S. G. Susheelamma
S. G. Susheelamma | |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 May 1939 |
| Occupation | social worker |
| Years active | 1975–present |
S. G. Susheelamma (also known as Susheelamma; born 24 May 1939), affectionately called Amma is an Indian social worker and the founder-president of Sumangali Seva Ashrama founded in 1975 located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.[1][2] She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2026 for her contributions to social work and community empowerment.[1][2]
Early life and education
[edit]Susheelamma was born on 24 May 1939 into a wealthy family in Chamarajpet, Bengaluru, Karnataka.[2][3] She attended Vani Vilas Government School in Chamrajpet, Bengaluru.[3] During her ninth-grade year, she participated in distributing textbooks to underprivileged students books that had been purchased from contributions by former students.[3] This experience influenced her subsequent decision to pursue a career in social service.[4][5][3]
Career
[edit]Susheelamma began her career in social service before leaving formal employment to devote herself to the field full-time.[2] In 1975, she established Sumangali Seva Ashrama ₹15 provided by an associate, Kanthamma, initially caring for three children.[3][6][7] The organization initially operated from rented premises and relocated several times before establishing its current facilities in Cholanayakanahalli, Bengaluru.[5][4]
The ashrama provides shelter, education, healthcare, and vocational training to marginalized communities.[1][2] Its initiatives includes:[2]
- Premananda Makkala Kuteera - a residential hostel for orphaned and abandoned girls.[2]
- Basavananda Primary and Higher School, Sumangali Seva Ashrama Girl's High School and Kanmani Kindergarten - providing free education to children from economically disadvantaged families.[2]
- Sowharda - a short-stay home for women in crisis.[2]
- Punyakoti Vanaprasthashrama - a care facility for elderly women.[2]
- A primary health center and a free polyclinic offering primary healthcare and mental health support.[2]
By 2013, the ashrama was accommodating over 100 children and more than 50 destitute women, and its kitchen provided meals to over 800 people daily.
Rural development and environmental initiatives
[edit]Susheelamma has implemented rural development and women's empowerment programmes across Karnataka, including adult literacy campaigns, self-help groups, Mahila Mandals, vocational training, microcredit initiatives and panchayat leadership development.[2] She has collaborated with tribal communities such as the Iruligas and Kurubas on sustainable agriculture and livelihood projects in the Magadi region.[2][4]
She initiated the Vrikshamahadasoha environmental movement, under which over forty lakh (40 million) saplings have been planted across Karnataka.[2][1] She has also stated an aim to plant one crore (10 million) trees, viewing coconut saplings as providing long-term financial support for poor families.[5]
Her organization has provided auto-rickshaw driving training to 30 women. One trainee reportedly earns ₹1,000 per day (approximately ₹30,000 per month) and has become a volunteer trainer.[4]
Awards and recognition
[edit]Susheelamma has received several national and state honours over her career.
- Karnataka State Award for Child Welfare.[7]
- Smt. Yashodhara Dasappa Award.[7]
- Ajantha Vishwa Nidhi Award.[7]
- Samaja Seva Award.[7]
- Basava Puraskar.[7]
- Grama Jyothi Award.[7]
- Rajiv Gandhi Shiromani Award.[7]
- Rajyotsava Award - given by Government of Karnataka.[7][2]
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Award.[2][7]
- National Award for Child Welfare.[2]
- Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh Award.[2][7]
- Basashree Award.[2]
- Kittur Rani Chennamma Award.[2]
- Lakshmi N. Menon Award for Literacy.[2]
- Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Award.[2]
- Devaraj Urs Award (2020-2021) - presented by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.[8]
- Honorary Doctorate - Karnataka State Akka Mahadevi Women's University, Vijayapura.[2]
- Padma Shri (2026) - Government of India.[1][2]
Philosophy and legacy
[edit]Susheelamma, known as "Amma", has stated that her work is guided by Gandhian principles and the concept of commitment, or "sankalpa".[1][2][4] Reflecting on her journey, she has described it as "miracle".[6][5] She has said that the Padma Shri is not an endpoint but a reminder of the responsibility to continue serving.[6]
She has encouraged young people to embrace social responsibility, stating, "we receive from society, and we must hive back.[4] Everyone deserves a home, education, food and healthcare".[4]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Three Eminent Personalities from Karnataka Nominated For Padma Awards" (Press release). Press Information Bureau, Government of India. 18 May 2026. Retrieved 2026-07-18.
{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 "Padma Shri S. G. Susheelamma (2026)" (PDF). Padma Awards. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Retrieved 2026-07-18.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - 1 2 3 4 5 Kurup, Gayathri M. (2026-01-26). "Susheelamma: From classroom moment to Padma Shri award". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2026-07-18.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PTI (2026-01-25). "Padma awards: Moment of collective joy, says Karnataka social worker Dr Susheelamma". ThePrint. Retrieved 2026-07-18.
- 1 2 3 4 "Local Legends: The 'Miracle' That Began In Ninth Grade With Fifteen Rupees — Padma Shri Dr. SG Susheelamma". TimesNow. 2026-02-09. Retrieved 2026-07-18.
- 1 2 3 Bharat, E. T. V. (2026-01-26). "A 50-Year Journey Of Service, Dedicated To Empowering Children And Communities: The Inspiring Story Of Dr Susheelamma". ETV Bharat News. Retrieved 2026-07-18.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Bhat, Revati (2013-01-15). "A gateway of hope for the unfortunate". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2026-07-18.
- ↑ "CM presents Devaraj Urs Award, promises policy to improve quality of education in schools". The Hindu. 2021-08-20. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2026-07-18.