A book on a school stage
As a schoolgirl, Susheelamma once went up on a stage to receive a donated book. In a 2026 Indian Express feature she recalls deciding, right then, that one day she would be among the givers. Decades later that wish became institutions for children, women and the elderly.
An institution that began with ₹15
In independent reports she explains that in 1975 three children needed care, and that is how Sumangali Seva Ashrama began, with starting money of just ₹15. The official Padma citation confirms the 1975 founding. Over time it grew into a whole system of support.
Many kinds of help under one roof
The official citation lists Premananda Makkala Kuteera for orphaned and abandoned girls, Basavananda Higher Primary School, a Girls’ High School, Kanmani Kindergarten, the Sowharda short-stay home for women in crisis, Punyakoti Vanaprasthashrama for elderly women, a primary health centre and a free polyclinic. Her model is not only shelter: it brings together education, health, counselling, rehabilitation and livelihoods.
She has also worked on adult literacy, self-help groups, Mahila Mandals, vocational training, small businesses, microcredit and leadership training for women in panchayats. The citation also mentions livelihood and sustainable farming programmes with the Iruliga and Kuruba communities.
From social service to planting trees
Her Vrikshamahadasoha movement links social service with care for the environment. The Padma citation credits it with planting more than 40 lakh saplings across Karnataka.
Her life shows that service can become a lasting institution rather than one-off charity, and that work begun with almost nothing can grow over decades.
Sources
- Padma Awards 2026: official citation
- PIB: Karnataka Padma awardees 2026
- Sumangali Seva Ashrama: official site
- The Indian Express (2026): 'From ₹15 to a life of service'
- The New Indian Express (2013): 'A gateway of hope'
- static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2026/may/doc2026525876101.pdf
- pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2262338&lang=1®=20
- sumangalisevaashrama.org/sumangali-seva-ashrama.php
- indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/unsung-heroes-from-%E2%82%B915-to-life-of-service-meet-s-g-susheelamma-the-mother-teresa-of-karnataka-and-2026-padma-shri-awardee-10545484/
- newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2013/jan/14/a-gateway-of-hope-for-the-unfortunate-443060.html