To serve the orphans, the destitute, poor and socially backward women and children, Stree Seva Mandir was founded by Chennagantamma (Mrs. A.C. Krishna Rao) on 2 Oct. 1949, inspired by Gandhiji amd Tagore. The Mandir has no political, communal, religious, linguistic or territorial links. Its programmes cover: (1) Institutional care. (2) Education. (3) Vocational training. (4) Employment. (5) Community welfare. (6) Rural Development. The services consist of hostels, homes for the aged, day care centres, schools, vocational, technical and engineering courses, arts & crafts, medical attention etc.
After tireless, selfless service, Chennagantamma’s died in 2006. To honor her memory, Mr. M. Natarajan of Stree Seva Mandir donated a sum of Rs. 5 lakh on 28 March 2009 during the 5th anniversary celebration of Navasuja Sankara Nethralaya.