"Truthfulness - The inspiring Autobiography of Padma Shri S.Damodaran released in Trichy."

*The Autobiography "Truthfulness" of Padma Shri S. Damodaran, Founder & CEO of Gramalaya, was formally released by Hon'ble Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Former President of India, on 23rd August 2026 at Tiruchirappalli.*

In a graceful and memorable ceremony held in Trichy, the autobiography titled *"Truthfulness"* chronicling the life and mission of sanitation champion *Padma Shri S. Damodaran* was unveiled.

Releasing the book, *Hon'ble Shri Ram Nath Kovind* lauded the yeoman service rendered by Shri Damodaran in the field of sanitation and menstrual hygiene. Speaking in a gentle and affectionate manner, the former President recalled that due to protocol he could not speak at length during the Padma Shri investiture ceremony.

*"Today, I can say it openly - Shri Damodaran truly deserves the Padma Shri in its fullest meaning. His services have reached every corner of the country,"* Shri Kovind said.

He further appreciated the humility of Shri Damodaran, noting that the awardee never claimed the Padma Award as his own, but always dedicated it to the entire team of Gramalaya.

The first copy of the autobiography was released by the Former President and handed over to the dignitaries on the dais.

Earlier, in an emotional address, *Padma Shri S. Damodaran* traced his four-decade-long journey in the sanitation sector, the struggles he encountered, and the milestones achieved. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family members, the Gramalaya team, fellow NGOs, friends, guests and all well-wishers who stood by him.

An introductory documentary on the life and work of Shri Damodaran was screened in the presence of Guests of Honour and dignitaries, which deeply moved the audience.

The event marked not just a book release, but a celebration of truth, humility and selfless service.,* Govin

K.Govindaraju, SEVAI, a note

          K.Govindaraju, SEVAI

K. Govindaraju*  

_Founder & Director, SEVAI | Social Worker, Educationist, Farmer | Tiruchirappalli_

K. Govindaraju was born on _25th September 1952_ to Shri Krishna Reddiar and Smt. Polammal in _Melapatty Village, near Kulithalai_, into a farming family. He grew up with a younger brother and sister, both of whom are now settled.  

His early education reflects the simplicity of rural life. He completed his primary schooling in his native village, walked to middle school in _Panikampatty_, and finished high school at _Kulithalai Boys High School_ in the Tamil medium. He pursued his Pre-University at _Bishop Heber College_, graduated from _National College, Tiruchirappalli_, and earned his _B.Ed_ from _Siddhartha College of Education, Tumkur_. With a deep commitment to learning, he later completed _M.Sc., M.A.,  through distance education, and a _Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism_ from _Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan_.

In _1975_, he began his journey in social service with the _Village Reconstruction Organisation_ in Andhra Pradesh as Tamil Nadu Coordinator. During the _1977 floods in Tiruchirappalli_, he led emergency relief work and was instrumental in constructing solid homes in six villages. Over the next nine years, he implemented health, child care, and adult literacy projects.  

Driven by the vision of sustainable rural development, he registered _SEVAI_ in _1984_ as a charitable organization.

Under his leadership, SEVAI has delivered holistic development across _Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal_. Major initiatives include the construction of over _4,000 permanent homes with sanitation_ for tsunami-affected families, watershed management, professional education for _around 2,000 women_, formation of women’s self-help groups, HIV intervention programs, care for differently-abled children, green energy projects including solar power, organic farming, running _three schools_, and climate change adaptation programs. Details of SEVAI’s ongoing work are available at _www.sevaingo.in_.

A writer and communicator, he also maintains the blog _newseq.blogspot.in_. He has undertaken social service study visits to _England and Germany_, and participated in international seminars in _France, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland_, and neighboring countries.  

He served as _Chairman of the State Resource Centre for Continuing Education_ for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry under a Government of India program, and as an _Expert Committee Member_ of the Government of India’s Environment Committee for infrastructure projects across the country. He has been serving as _Treasurer of the Tiruchirappalli District Welfare Fund Committee_ for the past 26 years.

His contributions have been recognized with the _Bharat Sevak Award_ conferred by CNRI and blessed by the then Hon’ble President of India in _2007_, and an _Outstanding Service Award_ from the _Government of Tamil Nadu in 2025_.

In his personal life, his wife _Mrs. Padmini Govindaraju_ retired as Headmistress of Government Adi Dravida Higher Secondary School, Milaguparai, and passed away in _2025_ at the age of 70. He now lives in a joint family with his son, who is in business, his daughter-in-law who is a school teacher, and two grandsons. He continues to farm in _Sirugamani_, staying connected to his roots.

From a village student to a national social leader, _K.

 Govindaraju’s life stands as a testament to service, learning, and dedication to community_. 

16th August 2026.

Service, Sacrifice, Sustainability - The story of Sirpi Velayutham Ayya*

  

Service, Sacrifice, Sustainability 

It is truly remarkable and deeply inspiring to witness the unwavering commitment of *Sirpi Velayutham Ayya* towards the social well-being of Tamil Nadu. 

For several decades, he has been a steadfast voice against alcoholism and drug abuse, relentlessly working to protect our youth from these destructive evils. His vision has always been clear: our young people must be empowered with appropriate employment opportunities aligned with their education, coupled with professional education and robust skill development programs that make them self-reliant and future-ready.

Ayya’s life work is deeply rooted in Gandhian principles. Over the years, he has dedicated himself to building a just and equitable society through a sustainable rural economy. He has championed gender equality at the grassroots, ensuring women have dignity, livelihood, and leadership in community life. Alongside this, his efforts in environmental conservation have been immense — from large-scale tree plantation drives to spreading awareness on climate change adaptation, he has consistently reminded us that protecting nature is protecting our future.

Even as he is approaching his 80s, his passion remains undiminished. His aspiration to motivate and guide the youth still burns brightly in his heart and soul. Though much of his work over the years has been silent and selfless, away from limelight and publicity, its impact on villages and communities across Tamil Nadu is profound and lasting.

It is only fitting that such a life of service be recognized at the national level. *Sirpi Velayutham Ayya truly deserves a prestigious honor like the Padma Award.* Such recognition would not only honor his legacy, but also inspire his followers and the next generation to carry forward the Gandhian values he has lived by and to continue the movement he began.

Tamil Nadu owes a great debt to Ayya for his decades of silent, committed, and transformative social workers.* Govin