Vellappally Natesan
The general secretary of the SNDP Yogam since 1996, under whom its branches and schools in Kerala have grown, honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2026.
Vellappally Natesan has led the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, the community organisation founded by Sree Narayana Guru in 1903, for three decades. In 2026 he was named for the Padma Bhushan in the field of public affairs, from Kerala [1].
The SNDP Yogam
Natesan was born on 10 September 1937 at Kanichikulangara in Alappuzha district [2]. The SNDP Yogam was set up by Sree Narayana Guru to promote social equality through education, self-respect and organisation [2]. Natesan has been its general secretary, and secretary of the Sree Narayana Trusts, since 1996 [2].
According to his citation, the number of SNDP shakhas (local branches) doubled under him, from about 3,000 to 6,000 [2]. He introduced family units within the branches, with roles for women, savings and educational support [2]. SNDP unions were also set up in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi and the Gulf to support Malayalis living there [2].
Schools and colleges
Through the Sree Narayana Trust, the number of educational institutions grew from 40 to more than 130, including schools, colleges and technical centres, many in rural and small-town areas [2]. The organisation also runs microfinance programmes, charitable clinics and disaster relief [2].
Sources
- [1] Padma Awards 2026: list of awardees — Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Accessed 11 October 2026.
- [2] Padma Awards 2026 investiture ceremony brochure: citation for Vellappally Natesan — Press Information Bureau, Government of India. Accessed 12 October 2026.
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