Research

The Santhigiri Research Foundation (SRF) was set up to conduct scientific, social and industrial research from the unique standpoint provided by Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru, combining it with social process and development, as envisaged by Guru.

UPA Chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, laid the foundation stone for the SRF building near the Ashram in February, 2008.

Recognizing the valuable work being done by the SRF, the Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, has accorded it the status of a 'Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation' (SIRO).

Three institutions are presently working under the SRF. These are the 'Santhigiri Scientific and Industrial Research Institute' (SSIRI), Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru Research Centre for Ayurveda and Siddha (NKGRCAS) and Santhigiri Social Research Institute (SSRI).

Improving and standardizing the quality of Ayurveda and Siddha medicines and clinical research for the development of new drugs are the major projects under Industrial Research.

Social Research is focused on the teachings of Guru, i.e. the science related to the soul and its cosmic relation with human life and experiences. Research is being carried out in completely uncharted areas such as the significance of 'karma' and 'karmic' influences on one's life and how to correct 'karmadoshas' (karmic debilities) through spiritual intercession. The faculty of extra sensory perception (darsanam) is also an area of research to understand this phenomenon scientifically.

The social action research activities of the SRF and its efforts to take technology to the grassroots, has won accolades from all. The Govt. of India selected the SRF to conduct a National Conference on 'Innovative Methodologies for Drinking Water Security' at Santhigiri Ashram on March 9-10, 2009.

'Karuna Shuddha Jalam', a national award winning water harvesting project implemented by the Ashram on directions from Guru, has been cited as a sterling example of grassroots initiative.

A three-day 'International Conference on Health, Peace and Spirituality'conducted by Santhigiri in January, 2005, explored the vital connection between these three prerequisites of human well being. Nobel peace laureates, political leaders, religious luminaries, social reformers, medical practitioners and senior government officers attended the three-day meet at Kottayam.

Donations to SSRI and SSIRI are eligible for Income Tax exemption under Section 35 (1) (ii) and 35 (1) (iii), Income Tax Act, 1961.