For over 83 years, Vanchi Poor Fund has been Kerala's beacon of hope, serving the underprivileged with dignity, care, and unwavering commitment.

Vanchi Poor Fund
A Legacy of Compassion

A Legacy of Compassion Since 1941


Our Origins Founded in 1941 during the hardships of World War II, the Vanchi Poor Fund (VPF) emerged from a visionary idea by Dr. Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer. Recognizing that an empty stomach was the greatest barrier to education, he implemented India’s first organized mid-day meal program for schoolchildren. Established under the patronage of the Travancore Royal Family, what began as an emergency response to wartime hunger has evolved into a comprehensive welfare institution serving multiple generations.

Our Philosophy & Impact We operate on the principle that true charity is not patronage but a social duty—a collective pooling of resources to serve the community. From our headquarters in Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, we ensure that every beneficiary is treated with the dignity and respect due to a family member.

About us

Our founding came at a critical moment when poverty and hunger were disrupting children’s education across the region. Recognizing that an empty stomach is the greatest barrier to learning, Dr. Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer conceived and implemented India’s first large-scale free midday meal program for schoolchildren. This pioneering initiative not only kept thousands of children in school but also laid the groundwork for similar programs that would later be adopted across the nation. What began as an emergency response to wartime hardship has evolved into a comprehensive welfare institution serving multiple generations, from hungry schoolchildren to elderly women seeking shelter, medical care, and the warmth of community in their golden years.
Today, the Vanchi Poor Fund continues to operate under the patronage of the Travancore Royal Family and the guidance of dedicated trustees who bring decades of experience in social service, healthcare, and community development. Our main facility in Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, serves as the heart of our operations, where daily meals are prepared for hundreds of children, where elderly women find a loving home, and where families in crisis find support and hope. Over the past 83 years, we have served more than 500,000 meals, provided residential care to over 1,200 elderly women, supported more than 5,500 students with educational scholarships, and assisted countless families with medical aid and emergency relief.
As we look to the future, the Vanchi Poor Fund remains committed to evolving with the changing needs of our community while staying true to the timeless values that have guided us since 1941. We are modernizing our infrastructure with sustainable technologies, expanding our reach through strategic partnerships, and embracing innovative approaches to service delivery—all while maintaining the personal touch, transparency, and deep sense of responsibility that have earned us the trust of donors, beneficiaries, and the community at large. Our journey is far from over; with your support, we will continue to write new chapters of hope, dignity, and transformation for generations to come.
The story of Vanchi Poor Fund is not just one organization’s history—it is the story of Kerala’s collective compassion, of communities coming together to care for their most vulnerable members, and of the enduring belief that every life has value and every person deserves dignity. Whether you are a longtime supporter, a first-time donor, or someone seeking our services, we welcome you to be part of this remarkable legacy. Together, we can ensure that no child goes hungry, no elderly person lives without care, and no deserving student’s dreams remain unfulfilled due to poverty. This is our promise, our purpose, and our privilege.
Throughout our history, the Vanchi Poor Fund has remained steadfast in its commitment to the principle that true charity is not patronage but a social duty—a collective pooling of community resources to serve community needs. This philosophy distinguishes us from traditional philanthropic models and ensures that our beneficiaries are treated not as objects of charity but as valued members of our extended family, deserving of respect, dignity, and genuine care. Every program we undertake, from daily meal services to residential elder care at our Sree Chitra Home (Ammaveedu), is designed with this core principle at its heart. We believe that compassion without dignity is incomplete, and service without sustainability is temporary.

Our Mission

At the heart of our mission lies an unwavering commitment to alleviating poverty, providing nutritional support, and ensuring that no individual is left behind in their pursuit of basic human dignity. We believe that charity is not mere almsgiving but a fundamental social duty that strengthens the fabric of our community.

Our Vision

A Kerala where every individual, regardless of age or economic status, has access to nutritious food, dignified shelter, quality healthcare, and educational opportunities—living with hope, respect, and the support of a compassionate community that values every life equally.​

Nutritional Support Programs

  • Free midday meal programs for underprivileged school children
  • Daily food service for elderly residents at our care homes
  • Emergency food assistance during times of crisis

Elder Care Services

  • Operation of "Ammaveedu" (Mother's Home) for elderly women
  • Comprehensive healthcare support including medical aid
  • Daily activities including yoga, devotional practices, and community engagement
  • Specialized care for dialysis patients and those with chronic conditions

Community Outreach

  • Educational support and scholarships for deserving students
  • Healthcare assistance for the medically indigent
  • Emergency relief during natural disasters and community crises
  • Cultural and religious programs that preserve our heritage

Our Mission

Established 1941

  • Founded during World War II under the royal patronage of His Highness Sree Padmanabha Dasa Rama Varma Maharaja and H.H. Parvathi Bai of Travancore, with Dr. Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer as the visionary Founder President. The organization was established to address hunger and poverty disrupting children's education and to provide dignified care for the destitute elderly.

Philosophy

  • Our founding principle, articulated by Dr. Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer, emphasizes that true charity is a social duty involving the pooling of community resources to serve community needs. We operate on the principle of non-patronage, ensuring beneficiaries are treated with respect and dignity as valued members of society rather than objects of charity.

Legacy

  • For over 83 years, we have pioneered innovative welfare programs including India's first large-scale school feeding initiative, comprehensive residential elder care, and educational support systems that have influenced social policy across the nation.

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Our Mission

To alleviate poverty and restore dignity through comprehensive welfare programs that provide:

Our Vision

Our Commitment to Transparency

We maintain the highest standards of financial transparency and accountability. Regular audits, published annual reports, and open communication with our stakeholders ensure that every donation is utilized effectively for maximum social impact. Our operations comply with all regulatory requirements, and we maintain our registration as a charitable trust under applicable laws.

Leadership and Governance

Today, the Vanchi Poor Fund operates under the continued patronage of the Travancore Royal Family and is guided by a dedicated board of trustees who bring decades of experience in social service, healthcare, and community development. Our current leadership continues the legacy of our founders while adapting our programs to meet contemporary challenges.

Trustees