About Manganam Ashram

An ashram community where Gandhian philosophy and Christian service meet  nurturing peace, 
education and fellowship in the heart of Kerala.

Our Mission

To build a community rooted in virtue, peace and service — embodying the best of Gandhian and Christian traditions for the transformation of society.

Our Vision

A Kerala where communities live in harmony, where education liberates and where the spirit of reconciliation conquers division.

Our Values

Non-violence · Ecumenism · Service · Education · Simplicity · Community · Reconciliation · Truth · Compassion · Justice · Harmony

Our Story

Eight Decades of Service

From Gandhi’s personal blessing to presidential visits the Ashram’s story is woven into Kerala’s history.

1940s — Founding

Establishment of the Manganam Ashram

Founded on Gandhian principles and Christian service. Mahatma Gandhi personally blessed the institution in his own hand.

1957 — Peace Work

Santhi Sena Camp & F.O.R. Conference

During Kerala's political tensions, hosted a Peace Army camp. Chief Minister E. M. S. Namboodiripad visited before the F.O.R. reconciliation conference.

Presidential Era

Dr. Radhakrishnan Opens Radhakrishna Bhavan

India's President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan visited and personally opened the Radhakrishna Bhavan.

1975

Gurukul Valedictory with Catholicos

H. H. Augen Mar Timotheus, the Catholicos, attended along with Fr. Damien C.M.I. and Dr. M. M. Thomas.

August 17, 1976

Printing Press Inaugurated

Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma inaugurated the Printing Press on his final visit to the Ashram Home.

November 13, 1984

Letter from Prime Minister's Office

P. C. Alexander, Principal Secretary to the PM of India, wrote formally acknowledging the Ashram's work.

Historic Documents

Gandhi's Handwritten Blessing

“A thing of virtue needs no special blessing…”

Prime Minister's Office Letter

Signed by P. C. Alexander, Prin. Sec. to PM

Historic Photo Archive

Key moments from eight decades

People

Those Who Shaped the Ashram

The women and men who built, led and sustained the Manganam Ashram across eight decades of service.

K. K. Chandy

Senior Leader · Past Treasurer

Acharya P. T. Thomas

Secretary · Gurukul Leader

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan

Senior Leader · Past Treasurer

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan

Senior Leader · Past Treasurer

Connections

Affiliations & Fellowship

The Manganam Ashram maintains relationships with churches, civil society organisations
and institutions across India and internationally.

Mar Thoma Church

Church

Orthodox (Catholicos)

Church

Catholic C.M.I.

Church

Canterbury

Anglican

F.O.R. India

Movement

Santhi Sena

Movement

Prime Min. Office

Government

Ashram Network

Gandhian