School celebrates centenary year – The Hindu

SMRV (Sri Moolam Rama Varma) Higher Secondary School at Vadasery is celebrating its centenary year from November 1 to 3.

The school was founded in 1919 by A. Nayanar, the first chairperson of the Nagercoil municipality and a government advocate in Travancore kingdom. It began its journey with 28 students and three teachers comprsing a headmaster, an assistant teacher and a physical education teacher. Today, the institution has 600 students, 50 teachers and other staff.

The government-aided school is jointly managed by the Tamil Nadu government and Valliyoor Saaliyar community trust. Spanning across five acres, it has expanded its educational network to include two sister institutions including SMRV primary school and SMRV Matriculation School.

Reflecting onthe school’s legacy, V. Subramanian, former presiding officer of Debts Recovery Tribunal, Ministry of Finance and Secretary of the school’s board, said while the school was founded by members of a particular community, its reach had extended far beyond those origins. “The school has positively impacted students from all walks of life.”

Mr. Subramanian also recalled the vision of the founder, who believed in holistic and inclusive education. “After his wife’s death, Mr. Nayanar left his position in the Travancore government. During that period, King Sri Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma advised him to establish a school that would provide education to the children of this region. The noble idea was the beginning of SMRV,” he said.

Highlighting the institution’s present focus, V. Nagammal, headmistress, said the school strove to offer a well -rounded education, balancing academics with extracurricular excellence. “In time with modern educational needs, we emphasise sports, cultural activities and intellectual competitions. Our students have won laurels to the schools by winning State-level sports and quiz competition.”