the fight against social inequalities.