It is with deep regret that we inform that Dr. Soma Sundaram Avva, a long standing supporter of AIM for Seva and SDET (Swami Dayananda Educational Trust), is no longer amongst us. He passed away on 27th October 2026.
Inspired by our Founder, Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s commitment to grassroots development via rural education, Dr. Soma Sundaram Avva began his association with Swami Dayananda Educational Trust (SDET), a few years back. He contributed generously to the construction of the new administrative block at Semmangudi Government-Aided Higher Secondary School, Tamil Nadu.
This institution came under the management of SDET in 2004 and soon after, the older buildings were refurbished, additional buildings constructed. Dr. Soma Sundaram Avva’s timely contribution at that critical juncture will never be forgotten. Today, there are 918 students enrolled in this school from 30 surrounding villages and Dr. Soma Sundaram Avva played a very important role in community development in the region by investing in school infrastructure during a key phase of the institution’s modernisation.
That was not all. Dr Soma Sundaram Avva once again came to the forefront as a generous donor to the Swami Dayananda—Avva Vidyalaya, Tondikatti village, Belagavi district, Karnataka. In February 2025, Dr Soma Sundaram Avva and his wife flew down to India to inaugurate the Vidyalaya campus in Belgaum along with Sri. Srini Raman, Chief Operating Officer, AIM for Seva USA.
The successful establishment and running of a school in Tondikatti is expected to further boost the growth prospects in this sugarcane belt. And this development has been possible thanks to the foresight and prompt action by Dr. Soma Sundaram Avva.
In addition to being an important donor of AIM for Seva’s educational projects in rural India. Dr. Soma Sundaram Avva was an important contributor and prominent member of the Dayton, Ohio chapter of AIM for Seva USA. Dr Soma Sundaram Avva was at the forefront in organising and getting together members of the Indian community to volunteer, contribute and be part of AIM for Seva USA’s annual fundraisers in the region, in the recent past.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family members of Dr. Soma Sundaram Avva. We have truly lost a cherished donor who continuously supported our cause of educating rural India.
May his soul rest in peace.
Om Shanti.