Nurturing value-based education for over 100 years

Standing tall: Established in 1919 with 11 students, the school holds historical significance as the first Hindi-medium primary school in the city, started for the 
Marwari community.
| Photo Credit: S. Harini

Shri Sanatana Dharma Vidyalaya, located at the heart of Chennai, has stood as a symbol of value-based education and cultural preservation for more than a century. Established in 1919 with just 11 students, it holds historical significance as the first Hindi-medium primary school in the city, started for the Marwari community. The foundation was laid by Mahopadhyaya Vyakaranacharya Pandit Girdharji Sharma Chaturvedi, along with patrons Krishna Choubey and Gangavisanji Trivedi.

The SSDV Association, which governs the school, has four functioning units under its wing.

Upgraded in 1993

It was upgraded as a matriculation higher secondary school in 1993. Since then, it has functioned as an all-girls school, catering for students from Class VI to Class XII. Today, the school has a strength of 494 girls for the academic year 2024-25 and employs 26 teachers, including three non-teaching staff members. Despite being a private school surrounded by government aided institutions, SSDV continues to thrive owing to the quality of education and care it offers.

“We are constantly working towards creating space where girls not only learn academically but grow in spirit and confidence,” says Principal S. Latha. “The only reason we are able to sustain the school is the quality we provide.” She adds, “Our vision is holistic development — we want our children to be spiritually and technologically advanced, not just academically strong. The management and the staff work together to make our children shine.”

With a strong belief that education is the foundation of knowledge and success, the school envisions nurturing individuals who are confident, value-oriented, and equipped with life skills. SSDV aims to ensure all-round development — physical, emotional, intellectual, moral, spiritual, and technological. The school instils discipline, compassion, and excellence in students to enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.

The motto, Tamasoma Jyothirgamaya (From Darkness to Light), and the guiding principle, ‘Learn, Love, Serve, and Sacrifice’, reflect its dedication to nurturing responsible and empowered young women. SSDV provides an open inclusive system of education with a positive, caring environment often described by students and parents as a second home.

Learning by doing

The teaching approach goes beyond textbooks. Students are introduced to technology through audio-visual and activity-based learning, promoting the philosophy of learning by doing. In a forward-thinking move, the school is introducing Artificial Intelligence classes. Faculty members are well-qualified and deeply committed. Students who need more help are identified early and supported with personalised coaching throughout the year to ensure every child is board-exam ready.  SSDV’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that education leads to human development by drawing out the best in body, mind, and spirit.