PURE Life Society (PLS) president Mother A. Mangalam passed away today at the age of 97.

Mangalam dedicated herself to helping the underprivileged. She has been in charge of the home for orphans and underprivileged children since founder Swami Satyananda passed away in 1961.

According to the PLS website, Mangalam had devoted the best part of her life caring for orphans and homeless children. 

Because of her dedication nearly 2000 children have passed through the doors of the PLS orphanage since its inception in 1952.

Swami Satyananda the founder of PLS was her mentor and while she had chosen teaching as a profession, social work was her true calling. 

Mangalam over the years had received many awards and accolades for her service to humanity. 

Among, them are the Merdeka Award in 2010 for her outstanding contribution in promoting the welfare of the underprivileged and for fostering national unity.

She was also conferred an honorary doctorate in humanities from Taylors University in 2018. 

She had also written speeches and articles for magazines and books on social, religious and cultural issues.

Pure Life Society vice president VL Kandan said she passed away peacefully at 3.52pm today.

He said she had celebrated her 97th birthday on May 20. 

“That was a very happy occasion for her, after which she fell ill with pneumonia and received the best medical attention possible in Assunta Hospital.

“However, complications set in and we have lost someone who personified Pure Life Society throughout its 72 years of existence. 

“The funeral will be on Monday, June 12, 2023.

Those who wish to pay their last respects can do so tomorrow, June 11, 2023 from 10am at the PLS Multipurpose Hall,” he said in a statement. –  June 10, 2023.