A BIRD’S EYE-VIEW OF THE VIDYALAYA

The Vidyalaya had  a humble beginning as a school with a single student in 1930. The foundation stone was laid by Mahatma Gandhi on 7 February 1934, and the institution was affiliated to the Ramakrishna Mission in January 1935.

The selflessness and dedication of the founder, Dr T.S. Avinashilingam, and some devoted teachers promoted this simple school in various ways. Today this major educational complex sprawls over an area of nearly 300 acres, rending servicing in the field of education from pre-school to Post Graduate and Doctorate levels.

As envisaged by Swami Vivekananda, the institutions in this campus strive hard to impart man-making and character-building education to the youth, and try to inculcate in them self-reliance, self-control, selflessness and such allied qualities that go to develop character. The institutions attempt to offer educational programmes at different levels in tune with this vision of Swami Vivekananda. The profile below gives the  activities of the Vidyalaya.

A PROFILE OF INSTITUTIONS OF THE VIDYALAYA

Vidyalaya High School :
This institution is the first to be founded in the Vidyalaya campus in the year 1930. A few physically challenged students are also admitted in the school along with other students under the Integrated Education Programme.This residential school offers education from VI std to X std. Students in this school receive the ancient ‘gurukula’ kind of education.

T.A.T. Kalanilayam Middle School:
The T.A.T. Kalanilayam Middle School was started in the year 1940. Students are admitted at all levels from I std to VIII std. Rural and poor children from the surrounding areas of the Vidyalaya receive education here.

Gandhi Teacher Training Institute (GTTI):
The Gandhi Teacher Training Institute, established in 1942, offers a two-year Diploma Course in Teacher Education emphasizing the role and responsibility of a teacher in society.

College of Education (COE):
This institution, started in 1950, offers B.Ed programme with methodologies in Biological Science, Commerce, Mathematics, History, Physical Science and Special English and M.Ed. Part-time M.Phil and PhD courses are offered. This college also houses the Indira Gandhi National Open University’s study centre which offers B.Ed, M.Ed and M.A Education programmes.

Apart from the formal courses, the college offers application-oriented diploma courses such as Computer Awareness, Educational Applications of Television, Library and Information System, Educational Psychology and Child Education. Besides these, certificate courses in Spoken English and Yoga are also conducted.

Industrial Training Centre (ITC)
This institute was founded in the year 1951 and it is affiliated to the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT), Government of India, New Delhi. The institute is an ISO 9001: 2008 Certified institution. The institute offers trades of two-year duration in Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Draughtsman (Mechanical), Draughtsman (Civil), Wireman, Electrician, Electronic Mechanic, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, and a trade of one-year duration in Welder (Gas and Electric).

Vocational Training Centre (VTC)
As per the orders of the National Council for Vocational Training, Government of India, Department of Employment and Training provided this institution in the tenth five year plan, permission to start a Vocational Training Centre under the Polytechnic from July 2003 as a special drive. The special drive of the Government meant better utilization of workshop equipment and passing on the advantage of polytechnic infrastructure of ITI and CPS students.

Courses Offered in the VTC:

  1. Turner
  2. Machinist
  3. Electrical Mechanic
  4. Mechanic Motor Vehicle
  5. Welder
  6. Electrician
  7. Fitter
  8. Draughtsman Mechanical
  9. Draughtsman Civil

Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development (IARD):
This institution, started in 1956, offers a two year course leading to a Diploma in Agriculture with special agricultural training programmes to enlighten and uplift the rural masses.

Maruthi College of Physical Education (MCPE):
Maruthi College of Physical Education was started in the year 1956 with the aim of providing leadership in physical education and development of a wholesome personality in students of schools and colleges. The college offers a undergraduate course (BPEd), postgraduate courses (MPEd, MPhil) and doctoral course (PhD). The college also conducts certificate courses in Yoga and Fitness.

Swami Shivananda Higher Secondary School (SSHSS):
This school was started in 1960 in the name of Sri Ramakrishna’s direct disciple Swami Shivananda. This school has both English and Tamil mediums. In Higher Secondary level, the school offers the following groups of study.

English Medium :
Group A1       :   Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Group A2      :    Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science
Group A3      :    Commerce, Accountancy, Economics, Computer Science

Tamil Medium:
Group B1       :   Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Group B2      :    Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science
Group B3      :    Commerce, Accountancy, Economics, Computer Science
Group B4      :    Commerce, Accountancy, Economics, Statistics

College of Arts & Science (CAS):
The college was started in 1964 and has completed 53 years of purposeful service to the student community and to the society.
This college (including the Self-financing wing) offers:

  • BA English Literature.
  • BCom.
  • BCom and MCom Co-operation.
  • BCom Computer Applications.
  • BSc and MSc in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Electronics and Computer Science.
  • BSc Computer Science.
  • BSc Information Technology.
  • BCA & MCA.
  • MA Social Work.
  • MPhil courses in Tamil, Co-operation, Social Work, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science.
  • PhD courses in Tamil, Co-operation, Social Work, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science.

Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University (RMVU):
The Vidyalaya runs two faculties of the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, Belur, Dt. Howrah, West Bengal to create teachers for educating the disabled and challenged children.

Faculty of Disability Management and Special Education (FDMSE):
This faculty was started in 2005. The faculty aims to train the future teachers in the art of handling special children.
The faculty offers two-year diploma course in Special Education (Mental Retardation/Hearing Impairment/Visual Impairment).
One-year courses in B.Ed and M.Ed in Special Education (Mental Retardation/Hearing Impairment/Visual Impairment). Doctoral degree (PhD) in Special Education and Rehabilitation are offered here.

Faculty of General & Adapted Physical Education and Yoga (GAPEY):

This faculty was started in 2007. This Faculty aims to train the future teacher to integrate sports and games meant for the special children (disabled and challenged) with the mainstream physical training. It conducts courses at various levels and attempts to emphasize on Yoga and General Health.

General Physical Education:

  • Diploma in Physical Education (D.P.Ed.)
  • Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed.)
  • Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (B.Sc.)
  • Master of Physical Education (M.P.Ed.)
  • Master of Philosophy in Physical Education (M.Phil.)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Education (Ph.D.)
  • Add-on Courses: Certificate course in Kalaripayattu, Fitness, Aerobics and Tennis.

Adapted Physical Education and Yoga:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Inter-disciplinary)
  • Add-on Courses: Diploma in Special Olympics and Paralympics, Certificate Course in Yoga and Adapted Physical Education.

Faculty Centre for Agricultural Education and Research (FAR):
Faculty Centre for Agricultural Education and Research (FAR) was established in the year 2014. It offers a 4 year B.Sc (Agricultural) Degree Course.

Faculty Centre for Computer Science Application and Research (FYCSAR):
Faculty Centre for Computer Science Application and Research (FYCSAR) was established in the year 2014. It offers Integrated M.Sc (CSA) 5 year Programme.

SRMV College of Arts and Science – Community College:
It was started in the year 2015. It offers UGC sponsored certificate course on “Diploma in Construction and Building Technology” in association with Builders Association of India.

CULTURAL LIFE IN THE VIDYALAYA

Kalpataru Day: The day on which Sri Ramakrishna revealed his true identity and blessed his followers is celebrated on the 1st of January every year as the Kalpataru Day.

Gurupuja: The public celebration of Sri Ramakrishna’s birthday is celebrated on the 1st Sunday of every year with devotion and fervour. Thousands of devotees attend this function and receive the blessings of the Gurudev. They listen to devotional songs, watch cultural programmes performed by the students of the Vidyalaya. Students of the Vidyalaya exhibit their scientific talents by presenting their models and inventions in Science. Eminent speakers enlighten the audience and expert singers enthrall them with their devotional fervour.

National Youth Day: As declared by the Government of India, the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, is celebrated in January every year. More than 1500 students including 100 staff members involve in this celebration. A youth rally is conducted with Swamiji’s sayings and pictures as mobile exhibition.

Birthday Celebrations: The birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda are celebrated with special puja, homa, bhajans and arati at the Vidyalaya’s Prayer Hall.

Vidyarthi Homa: The Vidyarthi Homa is the induction of youth into the life of a student. This is performed with a homa, accompanied by mantras and bhajans reflecting the traditional values of the ancient gurukula. The newly admitted students from the institutions of the Vidyalaya participate in the Vidyarthi Homa. Each student receives guidance regarding his conduct in student life.

Saraswati Puja: The Saraswati Puja is solemnly celebrated in all institutions, hostels and other departments of the Vidyalaya. Entire staff and students participate in the puja.

Kalaimagal Vizha: Kalaimagal Vizha, the annual three-day event in commemoration of the Navaratri, is celebrated in the Vidyalaya during the month of October. Eminent speakers and performing artists are invited on the occasion. Students from various institutions of the Vidyalaya give inspiring drama and dance performances.

Graduation Ceremony: The Graduation Ceremonies are conducted for the graduating students from the Post-Matric Institutions and Colleges of the Vidyalaya to administer oath taking and bid farewell with the counsel to function as diligent citizens in their walks of life. Dignitaries from different sectors of society embellish this occasion.

Republic Day and Independence Day Celebrations: The Republic Day and the Independence Day are celebrated every year in a grand scale with march past, flag hoisting and special address where all the institutions participate. A rolling trophy for the best marching contingent is awarded.

Vidyalaya Foundation Day: Vidyalaya Foundation Day is observed every year on 3rd February. As a mark of respect to the founder of the Vidyalaya, Dr. TS Avinashilingam, public meetings are conducted on that day and eminent persons visit the Vidyalaya to address.

Spiritual Retreat: Spiritual retreats are conducted for the devotees every year. Hundreds of devotees from various parts of the nation attend the retreats. Retreats are also conducted for the members of the staff of the Vidyalaya.

Rural Development Work: The Vidyalaya conducts different rural development programmes. Free medical services, house constructions, tuition for weaker students, running of mobile medical services, providing nutritious snacks, rice and milk to poor children, providing blankets as a relief in distress and conducting awareness programmes on education and hygiene.

Alumni: The All Vidyalaya Alumni Association (AVAA) tries to bring the alumni of the Vidyalaya together and motivate each other for rendering useful service to society. Scholarships are awarded to financially poor, but academically brilliant students of the Vidyalaya through the alumni funds.

Special Sports: The Vidyalaya conducts prestigious sports at national levels from time to time. It strives to revive and promote indigenous sports and games to preserve the national heritage.