Sri Dr. S. Varadagopalakrishnan, Mimamsa Siromani, B.Ed., Ph.D., M.A (Sanskrit)
At the outset, I invoke the benign blessings of Sri Malolan and H.H. Srimad Azhagiyasingar as Principalof this great Mahavidyalaya that has completed glorious 78 years.
This Mahavidyalaya was founded by the peerless preceptor, the great visionary, H.H. the 42nd Jeeyar, Injimedu Srimad Azhagiyasingar of Sri Ahobila Math, Sri Lakshminrusimha Divya Paduka Sevaka Srivan Sathakopa Sri Sriranga Sathakopa Yatheendra Mahadesikan, in 1942 at Madurantakam. Initially the Institution was functioning at Sri Ahobila Math premises in Car Street and later in the same year shifted to its own building in Sannadhi street, next to Sri Janakavalli nayika sametha Sri Erikatha Kothandarama Swamy temple. Illustrious great Vidvan Thirukkoshtiyur Ubha. Ve. Sri Sowmyanarayanachariar Svamy was the first Principal of this Mahavidyalaya. Sri Devanarvilagam Sri Ubha. Ve. Lakshminrusimhachariar Svamy who later adorned the Sri Ahobila Math throne as the 43rd Jeeyar, was the second Principal. Some of the alumni of the Mahavidyalaya turned out to be reputed vidvans, made a mark of themselves in their chosen fields and some of them were recepients of President Gold Medal. Notably, H.H. the 45th Jeeyar of Sri Ahibila Math, Sri Lakshminrusimha Divya Paduka Sevaka Srivan Sathakopa Sri Narayana Yatheendra Mahadesikan and Sri Rangam Srimad Andavan Ashramam, head, Srimushnam Andavan, Sri Rangaramanuja Maha Desikan were Alumni of this great Institution.
The Mahavidyalaya is affiliated to the Madras University, in the department of Oriental Studies. Prak-Siromani 1&2 (+1&2), Madhyama Siromani(B.A.) and Siromani (M.A.) degrees in the branches of Nyaya, Vyakarana and Visishtadvaita Vedanta are the courses offered by our Mahavidyalaya, under Semester pattern. In addition, Tamil, English languages and Computer Soft Skills, are being taught in our Mahavidyalaya as per University Syllabus. The students study strictly in the gurukula style as envisaged by the founder Jeeyar. Importance is given to adherence to nityakarmanushtana. Free boarding and lodging facilities are provided. Scholarships are offered to students scoring above 60% marks by the Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi, which is offering aid to the Mahavidyalaya.
Students participate in the National/local level competitions and bag prizes. Mahavidyalaya conducts regular Seminars in the National level as well as State level to benefit the Students. Samskruta Saptaham and Kalyana Abhivardhini Sabha, that is as old as the Mahavidyalaya itself, are the activities that ensure to bringout the best academic talents of the Students to the fore. Prizes are given to the students. Students are encouraged to engage themselves in Sports activities and competitions are held to bringout the best in themselves. They are also taught Yoga by competent Yoga teachers. All these activities help the Students to build good character with good physic and spirit. They show their histrionic talents in the Culturals held during the Mahavidyalaya Annual Day Celebrations.
The Mahavidyalaya possesses one of the best Sanskrit Libraries in the Country. 10000 books (fully catalouged) and rare Palm leaf Manuscritps are the pride possession. Digitizations of the books and Manuscripts are underway. Apart from full time Veda and Prabandha Students, others are also taught essential Veda and Prabandha portions. The Mahvidyalaya ensures 100% pass percentage every year.Recently the Management provided the hostelites a new green modern dormotory hall in the second floor equipped with adequate bathrooms, toilets and recreational facilities. The Institution was closed down under Govt. of Tamil Nadu directive from 15.03.2020 to 08.02.2021 due to Covid2019. During this lockdown the students were engaged online and our teachers taught the lessons without any break.
Management recently has sponsored a software package “A virtual Video Online Classroom on Google Platform” for the benefit of the Students and our Teachers. Using this package online teaching is being done. I gratefully acknowledge that all these are possible only due to the unstinted cooperation extended by my expert colleagues.