A Heritage of
Service & Education
The Subbiah Dharmanidhi Trust (SDN Trust) was founded with the noble vision of promoting education, social welfare, and service to society. The Trust was established by the renowned philanthropist Thiru. AR.A. Subbiah Nadar (1871–1943), whose life was dedicated to uplifting communities through charitable works.
Inspired by his ideals, the Trust expanded its educational mission under the leadership of his descendants, especially Thiru. AR.A.S. Arumugasamy Nadar, who founded Annammal College of Education in 1962 to empower women through quality teacher education.
Over the decades, the SDN Trust has played a pivotal role in the development of educational infrastructure, academic excellence, and value-based learning. The Trust continues to nurture institutions that shape future generations with knowledge, discipline, and social responsibility.
Today, the Trust remains committed to carrying forward the vision of its founders by supporting modern education, holistic development, and inclusive opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
Managing Trustees
Thiru. AR.A. SUBBIAH NADAR (1934 – 1943)
Thiru. AR.A. SUBBIAH NADAR (1934 – 1943) migrated from Sivakasi to Thoothukudi and came up in life through hard work, business integrity, shrewd commercial insight, and above all an abiding faith in the Supreme Guide. Subbiah Dharmanidhi was founded in 1934 by his boundless munificence to cater to the growing needs of education and religious charities.
Thiru. AR.A.S. Arumugasamy Nadar (1943-55 & 1957-68)
Thiru. AR.A.S. Arumugasamy Nadar (1943-55 & 1957-68) the eldest and illustrious son of the founder, established Annammal College of Education in 1962 with the noble ideal of imparting training to the graduates among women of the southern districts to become able and talented teachers. The newly constructed hostel aptly named after him on his centenary year – 1993 will stand as a fine monument to the memory of this great man.
Thiru. AR.A.S. Duraisamy Nadar (1955 – 1957)
Thiru. AR.A.S. Duraisamy Nadar (1955 – 1957) joined the freedom struggle in 1935 and participated in the Quit India Movement. He was a member of the Madras Legislative Assembly, between 1937 and 1938 representing Srivaikundam Constituency. He managed well the educational institutions of the Trust.
Thiru. Duraisamy Shenbagamurthi (1968 – 1986)
Thiru. Duraisamy Shenbagamurthi (1968 – 1986) succeeded his uncle in 1968, and brought glory to the Trust and the college by his devoted work. Constructing the college and hostel buildings in the new site on the Tiruchendur Road had always been a dream to him and it is gratifying for his successor to have made it come true.
Thiru. Duraisamy Ganesan (1986 - 2018)
Thiru. Duraisamy Ganesan (1986 - 2018) completed the construction of the college and hostel buildings for Annammal College of Education for Women in 1993. Construction of second floor in both the new and old hostels of the college, which was partly funded by UGC under X Plan, was completed in 2011. A new hi-tech, air-conditioned, Network Resource Centre (NRC) with 61 computers with broadband internet connection, which is partly funded by UGC was opened in 2011. A Physical Science lab, a Biological Science lab and 15 classrooms both in the first and second floor were added to the existing infrastructure facilities during 2011. A modern restroom with 16 cubicles was constructed. Some of the infrastructural facilities created during his period are rarely found in Colleges of Education and these include:
1. Air conditioned library with mezzanine floor
2. Basket ball court
3. Day Care Centre
4. Air conditioned Speak English Corner
5. Smart boards in two class rooms
6. Sports room
7. 125 KVA power generator
8. Interlock pavement from the college entrance
9. Two wheeler parking shed
Renovation and computerization of the entire system were the landmarks set through his meticulous planning.
Thiru. A. Natesan B.E. (2018 - 2021)
Thiru. A. Natesan B.E. (2018 - 2021) who became the Managing Trustee in 2018 is a person known for his spirituality. The institution moved towards excellence under his able leadership.
Thiru. S. Gauthaman B.E., M.S.(Engg.) (from 2021)
Thiru. S. Gauthaman B.E.,M.S.(Engg.) (from 2021) serves as the Managing Trustee and his clairvoyance coupled with integrity keeps propelling the institution towards greater heights.