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Welcome to Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangha

The Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangha (H.V. Sangha) was founded in Surathkal, a suburb of Mangalore, in the year 1916.

It was the year Banaras Hindu University, formerly known as Central Hindu College, was established in 1916 by Madan Mohan Malaviya. The present-day Surathkal was only a small village at that time. There were no adequate educational facilities in this or nearby villages. It was a time when, here and there, some Board Schools and private educational institutions, which could be counted on figures, were working in their limited radius. Then, Christian institutions were at the forefront of running the educational field and they played an important role in this area.

In this background, around 1915, due to the conscious efforts of several like-minded people, the educational reforms and their spread gained focus. In 1916, the leading people of the village held a meeting in Iddya Mahalingeshwara temple and decided to form “Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangha” for the development of Education. This requirement was a great influencer for the establishment of “Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangha” on 30.11.1916 (NalasanvatsaraMargashirashuddasasti). As the journey of a thousand miles starts from a single step, with the establishment of Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangha and its educational institutions, it was a historic landmark in the development of this area and the people around.

As a result of people understanding the importance of education, the student strength increased very fast to 216. As the student strength increased, the “Dharma Shale” building from where the school was running was found inadequate. Shortage of space became the main problem of school administration. Efforts were made in vain with the Government for a place for a school building on the land lying east of the highway. The school management was constrained to fall back on the local public. Sangha got a school building (present Iddya Vidyadayinee Higher Primary School) built on the land donated by the late Uppaje Srinivasaiah. Earlier, knitting was taught in this place as such the school was known as “Magga Shale” (“Magga” means Looms). By April 1919, new school buildings started functioning. Since the funds were spent on building and fittings, etc, “Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangha” had to face a severe financial crunch. Adding to this, student fees were also reduced like Board schools to One Aane (present 6 paise), leading to an increase in student strength and scarcity of space.

Again, financially starved, the sangha had to overcome the financial crunch. The Vidyadayinee team was active in mobilizing funds and land to ensure shelter for the increasing student strength. It was decided to construct a spacious building on the land already acquired, as mentioned earlier, and also on land bought by the Sangha. The Sangha is grateful to Late PK Shrinivas Rao and Smt. Mahalaxmamma, Mammyur. (Guruvayur, Kerala) for donating the land to Sangha. The transformation of this deserted and uneven land with thorny shrubs to the present requirement was a story of great sweat and toil. The foundation stone for the present main building of Vidyadayinee High School, facing the western sea, was laid in 1919. During the construction period, Sangha faced many problems, including financial issues. Once the wall, which had come up, collapsed due to heavy rains and storms. Despite these problems, Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangha remained undeterred and accomplished the completion of the spacious building in 1922. The building inauguration took place on 23.5.1922.

Facing courageously the continuous financial constraints during the initial period, Sangha constructed two wells in the school premises. Constructed a student hostel for students from far-off places, and also a house for the school peon. With the continuous effort of Sri H. Damaodara Rao Sangha could get land from the Government and donors. Coconut and Mango trees were planted around the maidan and this has enhanced the beauty of the whole area.

One of the salient features of “Vidyadayinee” was that Skill Training arrangements useful for Life were imparted along with usual studies to students. To teach threading and weaving, necessary threading wheels and Looms were provided and trained teachers were appointed. By 1923, Iddya Vidyadayinee school, with its beautiful Hall “Vidya Para Devata”, vast playground, attractive green yards, and praiseworthy teaching methods, earned a respectable name in the Dakshina Kannada district among higher elementary schools.

One of the salient features of “Vidyadayinee” was that Skill Training arrangements useful for Life were imparted along with usual studies to students. To teach threading and weaving, necessary threading wheels and Looms were provided and trained teachers were appointed. By 1923, Iddya Vidyadayinee school, with its beautiful Hall “Vidya Para Devata”, vast playground, attractive green yards, and praiseworthy teaching methods, earned a respectable name in the Dakshina Kannada district among higher elementary schools.

The management of the school, “Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangha,” strengthened its existence and became a Registered Society in the year 1923 under the Registration of Societies Act XX1 of 1860

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Sri Hosabettu Uppaje Venkatramanayya

In 1915, a few teachers, annoyed and embarrassed by the rules and regulations of their institutions, decided to leave and began working towards establishing a new school in Surathkal. The first person to take the initiative was Sri Hosabettu Uppaje Venkatramanayya (a teacher and Jyothishi). He reached out to well-to-do members of the Brahmin community and formed a group to raise funds for the school.

Sri H. Damodara Rao

Another great personality to be remembered is Sri H. Damodara Rao, for his remarkable contribution in acquiring land from the British Government and donors for the institution. He was also recognized and honoured by the Mysore Odeyars for his performances in drama. He served as the Headmaster of Vidyadayinee Primary School from 1923 to 1957.

Sri M. Vasudeva Rao

A former student and teacher of Vidyadayinee Primary School, Sri M. Vasudeva Rao was the author of many textbooks and a contributor to the Kannada Vishwakosha. He became the first Headmaster of Vidyadayinee High School in 1944 and brought immense glory to the institution. He was honoured with the Rashtra Prashasti by the Government of India in 1967 for his excellence as a teacher. Even today, his students visit the school to seek blessings near the headmaster’s room.

Prof. H. Gopalakrishna Rao

A former student and clerk at Vidyadayinee High School, Prof. H. Gopalakrishna Rao became the Principal of Govinda Dasa College in 1970. Under his leadership, Govinda Dasa College received the Best College Award from the University of Mysore. He trained, guided, and shaped the lives of many students, many of whom now hold top positions in various institutions. He was a true LION in spirit—kind, humble, and deeply respected by the public.

Management – Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangha (R.) (Founded: 30-11-1916)

[Abbreviated as H.V. Sangha] The Executive Body of the Sangha works tirelessly to provide quality education to the public. The elected body guides the core committee in day-to-day functioning. The Sangha has a well-equipped office at Vidyadayinee Complex, Surathkal. While the Governing body works behind the scenes, the credit for the achievements of each institution goes to the Heads of Institutions, Teachers, and Students. The first President, Sri Iddya Krishnayya, an advocate, and his family made significant contributions to promoting education in the Surathkal area. Their legacy continues through their successors and subsequent Presidents and members of the Sangha.

The first president was Late IdyaKrishnaiah. Late IdyaVasudevaiah (Late IdyaKrishnaiah’s son) served as Manager of all Sanga activities. Late P Shyamarao worked as Vice President, from the beginning of the sangah till his death Late H Rama rao served as the secretary, shriPanamburshrinivasraocontinuously served the sanga as treasurer in its educational activities till his last breath;all these people were the pillars of support. It is memorable that during the initial stage of Vidyadayinee school people like Late Uppaje H Venkataramanaiah, Late M Venkataramanaiah, Shri Idya Narayana Rao, Late Atikari Krishna Rao, IdyaMahabalaiah served as teachers.

Since the beginning of Vidyadayinee school in 1916, Shri H Damodara Rao, E Narayana Rao and I Babu served for a long time and Retired During the Ist year of Hindu Vidyadayinee school (1916-17) student strength was 64 and there were 5 classes Hindu Vidyadayinee school functioned for about one month from the tower building of IdyaMahalingeshwara Temple. Thereafter shifted to “Dharma Shala Building” which is non-existent now; towards east of the Temple building and towards west of present Highway. Gradually the student strength has increased to 189. Need was felt that founders had to augment funds as the administration and development of school progressed. Several people from Suratkal, Idya, Hosabettu, Kulai, Baikampadi, Panambur, Tannirbavi villages have promised to fund and some funds were also collected. At this point of time it is apt to mention the gentlemen who supported:

  • Late Iddya vakhil Krishnaiya 1916-1942
  • Late Iddya Venket Rao L.M and S kinya Dakshina Kannada 42 54
  • Late K R Achar M.A L.L.B Ex MP Mangalore 1954-1965
  • Late B V Krishnaiya B.A B.L Adv. Mangalore 1965-1985
  • Late P Janardhan Rao B.A B.L Adv. Mangalore 1982-1988
  • Late vesudev rao M.A L.T Kulai 1988-1990
  • Late P V Aithal B.A L.L.B Adv. Kulai90-97
  • Late Ramamurthi B.A B.L Adv. Karkala 1997-2006
  • Sri M S Krishna Bhatt B com B.l.F.C.A Suratkal 2006-2011
  • Sri P Ranjan Rao M.A L.L.B Mangalore 2011-2017
  • Sri Iddya Janardhan Rao M.E Karkala 2017-2022
  • Shri Jayachandra Hatwar H 2022
  • Hindu Vidyadayinee Shaale (30-11-1916)

    (Renamed as Iddya Vidyadayinee Shaale in 1919) The first school, Hindu Vidyadayinee Shaale, was established in 1916 in Mahalingeshwar Temple with an initial strength of 64 students. Initially, classes were conducted in the Gopuram of Iddya Mahalingeshwara Temple. Sri Iddya Naraya Rao (affectionately known as Ajja Master) was the first Headmaster of this school. He was popularly known as “Gandhi Ajja” and his dress and personality were like Rastra Pitha Gandhiji.

    Sri Bharathi Shaale (1925)

    In 1925, Vidyadayinee Sangha established another school at Guddekopla (Iddya Village), named Sri Bharathi Shaale, as a branch of Iddya Vidyadayinee Shaale. It served the surrounding community by spreading education until 1933.

    Sri Venkatramana Moola Paata Shaale (1937)

    Originally founded in 1910 by Sri Mairpady Venkatramanayya, a teacher and artist, this school operated near Kavinakallu Matt in a small hut. It was merged with Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangha in 1937. In 1964, it was upgraded to a Higher Primary School named Sri Venkatramana Higher Primary School, with a dedicated building, playground, and Ranga Mandira spread over 2.4 acres in Kulai.

    Vidyadayinee High School (1944)

    At that time, there were no high schools between Mangalore and Mulki, depriving many children from continuing their education. In response to public demand and the dedication of teachers, Vidyadayinee High School was established in 1944. Sri Sri Vidyarathna Thirtha Swamiji of Krishnapura Mutt, Surathkal, blessed the institution and named it Vidya Para Devatha, envisioning it as a macrocosm of learning. The school started with Forms I to III (8th to 10th Standard) with an initial enrolment of 180 students. Sri Kuthethur Seetharama Rao, a generous philanthropist, contributed significantly to the construction of the Ramakrishna Mandira and new classrooms. In 1965, the school was upgraded to a Higher Secondary School, introducing Arts, Commerce, and Science streams as part of the Pre-University Course. Thousands of students from the surrounding villages have graduated from the school and found employment worldwide. In 1944, Sri M. Vasudeva Rao, M.A., L.T., a former student and teacher of Vidyadayinee School, became its first Headmaster. He was honored with the Rashtraprasasthi Award for Best Teacher in 1967 and brought great prestige to the institution.

    Govinda Dasa College (1967) – NAAC A+

    The long-cherished dream of establishing a higher education institution became a reality in 1967 with the founding of Govinda Dasa College, thanks to the generous donation from Sri Kuthethur Seetharama Rao of Madras, son of Bhakta Govinda Dasa, Kuthethur. Initially named Vidyadayinee College, it was later renamed Vidyadayinee Govinda Dasa College, and eventually became Govinda Dasa College. The college initially offered B.A. and B.Com. courses. In 1970, PU courses were transferred from the high school to the college, and in 1974, the B.Sc. course was started. Postgraduate programs were introduced with M.Com. in 2013 and M.Sc. in Chemistry in 2018. The college has consistently achieved 100% results in M.Com and produced university rank holders in both UG and PG programs.

    Vidyadayinee English Medium School (CBSE Affiliated)

    Established in 1991, the school initially followed the state syllabus with classes from LKG up to Class 10. Over time, growing demand from parents prompted the management to introduce the CBSE curriculum. Accordingly, in 2015, the CBSE syllabus was launched in Grades I through VIII, and the school obtained CBSE affiliation. In subsequent years, the CBSE program was gradually extended up to Grade X.

    Govinda Dasa PU College (2006)

    Although PU courses were initially integrated with Govinda Dasa College, a government order in 2002 mandated their separation, leading to the formation of Govinda Dasa PU College. By 2008, the college had its new building along with updated infrastructure, including a library, laboratories, and a qualified teaching staff. The college continues to get top ranks and academic excellence across all streams.

    Vidyadayinee Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development (VIRAT) – 2009

    To promote awareness of rural life and self-sufficiency, VIRAT was established in 2009. Students are trained in practical skills such as tailoring, gardening, home product preparation, seasonal vegetable and fruit cultivation, weaving, and embroidery. In 2011, Sangha had its independent building for VIRAT.

    Vidyadayinee Sports Academy (2023)

    From its inception, Vidyadayinee School emphasized physical education along with the curriculum. Local gymnastic traditions like Thaalimu were taught, and over the years, students have excelled in Athletics, Kabaddi, Cricket, Volleyball, and Kho-Kho. To further promote sports and fitness, the Vidyadayinee Sports Academy was established in 2023.

    Hindu Vidyadayinee Testing Division-Soil & Water (2024)

    To enhance hygiene awareness and environmental responsibility, the Soil and Water Testing Division was launched in 2024. Students are trained in laboratory testing techniques, and the division also offers valuable services to the local community.

    Vidyadayinee Old Students’ Association (1936)

    Founded in 1936, this association reflects the affection, gratitude, and reverence of alumni toward their alma mater. It continues to serve as a pillar of support for all institutional activities and initiatives.

    Govinda Dasa College Alumni Association (2022)

    In compliance with UGC and NAAC recommendations, the Govinda Dasa College Alumni Association was formally established in 2022. Since then, it has played a significant role in extending support to the college and the management through various initiatives and services.

    • Hindi Vidyadayinee Sangha as Idya Vidyadayinee school, it run “Shri Bharati School, a primary school since 1925 to 1933 at Guddekoppal in Idya Village
    • Aided Iddya Vidyadayinee Higher Primary School
    • Hindu Vidyadayinee School, now renamed Iddya Vidyadayinee Higher Primary School, was established in 1916 alongside Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangh. During the first month of its inception, the school conducted its activities at the precincts of Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple with only 64 students and 5 classes. In 1918, the school was registered for 5 classes, and classes were gradually added each successive year. In 1919, it was renamed as Iddya Vidyadayinee Higher Primary School. Meanwhile, students’ strength increased to 200 plus, and the seed Sowers of the sangha toiled hard to find space, and finally, the school was shifted to a newly constructed hall. The school has crossed the milestone of 100 years in 2016.

    • Aided Vidyadayinee High School
    • Aided Vidyadayinee High School was established to develop the educational development of the surrounding Children. This High school was started in April 1944 with the Motto “Vidya Para Devatha” and the blessings of Late Sri. Sri. Vidyaratnathirtha Sripada Mathadheesha of Krishnapura Matha. In the beginning, as per the rules of the Madras Government, the classes were started from Ist Form to the 3rd Form with 180 students and 8 faculty. Thereafter, in the year 1960, the 8th standard was started, followed by the 8th standard in English medium in the year 1963. At present, the school has classes from 8th Standard to 10th Standard, both in English medium and Kannada medium, with 150 plus enrolment and around 300 students respectively. It has well-equipped facilities for learning with efficient and well-qualified teachers.

    • Shri Venkataramana Higher Primary School
    • Kulai school was initially started with only 20 students solely by Shri Mairpady Venkatramana with owned school building and equipment. In the year 1937, it came under the administration of the sangha. In 1964, it was recognised as Shri Venkatramana Higher Primary School, Mairpady Kulai. The student's strength has been gradually increasing, and at one point in time, there were 750 students enrolment. School is backed by a strong Vidyadayinee old student association and various other voluntary associations.Presently the school is running with 350 plus students.

    • Vidyadayinee English Medium School (CBSE Affiliated)
    • The school was established in 1991 with classes from LKG to class 10 under the state syllabus. As years passed, the demand by the parent population to start the CBSE syllabus motivated the management to introduce the CBSE Syllabus. Hence, in the year 2015 CBSE syllabus was introduced in grades 1 to VIII and got its affiliation. Later in the following years, the CBSE syllabus was extended to grade 10. Presently school is running with full swing, with all the facilities for learning, with 900 plus students.

    • Govinda Dasa PU College
    • Govinda Dasa Pre-University College took its birth in the year 2001 with the decision of the Government of Karnataka to bifurcate Pre-University from the degree colleges. Until then, the pre-degree courses in Arts and Commerce, along with degree courses, were run under the single umbrella of Govinda Dasa College. Later in the year 1972, Govinda Dasa College added a science stream to its curriculum. Presently, after bifurcation, the Govinda Dasa Pre-university College is an independent unit managed by the Sangha. The college inherited the supreme qualities of its mother college, Govinda Dasa College. Presently, there are around 900 plus students studying in various streams with around 24 well- qualified lecturers, and it has grown to its heights in every aspect of learning and education.

    • Govinda Dasa College (with PG Center)
    • Govinda Dasa College, founded in the year 1967 and affiliated to Mangalore University, offers Bachelors Degree courses in Arts, Commerce, Science, Business Management and Computer Application for both girls and boys. The college had undergone 3rd cycle of Reaccreditation by NAAC in 2016, in which there was a quantum jump in CGPA points and was accredited at B++ Grade. Initially, the college started with 147 students and 5 teachers. At present, the college has a teaching and non-teaching staff of 60 and 700 students. In the year 2012, the Centre for Post-graduation was started, offering Master's degrees in Commerce and Chemistry. The academic excellence and extracurricular performances of the students have enlarged and enriched the educational map of Govinda Dasa College.

    • Vidyadayinee Rural and Agricultural Training Institute(VIRAT)
    • Vidyadayinee Institute of Rural Development Agricultural Training is promoted by HVS and is registered as a separate Trust. Its functioning is governed by the VIRAT Trust Deed. It is accountable to the General Body of HVS. VIRAT shall be managed by a Governing Council (GC) consisting of 9 members, including the President and Secretary of H.V. Sangha as Ex-officio members, and seven members nominated by the Governing Body of H.V. Sangha. VIRAT offers Various skill development and job-oriented courses.

    • Vidyadayinee Sports Academy commenced its operation in the year 2023. This academy was formed to tap the hidden talents in sports amongst students and to help maximize their sports performances and accomplish their competitive goals, and to motivate the students to be involved in sports activities to enhance physical and mental health. It conducts coaching sessions in various sports and develops the infrastructure in sports in the schools managed by the Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangha.

    • Commencement of English Pre-Primary Classes
    • Construction of First Floor at Sri Venkataramana Higher Primary
    • Construction of First Floor at Iddya Vidyadayinee Higher Primary School
    • Introduction of Rainwater Harvesting and Solar System
    • Vidyadayinee Sports Academy
    • Hindu Vidyadayinee Testing Division-Soil & Water