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1,500+
Residents Cared For
Since 2002
Serving India
Asia's largest
secular joint family
Situated on the serene banks of the Kallada River at Kundayam, Pathanapuram, Kollam District, Kerala — Gandhibhavan International Trust is a registered non-governmental organisation dedicated to the care and welfare of destitute persons, from newborn infants to centenarians.
Founded in 2002 by Dr. Punalur Somarajan and built on the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhibhavan provides shelter, food, medical care, education, vocational training, and rehabilitation to over 1,500 individuals — regardless of caste, religion, gender, or disability.
- Old Age Home & Palliative Care for senior citizens
- Children's Home, Special School & Daycare Centre
- Rehabilitation, De-addiction & free Legal Aid
- 300+ volunteers, doctors and nurses on campus
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Residents Cared For
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Dedicated Volunteers
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Years of Service
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Specialised Facilities
Born from one woman's
cry for help
Dr. Punalur Somarajan, born in 1955 in Punalur, Kerala, grew up witnessing poverty but was driven by an unbreakable will to serve. When he lost his mother at a young age, he resolved to dedicate his life to those with no one — determined to obliterate the word "orphan" from the vocabulary.
Once while travelling, Dr. Somarajan encountered 85-year-old Parukuttiamma — frail, ailing, without a family, left on the streets to fend for herself. She became the sole reason behind the establishment of Gandhibhavan in 2002, which started with just that one resident.
“I have always seen my father selflessly provide for the poor and needy. It was his compassion that instilled in me the desire to work for the underprivileged.”
— Dr. Punalur Somarajan, Founder & Managing TrusteeToday, Gandhibhavan houses 1,500+ residents — men, women, children, and the elderly — including cancer patients, HIV patients, the mentally challenged, and the terminally ill, all living together in one extraordinary secular family.
The Detailed Story of Gandhibhavan
Establishment (2002)
Started operations in 2002 at Pathanapuram in Kollam district, inaugurated by Dr. Sukumar Azhikode.
Old Age Home (June 2003)
The Gandhibhavan Old Age Care Centre was initiated by admitting Parukutty Amma and providing her shelter in a small rented house near Pathanapuram town.
Special School (2004)
Started initially in a rented building. In April 2007, it received registration from the Department of Education. Currently, 202 children study here.
Headquarters (2005)
More than one acre of land was purchased in the name of Gandhibhavan Trust at Kundayathu, Pathanapuram, where the headquarters is currently located.
Children's Home (April 2006)
Recognition was received from the Kerala State Orphanage Control Board to accommodate both boys and girls.
Disabled Rehabilitation (Sept 2008)
The Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled was started under the Department of Social Justice.
National Trust Membership (Jan 2009)
Gandhibhavan received membership in the Central Government's National Trust.
Psycho-Social Rehabilitation (April 2013)
Started at Gandhibhavan for the rehabilitation of mentally challenged individuals under the Department of Social Justice.
Mental Health Authority Approval (Feb 2015)
Recognition obtained from the Mental Health Authority of the Government of Kerala to house individuals suffering from mental illnesses.
Suraksha Bhavan (2015)
Under the Department of Social Justice for rehabilitating people affected by HIV/AIDS, has been functioning at Gandhibhavan.
Pain & Palliative Care (March 2017)
Provides the finest care and support to bedridden patients and those suffering from critical illnesses like cancer, currently serving around 200 individuals.
Differently Abled Service Centre (2023)
Started at Gandhibhavan for protection, care, treatment, rehabilitation, education, employment, skill development, and social reintegration.
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Punalur Somarajan
Punalur Somarajan is a distinguished social worker, organizer, and cultural activist who serves as the Founder and Managing Trustee of Gandhibhavan International Trust, based in Pathanapuram, Kollam district. Beyond his dedicated stewardship of Gandhibhavan, he serves in several key public roles, including as a Member of the Orphanage Control Board under the Department of Social Justice, the Convener of National Trust LLC Kollam (a Central Government body ensuring care and protection for persons with disabilities), and the Ambassador for the Punalur Municipality. He is also actively involved in literary, cultural, and community welfare initiatives.
1,500+
Family Members at HQ
24
Branches in Kerala
50+
Welfare Projects
Today, the central headquarters of Gandhibhavan at Pathanapuram houses around 1,500 family members across all age groups, living together in a supportive community. Expanding its reach across the state, Gandhibhavan operates 24 branches throughout Kerala, providing care to over a thousand more individuals.
Under his leadership, Gandhibhavan encompasses over fifty diverse welfare projects. These include Old Age Homes, Children’s Homes, Palliative Care Centres, Rehabilitation Centres for Persons with Disabilities, Mental Health Rehabilitation Centres, HIV Rehabilitation Centres, De-addiction Treatment Centres, and Shelter Homes for women in distress, alongside Special Schools and Vocational Training Centres for persons with disabilities.
Furthermore, the organization runs seven free legal service facilities. These feature the KELSA Legal Aid Clinic under the High Court of Kerala, three Service Providing Centres under the Domestic Violence Act, an 'A' Grade Unit under the Kerala State Commission for Women, the Victim Rights Centre under the High Court of Kerala, and a Nodal Centre under the Commissionerate for Persons with Disabilities.
In recognition of these extensive humanitarian contributions, Punalur Somarajan and Gandhibhavan hold the distinction of being recognized as the individual and institution receiving the highest number of awards in India. Among his prominent accolades, he was honored with the 'Kerala Sree' in 2023—the highest civilian award conferred by the Government of Kerala. He also received the prestigious national 'Vayoshreshtha Samman' from the President of India in 2019, along with numerous State Government awards over the years.
Key Recognitions
- 'Kerala Sree' Award (2023): The highest civilian award conferred by the Government of Kerala.
- 'Vayoshreshtha Samman' Award (2019): National honor received from the President of India.
- Highest Number of Awards in India: Recognized as the individual and institution receiving the highest number of awards in India.
Trust & Board Members
The dedicated visionaries and leaders steering Gandhibhavan's mission of compassion and service forward.
Light of Gandhibhavan
Dr. Yusuff Ali M.A
Chairman & Managing Director, Lulu Group International
Patrons
TKA Nair
Executive Patron
K. Muraleedharan
Chief Patron
Padmasree Kurian John Melamparambil
Chairman, Global Philanthropy Academy
Advisory Board
C.N. Ramachandran Nair
Chairman (Former Acting Chief Justice, Kerala High Court)
K. Jayakumar
Member (Former Chief Secretary)
Justice B. Kemal Pasha
Member (Former Justice, Kerala High Court)
Justice P. Somarajan
Member (Former Justice, Kerala High Court)
Justice M.R. Hariharan Nair
Advisor (Former Justice, Kerala High Court)
Alexander Jacob
Advisor (Former DGP)
Dr. T.P. Sreenivasan
Advisor (Diplomat)
Core Leadership
H.E. Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios
Chairman, Gandhibhavan Ayalveettil Oru Maram (Former Bishop of Mavelikara Diocese)
John Mathai
Chairman, Gandhibhavan Ammaykkorumma (Non-resident entrepreneur)
K.B. Ganesh Kumar MLA
Brand Ambassador (Ex-Minister, Gandhibhavan Brand Ambassador)
Punalur Somarajan
Founder
Patron Panel
Kummanam Rajasekharan
Patron (Former Governor, Mizoram)
N. Peethambara Kurup
Patron (Ex. MP)
K. Varadarajan
Patron (Chairman, KSFE)
R. Chandrasekharan
Patron (President, INTUC)
Johnson Edayaranmula
Patron (President, ADIC India)
P. Ramabhadran
Patron (Chairman, Handicraft Development Corporation)
Karamana Jayan
Patron (State Secretary, BJP Kerala)
A.J. Sukkarno
Patron (Social Worker)
Nazeer Veliyil
Patron (Chairman, Gandhibhavan Special School)
Punalur K. Dharmarajan
Patron (Former Vice Chairman, Punalur Municipal Corporation)
C.S. Mohan
Patron (Chairman, Sevakendram)
S. Suvarnakumar
Patron (Social Worker)
Sajan Veloor
Patron (Social Worker)
Initiatives & Schemes
Vayosaanthwanam Scheme
Government of Kerala project rehabilitating elderly bedridden patients with medical assistance.
IPSrC Scheme (2019)
Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens carried out with the Central Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Academy (2018)
Accredited centre for NIOS and STED Council conducting 20+ vocational courses.
Music School & Library
Library received official recognition in 2018. The Music School operates at Odanavattom with STED approval.
Literacy Education (2019)
First shelter-home-based literacy educational institution in Kerala. 105-year-old Kunjamma Thevar Amma was its first learner.
Snehagramam Panchayat (2005)
A mock panchayat modeled after local self-government institutions with annual elections.
Family Club & Neighborhood Tree
Projects for bonding families, sharing fruits, and protecting the earth by providing shade and oxygen.
Organic Farming
Inmates and workers engage in farming across 5 acres. Won the 2018 State Agriculture Department Award.
Theatre Group
Gandhibhavan Theatre India propagates Gandhian values through the popular medium of theater.
Tribal Welfare
Monthly distribution of food and clothes, anti-addiction campaigns, and mass marriages in tribal areas.
Branch Institutions & Future Projects
Active Branches
IRCA Adoor, Saranalayam Kareepra, Snehaveedu Haripad, Sneharaamam Wandoor, Love & Care Vellarikundu, Mercy Home Valakom, Snehashramam Velamanoor, Snehalayam Nedumbana, Puthur, Devalokam Konni, Devalayam Chengannur, Fairland Oonnukal.
Under Construction
Manaluvattam, Kadakkal, Parumala, Chengannur, Muthukulam, Kayamkulam, Karuvatta, Adoor, Vallikunnam, Alappuzha, Kozhinjampara, Palakkad.
Future Vision
A world-class Medical Research Centre (Homeopathy, Allopathy, Ayurveda, Nature Cure) completely free for everyone. Plus, a mission to rehabilitate beggars for a begging-free Kerala.
Awards & Recognitions
Vayoshreshtha Samman (2019)
Central Government award for best old age care institution in India, received from President Ram Nath Kovind.
Kerala Sree Award (2024)
Highest civilian honor of the Government of Kerala awarded to Secretary Punalur Somarajan.
Record Books
Recognized by Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records as the Largest Secular Charitable Family. Over 1,500 awards total.
Prominent Dignitaries
Visited by President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Governors, Chief Ministers, Supreme Court Judges, and more.
Our Facilities
Nine specialised facilities under one roof — each designed to serve a unique group with dignity, compassion, and professional care.
Old Age Home
Dignified shelter and round-the-clock care for abandoned elderly men and women in their final years.
Children's Home
Accommodation, nutritious meals, medical care, education, arts, sports, and music for destitute children.
Special School
Schooling for children with cerebral palsy, autism, and other mental or physical disabilities.
Palliative Care
Full-fledged pain and palliative care home for bedridden and terminally ill patients — men and women.
Prayer Hall
A serene space for spiritual reflection, meditation, and daily prayers accommodating all faiths.
Library
A well-stocked reading repository fostering knowledge, learning, and cultural growth for our residents.
Neethi Bhavan – Legal Aid
Free legal aid for the poor, accredited under Kerala State Legal Services Authority (under High Court of Kerala). Adalats held quarterly.
Psycho Social Rehabilitation Centre
Psycho-social rehabilitation for differently-abled and marginalised individuals across Kerala.
Audiology Lab
State-of-the-art audiology lab providing hearing assessments and aids for those in need.
Our Certificates
OCB Certificate for Care Home for Men and Women Pathanapuram
OCB Certificate for Pain & Palliative Care Centre, Pathanapuram
OCB Certificate for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center, Pathanapuram
OCB Certificate for Gandhibhavan Suraksha Bhavan - HIV/AIDS Rehabilitation Centre, Pathanapuram
OCB Certificate for Gandhibhavan Childrens Home, Pathanapuram
OCB Certificate for REHABILITATION CENTRE FOR DISABLED, Pathanapuram
OCB Certificate for GANDHIBHAVAN SPECIAL SCHOOL & REHABILITATION CENTRE, Pathanapuram
OCB Certificate for Gandhibhavan Saranalayam, Kuzhimathikkadu PO, Kareepra
OCB Certificate for Gandhibhavan Puthur Care Home For Men & Women
OCB Certificate for Gandhibhavan Mercy Home, Valakom
On the sacred banks of the Kallada River, a revolutionary dream takes shape: Gandhibhavan Janakeeya Medical College & Research Centre, where healthcare transcends privilege and becomes a fundamental human right. Conceived by Gandhibhavan International Trust, this sanctuary of healing will rise as India's first truly integrative medical institution — a place where allopathy, Ayurveda, homeopathy, Unani, naturopathy, acupressure, and all traditional and ancient wisdom converge under one roof. Here, no patient will ever be turned away for lack of funds; no disease will be addressed through a single lens. This is more than a Medical Institute; it is a covenant with humanity, born from the radical vision that every life deserves compassionate, holistic care.
Our Core Initiatives
A Great Model for Prime Ministers - Swachh Bharat
Gandhibhavan stands as a true embodiment of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the flagship cleanliness mission launched by the Honorable Prime Minister of India. It is a living example of the adage "Cleanliness is next to Godliness," where hygiene, environmental responsibility, and sanitation are not just ideals they are daily practices.
The institution has achieved remarkable milestones in maintaining public health standards. It proudly holds certifications such as the Union Government's Food Safety License, the Water Quality Inspection Certificate, and the Sanitation Certificate issued by the Health Department. These recognitions are a testament to Gandhibhavan's unwavering commitment to cleanliness and safety.
Routine Prayer Meetings With Secular Fabric
At Gandhibhavan, prayer is a central part of daily life, observed regularly in the morning, midday, and evening. These prayer meetings are open to all, welcoming inmates, staff, and visitors from various religious backgrounds. The prayers are designed with a secular fabric that promotes universal human values and virtues, creating an inclusive space where all are united in their shared humanity.
The prayer meetings are more than just a religious observance; they serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion, peace, and respect for all. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and hope, fostering a deep sense of community among everyone involved.
Prominent personalities from all walks of life including spiritual leaders, social activists, politicians, and educators frequently visit Gandhibhavan to address the prayer meetings. These distinguished guests emphasize the importance of human values, moral virtues, and the need for collective efforts to create a more compassionate and just society. Their words inspire both the residents and visitors, reinforcing Gandhibhavan's commitment fostering a spirit of unity and love across all divides.
Promoting Art, Culture and Literature
Gandhibhavan plays a pivotal role in promoting art, culture, and heritage, serving as a subcentre of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy. As a part of this collaboration, Gandhibhavan regularly hosts various cultural programs, including dramas and performances sponsored by the academy. These events not only provide entertainment but also create a rich environment for artistic expression, fostering creativity and cultural awareness among the residents.
In addition to artistic performances, Gandhibhavan organizes seminars and workshops that address a wide range of life issues, such as health, legal awareness, and green sanitation. These seminars empower the inmates by providing them with vital knowledge and skills to navigate various aspects of life. Medical camps are also held regularly to ensure the physical well-being of the residents.
On holidays and special occasions, Gandhibhavan hosts arts and sports competitions, encouraging the residents to showcase their talents and engage in healthy competition. These events promote a sense of community and well-being, fostering physical fitness, creativity, and teamwork. Additionally, knowledge-oriented workshop conducted to inspire learning and personal growth among the residents.
What People Say About Us
“Gandhibhavan is truly a good place of compassion. These few words reflect the heart and soul of an institution that has been a beacon of hope for countless individuals.”
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Scientist and former President of IndiaVision & Mission
Our Vision
To uplift the downtrodden, poor, and marginalised people of society — recognising this as the prime and foremost duty of every compassionate citizen. We seek to build a prosperous and powerful nation by utilising the hidden potential in every human being, creating a new order of life in tune with the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.
VisionOur Mission
To bring the downtrodden cross-section of society into the mainstream of life — including every Indian citizen in nation building by providing care and equal opportunities regardless of caste, religion, disability, or other disparities. To lend a helping hand to the needy and abandoned, giving them comfortable living and renewed dignity. We spread the message of love, peace, and unity.
Mission