Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangam

Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangam is one of the largest voluntary organisation and devotee organisation in India. Which is a no religious or caste organization based on Lord Ayyappa. This organization is registered under the government of Kerala and it had branches across the country who serve poor and illiterate people. The organisation now owns properties such as hospitals, temples and others.
History
Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham was founded by Dr. P.A.Velayudhan Pillai of Thiruananthapuram during the January month of year 1945 to service the Ayyappa devotees who undertake arduous journey to Sabarimala. Later it has been registered as a social service organization under the charitable societies Act". It has a significant beginning- as in the words of Sri.Nenmara Ramachandra Menon: "Years back a group of devotees on pilgrimage reached Pampa from Erumeli through thick and dense forests of high ups and steep downs. A boy among them was caught by a raving fever and the condition of the boy became very serious, rendering the instantaneous medical aid inevitable. The pilgrims run hither and thither in search of some medical aid. Dr. P. A. Velayudhan Pillai, himself a pilgrim came to know of this and he readily gave the boy a few doses of medicine he had with him reserved for his own use. The doctor was then the Superintendent of the Ophthalmic Hospital, Thiruananthapuram. The boy got relief and the devotees continued their pilgrimage. This gave an impetus to the Doctor to ponder over the ways and means to serve the sufferers in future. Thus the seed for the germination of the renowned Ayyappa Seva Sangham was sown in the sacred soil of Pampa, where the Pandalam Raja saw the crying child
This was an evening in the month of Dhanu, 1120(Kolla Varsham). Along with Dr. Velayudhan Pillai, there were Sri. C. V. Raman Pillai, Sri. R. Krishna Pillai and Sri.Achuthan Nair. Their thoughts at that circumstance turned to the formation of a voluntary service corps to help the sick and needy, young and old, on their way to Sabarimala.
Foundation
Ayyappa Seva Sangham has an unbounded growth. The first group meeting was held in the month of Meenam, 1120 at Chitra Theater, Thiruananthapuram and was presided over by Justice K.S. Govinda Pillai, who was the then High Court Judge. At this meeting Dr. P. A. Velayudhan Pillai was elected as the First General Secretary. Sri. P. Subarmaniam producer, director and owner of Merryland Studio, Thruananthapuram was elected as the Treasurer. Sri. Subramonaim formally joined the Sangham as its first member paying one rupee membership fee and a donation of Rs.600. Sri Chithira Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore sanctioned an yearly grant of Rs. 8000 to the Sangham, and it’s being continued. In a short period of time, the membership increased to the thousands. The Sangham has 84 Taluk offices and over 4130 branch offices. Also the Sangham has over 300 Temples and several schools and Libraries.
Oragnisation of Abass
Various activities of the Sangham are co-ordinated by a Central Committee of 41 members. Strictly democratic and representative in basis, elections are held every three years. At present there are 4130 branches and 84 taluk unions, 8000 life members around the world . The Sangham has 260 temples, in Kerala and outside, under the control of the Central Body, its Unions and Branches. Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham has a State Councils in Tamil-Nadu and Karnataka.
We look forward to groups coming up to establish branches in unrepresented areas within and outside the country.

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