A Brief History of Swami Vivekananda College

Swami Vivekananda said, ‘Education is the manifestation of perfection already in man. … Strength must come to the nation through education. A nation is advanced in proportion as education and intelligence spread among the masses.”

Education is also a basic human right and every child must have access to quality education to realize its full potential. This was largely denied to the majority of the children from poor and marginalized communities in the early colonial days. Education and education alone was the answer to empower and emancipate the poor. Through education comes faith in oneself and understanding of others. With these firm convictions and commitment, the founders of Swami Vivekananda College (formerly Shri Vivekananda High School) established a school on March 9^th in 1949. The late Swami Rudranandaji, Mr A.D. Patel and Sadhu Kuppuswami were the pioneer architects of this institution.

In the midst of much criticism, opposition and difficulties, the School started off with nineteen students and two teachers, in a shed put up by the youth wing of the TISI Sangam at the current Nadi Sangam Primary School premises. As this was the first community managed high school, the then colonial Government tried its best to stop us from starting the school with threats of legal action. However, the pioneers showed strong determination and nerves of steel and went ahead with the project thus compelling the Government to grant approval on the eve of the opening of the school. Had it not been for this bold step taken in 1949 thousand of poor students would have been deprived of their birthright to education as there was only one other Government Secondary school in the Western division.

In 1952 the school was relocated to the old Subramanium Temple on the banks of Nadi River. Students came from as far away as Labasa, Tavua, and Navua. Students still cherish fond memories of the hostel life at the temple site. However a new era of the school commenced in 1958 when it was relocated to the present site at Malolo.

The wonderful success of the institution has been due to its ethos and unique ideal of ‘Man-making and character-building’ education as envisaged by its illustrious     Patron saint Swami Vivekananda (1863 – 1902) and the admirable dedication and sacrifice of generations of principals, teachers, students and well wishers. Thus the school has today reached the milestone of 60 years of service to the nation. We are proud of the achievements of students and inspiring teachers who toiled hard to bring the institution to its enviable standing. Sixty years of consistent leadership in both the school management and administration have attributed to the schools growth and development.

As we complete 60 years at Swami Vivekananda College we see around us the fulfillment of the vision of the founding fathers. Achievements of our students who have served the nation with distinction speak loudly of the concrete realizations of their dreams due to the supreme courage and tenacity of purpose of all who were involved in the growth and development of the institution to date.

Today the College one of the premier institutions in the country having about 950 pupils and 50 teaching staff. It is an astonishingly fine record if which all associated with the institution can be justly proud of. With such lofty and noble educational ideals and ethos, backed up by a proven track record and assistance of the Government and the community, we are confident that Swami Vivekananda College will continue to serve the nation with renewed vigour and zeal.