I embarked on an amazing journey on December 26, 2004, after making a decision to run 100 marathons for a kid with cancer. This personal journey took me globally to 94 countries and I had the opportunity to meet with people from different cultures and different belief systems. I was humbled to see various facets of humanity - from slum communities in Nairobi to Tea Estate communities in Sri Lankan hill country to occupied territories in Gaza and West Bank, all wanting the same basic things we all hope to have in our lives. Every person deserves to have their basic human needs met, food, shelter, access to education, freedom, and opportunity. If even one person is unable to thrive, humanity loses.

I started Gnanam Educational Trust in Chennai, India to celebrate the life and legacy of my father Gnanadesikan Thuthipet. Dad always taught us to be honest, hardworking and humble. Gnanam trust's goal is to provide social justice through various contributions to humanity. 

Ramanathan Gnanadesikan

Founder