Dr. T. Satyamurthy, the founder president of REACH FOUNDATION (Rural Education and Conservation of Heritage Foundation) had his education at Chidambaram and obtained his masters and doctoral degrees in Sanskrit from Annamalai University besides obtaining a PG Diploma in Archaeology from the Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India. He served in the Archaeological Survey of India for 36 years in various capacities all over India till his retirement in 2006. During this span, he has published over 50 research articles in reputed journals and written five books on archaeology, art and numismatics.
His achievements in the field include:
- Researching the Indian monuments, particularly those in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Orissa and Gujarat and conducted many excavations including the recent discovery of the ancient Murugan temple at Mamallapuram and the famous Adichanallur excavation confirming the Earliest settlement of mankind at par with the Harappan sites, first time in South India, done after Alexander Rhea in 1908.
- Preparation of conserving plan for hundreds of monuments and execution of the same.
- Preparation of management plan for the administration of World Heritage monuments like the Sun temple at Konark (3 years), Group of monuments at Mahabalipuram, the Great Living Chola temples at Tanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram (6 years each)
- Taking successful efforts to include the Brihadisvara temple, Gangaikondacholapuram and Airavatesvara temple, Darasuram as the World Heritage Monuments.
- He founded REACH Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the cause of preservation of heritage and educating the rural population about their heritage and serving as Consultant for HUDCO’s heritage projects. Restoration of Uttaramerur Kailasanathar temple, renovation of 100 pillared hall of Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal Temple and excavation and restoration of the ‘all brick made’ wonder of Veetrirunda Perumal Temple at Vepathur stands as testimony for his meticulous planning and execution as activities of REACH.