The saint poet Ramalinga Adigalar (Vallalar) wished to prevent hunger so that humanity was preserved which led him to start the Satya Dharma Salai at Vadalur in 1867.
Inspired by the ideals of Vallalar, Mr. Paramasivam Pillai from his 16th year till his death started feeding the poor and needy in his house. After his death, a group of like minded individuals, got together hoping to continue his work and Annadhana Samajam was born on 02.02.1912
The organization grew from strength to strength due to the tireless efforts of many philanthropists who contributed their time and wealth to keep the organization running.
1. To provide food and clothing to the old, infirm and incapacitated without differentiating them based on caste and creed.
2. To provide a place to meet the above mentioned objectives.
3. To provide space for homeless and abandoned children.
4. To start similar branches to provide food for the needy and space for homeless children in various other places.
5. To indulge in appropriate activities, till the time and finances are available to achieve the above mentioned objectives.
Annadhana Samajam moved into its current premises in 1932. Various improvements to the building was carried out catering to the needs of people who rented the premises for various functions over so as to generate revenue to carry out the activities of the Samajam.
Besides providing food, From 1978-79, on the occasion of Deepavali, sarees ans dhothis are distributed to the poor without discriminating on the basis of religion, caste or creed. From 1994-95, free marriages are also being conducted for the poor.
As a feather in the cap of the activities of the Samajam, in 1992-93, an old age home was started in Gunaseelam. It was later shifted to Thiruvalarsolai and christened Dr. Chitrambalam Amsavalli old age home and 65 poor and destitute senior citizens were provided with free food, clothing, shelter and medical care. The capacity has been further increased to accommodate 25 more senior citizens.
During Covid times and lockdown, the samajam was in the forefront in fighting hunger by providing 2 meals a day for all those who lost their livelihood and were left hungry for a period of almost 6 months.
The Samajam continues with its daily activity of providing a free meal a day to all those in need at its premises everyday for more than One Hunded years and counting besides its activities in the old age home through the help of donors who contribute for its activities in memory of their dear and near.
