Who are we?

ACTS was started in a small home in Koramangala, Bangalore, in 1979 by the late Dr Ken Gnanakan (1940-2021), a musician, artist, theologian, philosopher, author, teacher, educationist, and environmentalist. After completing his Ph.D in London, Dr Gnanakan returned to India to start ACTS Institute, a unique programme that took adult students through both theological and vocational training. Over the years, the work of ACTS has grown across India and is now located in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, with over 1000 people working under the umbrella of ACTS.

Formerly known as ACTS Ministries, education lies at the heart of ACTS Group of Institutions. The work also includes community development programmes, as well as floriculture, agriculture, and guitar-building social enterprises.

ACTS was started in a small home in Koramangala, Bangalore, in 1979 by Dr Ken Gnanakan (1940-2021). Over the years, the work has grown across India and is now located in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

ACTS is an acronym for Agriculture, Crafts, Trade and Studies. And our vision is stronger than ever even after three decades.

Dr. ken gnanakan acts group founder

Everyday at the Champions School is like a blessing with the active students and talented staff members around.

Dr. Ken Gnanakan – Founder, ACTS Group of Institutions
Our Vision

A community of people learning to live.

Our mission

Fulfilling our vision through integrated holistic education and environmental health action and preparing a people who will build a sustainable society.

Our values

Compassion. Commitment. Competence.

1977

ACTS Vision is Born

Dr. Ken Gnanakan receives the vision that would lay the foundation for ACTS.

1977
1978

Returning with Purpose

Dr. Ken and his family return to India, committed to turning the vision into reality.

1978
1979

A Humble Beginning

Registered as International Needs India, the ACTS Institute officially starts in Bangalore.

1979
1984

Expanding the Mission

Kachhwa Christian School and ACTS Allahabad are established to broaden the impact.

1984
1987

A New Identity

International Needs India is renamed ACTS Ministries, reflecting a renewed focus.

1987
1997

Education for the Future

ACTS School (formerly ACTS Secondary School) is established, strengthening the group’s commitment to quality education.

1997
2009

Growing Stronger Together

ACTS Ministries becomes the ACTS Group of Institutions, uniting all initiatives under one banner.

2009
2021

Sowing into the Future

ACTS Farms begins operations, furthering the mission through sustainable development.

2021

THE ACTS TIMELINE

Our Leadership

The ACTS movement is guided by committed leaders, educators, and practitioners who bring together experience, faith, and a heart for service.

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Santosh Gnanakan

President & Chief Executive Officer


A dynamic leader with a heart for youth, Santosh oversees the strategic growth and development of the ACTS movement across India.

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Aruldass Gnanamuthu

Chief Financial Officer


A visionary leader, serving as CFO of ACTS Group . With decades of experience in finance and institutional development, he also actively supports community upliftment.

Our Work

Want to be a part of the ACTS story?

Join us in empowering the next generation through education and compassion.

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