Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore
About the Institution
Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore is a prominent educational and spiritual institution run by the Ramakrishna Mission, a branch of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, West Bengal. Located about 19 kilometers from Coimbatore city on the highway to Ooty, the Vidyalaya is spread across a serene 300-acre campus in Periyanaickenpalayam.
Founded in 1930 by Dr. T.S. Avinashilingam, a visionary freedom fighter and educationist, the institution began with an investment of ₹5.75 and a single student—a Harijan boy. What started as a humble effort has today blossomed into a comprehensive educational and spiritual center with over 20 institutions, serving more than 7000 students.
Founder's Vision and Spiritual Inspiration
Dr. Avinashilingam’s inspiration came from his encounter with Swami Shivananda, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Swami Shivananda passed on Swami Vivekananda’s vision of education as a tool for national and spiritual revival. This spiritual influence became the driving force behind the Vidyalaya’s mission.
In 1934, Mahatma Gandhi laid the foundation stone of the Vidyalaya. He expressed his hope that students here would grow to be "intensely patriotic followers of Truth." That same year, the institution was officially affiliated with the Ramakrishna Mission.
Core Philosophy and Educational Ethos
The Vidyalaya aims to imbue students with the teachings and ideals of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. Education here is holistic—combining intellectual development with moral and spiritual values.
Key principles include:
Man-making education
Self-reliance and self-discipline
Patriotism and service to society
Dedication to duty and moral values
A dedicated band of monks and brahmacharis manage the campus, working alongside professional teaching and administrative staff.
Institutional Network
Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya has developed into a full-fledged educational complex, offering education from pre-school to doctoral levels. Its institutions include:
Schools and Teacher Education
Vidyalaya High School (1930)
T.A.T. Kalanilayam Middle School (1940)Gandhi Teacher Training Institute (1942)
Swami Shivananda Higher Secondary School (1960)
Swami Shivananda Hr. Sec. School (English Medium) (1989)
Higher Education and Technical Institutes
College of Education (1950)
Polytechnic College (1956)Industrial Training Institute (1951)
Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development (1956)
Maruthi College of Physical Education (1956)
College of Arts and Science (Autonomous) (1964)
RKMVERI Off-Campus Faculties
Faculty of Disability Management and Special Education (FDMSE)
Faculty of General & Adapted Physical Education and Yoga (GAPEY)Faculty of Agriculture, Rural & Tribal Development (ARTD)
Department of Computer Science (Deemed University Campus)
Support Services
Hostels
There are 12 student hostels housing over 2000 students. The daily schedule includes prayers, study circles, and community service, encouraging students to internalize values of discipline, cooperation, and selflessness.
Printing Press
A computerized printing press meets the in-house printing needs of the Vidyalaya—from prospectuses to magazines and reports.
Notebook Production Unit
Since 1992, this unit has employed economically disadvantaged and physically challenged individuals, producing notebooks for campus use and limited external orders.
Charitable Dispensary
Serving over 7000 students, 800 staff, and local villagers, the dispensary offers free general and specialist medical services, and regularly hosts free medical camps.
Cultural and Spiritual Activities
The Guru Puja, the birthday celebration of Sri Ramakrishna, is the Vidyalaya’s most significant annual event. The festivities include:
Bhajans and cultural performances
Educational exhibitionsMaheswara Puja (mass feeding of over 35,000 people)
Other events include:
Festival's: 3,000+ students perform physical and yogic drills.
Unified Play Day: Inclusive event for special and regular children.Kalaimagal Vizha: A 3-day cultural festival.
National Youth Day, Foundation Day, and national holidays.
Innovative Outreach: Ramayana Theme Park
To combine recreation with cultural values, the Vidyalaya has developed the Ramayana Theme Park, an engaging space filled with:
Sculptures of 21 major Ramayana characters
Interactive displays teaching ethical and moral lessonsPlans to include Mahabharata, and Sri Ramakrishna’s life and teachings
This unique park offers children a vibrant way to learn Indian mythology and values while enjoying physical activity and creative exploration.
Rural Development Programs
Under the Vidyalaya Integrated Rural Development Scheme, active since 2002, the Vidyalaya supports underprivileged communities in areas like:
Bharathi Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, and Pudupudhur
Activities include:
Free schooling, transport, and meals for rural childrenBalwadi (pre-primary) classes
Women’s vocational training and self-help groups
NSS-led sanitation, hygiene awareness, and tree plantation drives
Free clothing, festival celebrations, and cultural events
Distribution of saplings, poultry, and cattle for agricultural aid.
Leadership
Swami Garishthananda
Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore
Contact Details:
Address:
Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya,
SRKV (Post), Periyanaickenpalayam,
Coimbatore – 641 020, Tamil Nadu
Phone: (0422) 269 2676, 99449 41427
Fax: (0422) 269 2582
Email: coimbatore.mission@rkmm.org
Website: srkv.org
Conclusion
Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore, stands as a model institution blending education, spirituality, service, and culture. Guided by Swami Vivekananda’s ideals, it continues to produce citizens who are not only intellectually strong but also deeply rooted in Indian values and ethics. In a rapidly changing world, it remains a beacon of timeless education and service.
