Widowhood came as a storm into the life of Gnanamma at  the age of 37, after 20 years of contented married life with her beloved husband. Gnanamma apparently came in touch with Dom John Fennelly, the then Archbishop of Madras who had visited Phirangipuram, a parish which was then under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Madras. It was perhaps under his inspiration that the young widow decided to go to visit Kilacheri, where her sons were at the Seminary.

But God had his own ways with her visit to this remote village, 60 kms away from Madras. At that time education was an unimaginable dream for girls. The primary school run by the Franciscan Brothers (Monks) admitted only boys. Gnanamma who taught Catechism for both boys and girls realized the gender disparity and was deeply pained to see the denial of education for girls. She was bent on rectifying the situation. She rushed to Phirangipuram, her native place, in 1862, and sold off all her properties there to meet the expenses of starting a school at Kilacheri for girls. On 3rd May 1863, a girls’ school at Kilacheri became a reality

The great and generous service of Gnanamma for girls spread far and wide like the Good News. Many were attracted and drawn to her apostolate. Two young women Arulamma and Agathamma were so inspired by Gnanamma that they joined her in her work with full commitment. In 1871, they requested Gnanamma that they be allowed to join her in continuing the great work started by her. Gnanamma was overjoyed at their request and she happily conceded to it. This was the seed that was sown for the two future religious congregations for women initiated by Gnanamma.

Gnanamma was convinced, as well as anxious to ensure that her work should continue even after her death. Hence the request of Arulamma and Agathamma came as a leading light to her heart and she took it as a sign sent by God. She discussed the question of their joining the Novitiate with Fr.Arokianathar the former Parish Priest of Kilacheri and trained them under the Sisters of the Congregation of Good Shepherd at St. Anne’s Novitiate, Bellary.

They both decided to dedicate themselves fully to the work started by Gnanamma. In 1871, they requested Gnanamma to let them help her in her great work and expressed their desire to do so as nuns. Gnanamma who was anxious to ensure that her work should continue, accepted their request.

At that time, Fr.Arokianathar, who was Gnanamma’s great support, was transferred from Kilacheri to Bellary as parish priest. He invited Gnanamma to send the two young women to be formed at St.Anne’s Novitiate of Good Shepherd Congregation in Bellary. After their initial formation, Arulamma and Agathamma became Sr.Angela and Sr.Philomena respectively on 04.10.1874.

Smt Gnanamma often considered committing her entire life to the mission of creating awareness among the village girls and educating them. It was her long held belief that a solid education would make them financially independent and aware of their rights and thus help them live their life on their own terms. The fledgling institution set up by Gnanamma with a few girl children has now grown into a huge society with schools and colleges across many locations. Thus, her exemplary life as an instrument of service for educating the girl child has benefited thousands of girls over the years.