Fr. George Kannanthanam is a Catholic Priest and Social Worker based in Bangalore. Involved with various social programs for the marginalised groups since 30 years, he founded the HOPE Society in 1988 to help alcoholics. He lived with the leprosy affected persons at the Sumanahalli Centre for 12 years and established SUPPORT centres in Bengaluru and Belgaum for HIV care and rehabilitation. He was involved with disaster management programs for tsunami, earthquake in Nepal and floods in Kerala and now for COVID. Built over 1500 houses for families in distress.
With a Masters in Social Work and Doctorate in Sociology, Fr George has written the book named THE EMPTY NEST, on the rehabilitation model for leprosy. He was conferred National Award from Government of India in 2003, Mother Teresa Award for selfless service in 2012, Best Citizen of Bengaluru Award from Namma Bengaluru Foundation in 2013 and Excellence in Social Work Award in 2019.
Fr George was inspired by his late mother Brigit to start Mother’s Meal movement.