ANNIE MARIE PETERSEN of Denmark, a rare lover of humanity, founded the institution. Her love and devotion for India captured the heart of Mahatma Gandhi. In 1921, Sep 17th, Gandhiji laid the foundation stone and he gave the name it bears today. The motto of the institution is “Love and Serve”.
At first, it was started with one child. Gradually, primary school, Teacher Training Institute, higher secondary school and Matriculation have emerged. Now it has grown with more than 1500 children every year. It is a composite institute with other schools like Primary and Higher secondary school. All the children are residing in the hostel.
In 1949, Sevamandir was recognized as Junior Basic Training School for women. In 1956, the junior basic school was converted in to a senior Basic Training school. It is really inspiring to see that our training students are shining all over Tamil Nadu thereby bringing a very good name to Sevamandir.
From the beginning, Annie Marie Petersen was called as “Periamma”, who has given the beautiful place of love and serve and have a live education. Her motherly, selfless and sacrificial service to Sevamandir is something that none of us can forget. The noble example of Periyamma has been followed in tattoo by the unforgettable Chacko Amma, the true follower of Periamma, who dedicated the best part of her line in building up this institution to its present level. She took a special care in getting all the schools recognized. The untiring service of Saraswathy Martha, as teacher and Deputy Warden needs special mention. Because of her devoted service, we lead the light.
Ms. J. Prabhavathy, affectionately called ‘PERIA AKA’, was not a theorist but a practical iron lady with a compassionate heart and a zeal to help the young girls from the all the perils and with a dream to provide them with holistic education. She went around the world and visited many Denmark friends for the development of Sevamandir. The growth of the schools is commendable with the selfless service of Peria Aka all these years, many Doctors, Advocates, Engineers and several in distinctive posts both in our mother land and abroad have emerged out from Sevamandir. Her spirit of sacrifice had made this Institution great.
A genuine appreciation to all the Trust Members, who are the special supporters and guide, teaching and non-teaching staff, workers and helpers for their contribution to the institute, in string to the next area of stability. The learning of learners and current trends of teaching and learning necessitates a regular updating of teachers. Our teachers constantly strived to stay updated in the field of education. Our spiritual needs are fulfilled by the ALC especially on Sundays and the other holy days of the year.
The footprints of every child who embark on the goodness of the vision of the instituute may instill in the heart and soul, a fabulous experience with unforgettable memories. We remain grateful to all the parents for reposing their unparalleled trust in us which propels us to march ahead with greater commitment and enthusiasm. We hope to move forward with our priorities, innovation in our educational programmes, intellectual ambition value education, character development and preparing the girls children for the contemporary world. The students studying here are brought up with good nature and ability.
Sevamandir will continue its service for the upliftment of the poor, specially, for the females and for the benefits of the society. Through these services, Sevamandir wants to create a world where love, peace, equality, justice and brotherhood are ensured for all.
At this juncture, I would like you all to make a note that we have got only one institute at Parangipettai, under “SEVAMANDIR TRUST” and we don’t have any other institute in this name.
I, Ms. R.I.LEELAVATHY, always dedicates myself to the commitment of “Love and Serve”and follow the ideals of the forerunners without any deviation. At the same time, it is a challenging one to follow their principles in the present modern world.
Let us continue our journey with the same vision and mission of our founder. May we continue to grow from strength to strength and remain an esteemed institution for the empowerment of girl students.
We rededicate ourselves to the commitment that kept us going Love and Serve. We love our Lord and Serve Him. We love our country and serve her. We love our Children and serve them for “In as much as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it for me”.
Sevamandir stands as a pillar empowering the girl children in South India.
