[1] Gorantla Venkanna Chowdary was born in 1871 in a small village Timmasamudram in Prakasam district in what is now the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.
[1] From an early age Venkanna showed inclination towards Sanskrit language and literature, Ayurveda and Yoga.
[1] Venkanna also donated 268 acres (1.08 km2) of land to a trust meant for the encouragement of Sanskrit teaching and preparation of Ayurveda products.
[1] Venkanna was an ardent follower of Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, the freedom fighter and first Chief Minister of the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Mahatma Gandhi was impressed by the selfless service, generosity and philanthropy of Mr Venkanna and visited Timmasamudram twice.