History of Students Home

 

The Home was started on 17th Feb 1905 by Srimat Swami Ramakrishnanandaji Maharaj, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, with the able assistance of Sri C.Ramaswamy Iyengar (Ramu) and Sri C.Ramanujachariar (Ramanuju). To start with there were 5 boys. Two more were added on the inaugural day itself. With the unstinted efforts of the organizers and with the enthusiastic co-operation of the public, it grew from strength to strength.

In keeping with the support it received, the strength of inmates was also steadily increasing. As a result, the need for bigger accommodation was met in rented buildings from time to time.

In 1915, a generous donation of valuable land, measuring 15 grounds, was received from a philanthropic gentleman,            Sri S.G.Srinivasachariar, then District and Sessions Judge. Some more adjoining lands were acquired by the Home.

On 10th May 1917, Bhoomi Puja, the groundbreaking ceremony, was conducted by Srimat Swami Brahmanandaji Maharaj, ‘the spiritual son’ and a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and the then President of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. He himself inaugurated the new building, verily a Palace for the Poor, on 10th May 1921, the “Akshaya Trithiya” day.

 


Residential High School – Side View
 

Since the healthy atmosphere for the orphan/destitute students might not be possible in the regular schools while competing with the elite students, the Home revived the ancient concept of Gurukulavas where the teachers, monks and students live in close proximity. For a healthy development of the wards entrusted to their care, the Authorities decided to adopt the ancient Gurukula system of education where the teachers and the taught live in close proximity. A healthy atmosphere to live, nutritious food, modern education and religious teaching formed the basis for an all round development of the boys.

Towards this end in 1922 Srimat Swami Shivanandaji Maharaj, also a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and the then President of Ramakrihna Math and Mission, inaugurated a separate building to house the Residential High School (1st to the 6th form). As this Building was mostly financed by Nattukottai Nagarathar Community it was named after them. And the same building was in the year 1947 handed over to house the RKM Vivekananda College.

  
 

Nattukottai Nagarathar Building
 
 
In 1925 a Technical Institute (then Industrial School) was started to impart Technical skills to the boys to enable them to engage in useful employment. In 1930 a full fledged work shop was added to the Technical Institute, as part of the Homes’ Silver Jubilee Celebrations. Automobile Engineering was chosen for the diploma course (called LAE). The course was later changed to DME based on Government advice.
  

 
 
 
Workshop - Technical Institute
Workshop - Technical Institute
 
 


In 1936 the Centenary of Sri Ramakrishna’s birthday was celebrated and in that connection a Primary school was established in 1937 in a piece of land opposite to the Home, where quarters for staff are located.

  

 
 
 
Primary School - Building
Primary School - Class Room
  
 

All through the years, barring the period of World War II, the Home has been registering a steady growth both in amenities and in strength.