Founded in 1964 by Mrs. K. Varalakshmi Rao, SSMI is a secular, independent, non-profit society registered under the Societies Act 1860 (Regd. No S 2499/1964). SSMI is not affiliated to any national or international organization. Registered as the Swami Sivananda Institute of Fine Arts and Crafts, SSMI is managed by a Trust Board and an Executive Committee.