OUR STORY
In 2002, a young man named Iyyappan Subramanian witnessed a struggle that would forever alter his life. Deeply affected by the plight of abandoned children with intellectual disabilities, he felt a powerful calling. Shunning the well-worn paths of conventional careers, Iyyappan made a life-altering decision: to dedicate himself entirely to this marginalized group.
This choice stemmed from a deeply personal experience. Growing up in Thiruvarur district, Iyyappan had firsthand exposure to the social stigma and indifference faced by his own brother with Down syndrome. The glaring lack of awareness and medical facilities during that time ignited a fire within him – a burning desire to fight for this forgotten segment of society.
Driven by this purpose, Iyyappan embarked on a path of education in disability and rehabilitation. His research revealed a shocking truth – a dearth of organizations in India catering to the specific needs of abandoned children with intellectual disabilities. This realization served as the catalyst for Sri Arunodayam’s birth. On May 22, 2003, with a single child as his first ward, Iyyappan opened the doors of his haven, offering refuge and hope to children deserted by their families.
Recognitions
Recognizing the good work being done, the Government of Tamil Nadu (under the Juvenile Justice Act by the Department of Social Defense) certified Sri Arunodayam as a Reception Unit in 2008. And the recognitions continue.
- Recognized under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act 2006, as a Children’s Home for the Mentally Challenged Destitute
- Registered under the National Trust Act 2000
- Registered under the Persons with Disabilities Act 1995
- Declared a Fit Institution in 2005 by the Child Welfare Committee, Chennai, Government of Tamil Nadu
- Licensed under Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 (Government of Tamil Nadu)
- Registered with Credibility Alliance, Mumbai
- Recognized by Give India Foundation
- Certified top-ranked, vetted organization by GlobalGiving Foundation, USA
- Certified GuideStar India member – Advanced Level Gold Certification (https://guidestarindia.org/Summary.aspx?CCReg=484)
- Given 12 AA and 80 G tax exemptions by the Income Tax Department under the Income Tax Act 1961
- Registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 2010 to receive overseas donations
- Winner of the prestigious World of Children ® Award 2016 – Considered to be the ‘Nobel Prize’ for heroic work with children. Iyyappan was one of only 5 honorees from across the world and the only one from India to receive this award in 2016. For more information, visit : https://sriarunodayam.org/world-children-award/
- Winner of the Saksham Award 2018 for service to special children
- Winner of the award for services to abandoned differently abled children in 2018, from the Puvanagiri Anti-Corruption Association, Cuddalore
- Winner of the ‘Good Samaritan’ Alert Being Award 2019
- Winner of the prestigious Association of People with Disability (APDI) – N S Hema Award in October 2019 for exemplary work in the field of disability.
- Best Neighborhood Hero Award 2020 from HDFC Bank for stellar COVID-related outreach work.
- Manithaneya Mamani Award 2023 for selfless work with children with intellectual disabilities.
- Sant Eshwer Samman Sewa Award 2024 for exemplary work in the field of Women and Child Development.
Sri Arunodayam has come a long way since 2003. We began with a single child, and today, we have touched the lives of over 400 precious souls. Through tireless efforts, we’ve reunited 108 children with their families, and for 61 others, we facilitated transfers to specialized care facilities best suited to their needs.
We face many hurdles along the way. Due to the complex medical conditions of many children, we face a heartbreaking reality – a high mortality rate. Despite providing the best medical care available, some fragile lives are lost. Yet, we persevere, and currently, 122 children light up our home with their presence.
Sri Arunodayam has evolved far beyond its humble beginnings as a provider of basic necessities. Today, we stand as a testament to the power of rehabilitation. Our residential facilities are designed to nurture and empower. Through education and specialized therapies, we witness a transformation – a steady improvement in the quality of life for these children. Our ultimate dream? To see them blossom into independent individuals, contributing their unique talents to the world.
About the Founder
Fueled by the unwavering support of well-wishers, donors, and a dedicated volunteer network, Iyyappan Subramanian has meticulously crafted a system for Sri Arunodayam’s efficient operation.
His groundbreaking work has resonated on a global stage. In 2008, he was nominated as a Global Fellow in the prestigious Youth Action Net program, and again as a Changeloom Fellow. This recognition was followed by an invitation to the United States for the International Visitors Leadership Program in 2010 by the US State Department. In 2016, his dedication was further recognized with the World of Children® Award. Nationally, Iyyappan’s efforts have been repeatedly acknowledged and celebrated by esteemed organizations including the Lions, Rotary, and Round Table Clubs.
Iyyappan’s vision extends far beyond the walls of Sri Arunodayam. Through community outreach programs in both urban and rural areas, he aspires to ignite a paradigm shift. His ultimate goal? To foster a society that embraces and integrates the intellectually disabled through equal opportunity programs, ensuring they are valued and empowered members of our community.
Celebrating 20 years of service
