Staff
Academic (Teaching)
Dr. P. N. Sudarsanan
Director
Dr. P. N. Sudarsanan is the Director of Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan, Adi Sankara Nilayam, Veliyanad, Kerala. He holds a Ph.D. from Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, specializing in Rgvedapratisakhya – Bhashasastriyam Adhyayanam. With a distinguished academic record, he earned First Rank in both his M.A. and B.A. in Sanskrit Vyakarana from Government Sanskrit College, Tripunithura, and also holds a B.Ed. from Kerala University. Dr. Sudarsanan has had a prolific teaching career, serving at various institutions, including Government Sanskrit College, Tripunithura, until his retirement in 2023. An active researcher, he has presented papers at numerous national and international seminars and successfully completed a UGC Minor Re-search Project in 2014
Dr. V R Manoj
Deputy Director
Dr. V R Manoj is a Deputy Director at Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan, Adi Sankara Nilayam, Veliyanad – 682313 (Ernakulam) – Kerala. As a full-time researcher, his role involves lending a helping hand in the academics and day-to day running of the institute.
Earlier, he was Visiting Faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur (2003-05) where he taught Indian Intellectual Traditions and Sanskrit Language Level -1 and 2 prior to which Lecturer at Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya (2000- 2003), his alma mater that published his thesis entitled Pratyayasarvaswam Part – 1 where he taught Grammar and Literature.
So far he has about 95 Publications that include 5 Books 90 research papers. He is passionate about teaching and research.
Dr. G. Rajashekar Reddy
Deputy Director
Dr. G. Rajashekar Reddy is a Sanskrit scholar with over 14 years of research and academic experience in Sanskrit studies, Manuscriptology and Paleography. He currently serves as the Deputy Director at Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan, where he leads academic projects, edits manuscripts, coordinates the research journal Dhimahi, and organizes national workshops and seminars.
His research portfolio includes 11 published articles and editorial contributions to Dhimahi. He is currently working on several book projects, focusing on ancient manuscripts and Vedantic literature. Previously, he held teaching and research positions at Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Sri Venkateshwara Vedic University, and Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha. His contributions include editing manuscripts, digitalizing archival materials, developing research methodologies, and mentoring scholars. He has also developed online courses and played a pivotal role in academic publication projects. Dr. Reddy holds a Ph.D. in Sanskrit from Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, along with an M.Phil. in Manuscriptology, an M.A. in Sanskrit, an M.A. in History, a B.L.I.Sc, and a PG Diploma in Epigraphy. Additionally, he has expertise in various languages, including Telugu, Sanskrit, Hindi, English, Kannada, and basic Malayalam, and is proficient in Windows & Linux systems, DTP software, and digital archiving tools. Ancient scripts known: Brahmi, Sharada, Grantha, Nandi-Nagari, Devanagari, Old Telugu, and Old Kannada.
Dr. Reddy has served as the In-charge Director at CIF Shodha Sansthan and is an active member of academic committees overseeing library, publication, and research initiatives. He is also on the editorial boards of Dhimahi and Shrivaisnivi. His expertise in manuscript studies and Sanskrit research continues to contribute significantly to the field.
Academic (Non-Teaching)
Shri Ananta Basudev Nanda
Curator
Shri Ananta Basudev Nanda is the Curator of CIF Shodha Sansthan, Adi Sankara Nilayam, Veliyanad, Kerala. He holds Shastri (B.A.) and Acharya (M.A.) degrees from Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Tirupati, and a BLIS degree from IGNOU. He also completed a three-year Vedanta course at Chinmaya Mission, Siddhavadi, Dharamshala. With extensive experience in manuscript preservation, conservation, cataloging, and digitization, he has worked as a research fellow at IGNCA, New Delhi, contributing to projects under Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan and C. R. Swaminathan. He has been coordinating the National Mission for Manuscripts’ MCC project in Kerala for the past seven years. A passionate traveler, he has walked across Bharat, engaging in social work, tribal welfare, and the restoration of religious monuments with local communities. His deep understanding of Bharatiya culture, history, and comparative civilizations enriches his contributions to manuscript research and preservation
Dr. C. P. Ambika
Research Assistant
Dr. C. P. Ambika is a Research Assistant at Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan, Adi Sankara Nilayam, Veliyanad, Ernakulam, Kerala. She holds a Master’s degree in Sanskrit Sahitya, a B.Ed. in Sanskrit, and a Doctorate for her thesis ‘Adbhutapanjara of Narayana Dikshita, a Critical Study’ from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. Dr. Ambika also holds a Diploma in Archaeology from the Centre for Heritage Studies, Tripunithura. She has served as a Research Assistant at the Government Sanskrit College, Tripunithura, and has been a guest lecturer at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit and Government Sanskrit College, Tripunithura. Dr. Ambika has published two research papers and has participated in numerous national and international seminars and workshops.
Non-Academic
Smt. Rajalekshmi C. V
Librarian
Smt. Rajalekshmi C. V. serves as the Librarian at Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan, Adi Sankara Nilayam, Veliyanad, Ernakulam, Kerala. She holds a postgraduate degree in Sanskrit (General) and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science, along with a Diploma in Library Automation. She has actively contributed to the field by participating in numerous national and international seminars and workshops, enriching discussions on Sanskrit literature, manuscript conservation, and library science.
Sreelekha M. S
Typist
Sreelekha M. S. is a Typist at Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan, Adi Sankara Nilayam, Veliyanad, Ernakulam, Kerala. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a Diploma in Secretarial Practice. With her academic background and professional expertise, she plays a vital role in supporting the institution’s administrative and research activities through her proficient typing and documentation skills. In addition to her primary responsibilities, she also handles the accounts of the institution, contributing to its financial management and organizational efficiency.
Kishore M. B
Peon
Kishore M. B. has been serving as a Peon at Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan since February 21, 2008. With years of dedicated service, he plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of daily operations at the institution. His commitment and efficiency contribute significantly to maintaining a well-organized and supportive work environment.
Contractual/Outsourced Staff
Rahul Radhakrishnan
Research Fellow
Rahul Radhakrishnan is a dedicated Sanskrit scholar and educator, currently serving as a Research Fellow at Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan. With a strong academic foundation in Vedanta and Sahitya, he holds a B.A. and two M.A. degrees in Sanskrit and is presently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sanskrit (Vedanta). An experienced Sanskrit teacher, Rahul has taught at various institutions and remains actively engaged in promoting Sanskrit through Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta classes, spoken Sanskrit workshops, and academic initiatives. He has played a key role in Bharatiya Vidya Nikethan’s Sanskrit academic programs, having previously served as the District Sanskrit Pramukh for Thrissur. Currently, he is a core-team member of the BVN Kerala State Sanskrit Academic Committee. His work is dedicated to the revival and dissemination of Sanskrit and Vedantic wisdom across Kerala and beyond
Smt. Vijayalekshmi A.
DTP operator
Smt. Vijayalekshmi A. D.T.P operator of Chinmaya international foundation of Shodha Sansthan Adi Sankara Nilayam, Veliyanad, [Ernakulam] Kerala. Smt. Vijayalekshmi is a dedicated educator with a strong academic background in Sanskrit and Computer Applications. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sanskrit Sahitya from Government Sanskrit College, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala University) and a Master’s degree in Sanskrit (General) from Kerala University. Additionally, she has earned a PGDCA (Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications) and is a certified Microsoft Specialist. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sanskrit Language and Literature under Mahatma Gandhi University. With a passion for teaching, she has gained valuable experience in both Sanskrit and Computer Science education. She previously worked as a Computer Teacher at G-Tech Education, Pala, and also gained professional experience at Akshaya Centre, Mutholy, Pala, Kottayam. Her expertise in Sanskrit teaching spans over four years, including three years at Ambika Vidhyabhavan, Aimcombu, Pala, and one year at SMV Global School, Ettumanoor. In addition to her teaching experience, she has actively contributed to academic discussions by presenting papers at two national seminars. She has also attended numerous seminars and workshops related to both Sanskrit and Computer Science, continuously enhancing her knowledge and skills in both fields. She is proficient in English, Malayalam, Hindi, and Sanskrit typing, further enhancing her academic and technical capabilities. Her dedication to education, research, and professional development makes her a valuable asset to the academic community
Sri. Syam Prakash
MTS
Sri. Syam Prakash has been serving as a Peon (MTS) at Chinmaya International Foundation Shodha Sansthan since June 2013. With years of dedicated service, he plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of daily operations at the institution. His commitment, efficiency, and reliability contribute significantly to maintaining a well-organized and supportive work environment. Known for his hard work and intelligence, he is a valuable asset to the institution, consistently demonstrating dedication and a strong work ethic.
Project Staff
Smt. Jayamol K. S
Conservator
Smt. Jayamol K. S. is currently working as a Conservator in the National Mission for Manuscripts under the MCC Project. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from M.G. University, Kottayam, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Archival Studies from the Centre for Heritage Studies, Tripunithura. With extensive experience in archival preservation, she has worked as a Project Trainee, contributing to the preparation of finding aids, physical verification, and listing of archival documents, along with the conservation of paper records under the Department of Archives, Govt of Kerala. Additionally, she was involved in the conservation of palm leaf manuscripts at Sukruteendra Oriental Research Institute during 2022–2023. Her expertise in archival preservation and heritage management plays a vital role in safeguarding historical manuscripts and documents.
