Founders

The tradition of social service has a long and unbroken history. Through the ages, there have been men and women who in their own quiet and unobtrusive manner dedicated themselves to the service of their fellowmen. They have worked tirelessly to remove injustice, relieve distress and mitigate suffering. Examples of their struggle to rescue men from brutal forces of cruelty, inhumanity and injustice are very inspiring and ennobling.

One such couple who sacrificed their life for the cause of humanity is the founders of Sivananda Saraswathi Sevashram, Shri. S. V. Iyer and Dr. V. Mangalam. Shri S. V. Iyer was a leading lawyer both in Chingleput and in Madras High Court. Dr. V. Mangalam served as the Superintendent of Royapettah Government Hospital. She was also a Honorary Presidency Magistrate and Justice of Peace in Madras, India.

Both of them earned well through their professions but could not achieve real peace of mind and happiness in a materialistic world. It was at this juncture that they came in contact with Shri Swami Sivananda, a sage in the Himalayas and then joined the Divine Life Society.

Swamiji found the couple to be sanctified by ALMIGHTY to serve the community and blessed them. This also helped them realize that by serving others one not only gets peace of mind but one also gets the opportunity to realize the truth of one’s own life.

They both were instrumental in creating awareness of the services provided and rallying support from the community. They were pioneers in that era in raising funds by being a role model themselves donating their own family wealth and properties for the sake of the organisation. They also founded Dr. Mangalam Elementary School before independence (in the year 1946), one of the first Government Aided Schools in the area and given its success, subsequently, they founded Dr. Mangalam High School in the year 1967 for the struggling higher-grade students as well. Their biggest contribution to date is to see their passion for serving the needy still alive through generations. It goes to show the purity with which they founded the organisation and the power of their vision that is showing the path for the team even today.

Established in 1945 with just 3 kids, Sivananda Saraswathi Sevashram has now grown to be a highly reputed and revered social institution in India today.

Ex-Chairman: Late Dr. S. Rajaram

Dr. S. Rajaram was a commerce graduate from Madras Christian College in Chennai, India. He was only 19 years old when he was given the responsibility of leading our organization after his parents’ (the founders’) demise. Since 1971, he took over the enormous task of managing this organization accompanied by his wife Mrs. Lakshmi Rajaram. His efforts gave new and wholesome lives to thousands of orphans and destitute women who are being rehabilitated every year. It is his sincerity & dedication that motivated him to work hard, mobilize public opinions, raise resources, and undertake projects for the growth of this establishment. Dr. S. Rajaram was a recipient of the Padma Shri award among other accolades.