Sri Dhandapani Oriental High School in Kanchipuram - A unique institution

Oriental High school, a new concept and a new chapter in the annals of School education in Tamilnadu was initiated in the 1960s by His Holiness Pujyasri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji.

Sri Dhandapani

Old School Building

This paved the way for the establishemt of Sri Dhandapani Oriental High School in the year 1966 in Kanchipuram. The school was established in the name of Sri Dhandapani, a teacher who had the opportunity of teaching English to the Mahaswamiji in his childhood.

View from front	Prayer area
Physical education training	Lab Session

In this unique institution, Sanskrit is taught as one of the important subjects, in addition to the other modern subjects like Mathematics and Sciences. The school has students from financially weak sections of society. The school does not charge any fees and on the contrary, provides free books and uniforms to the students. Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam provides support including financial aid to the institution. Recently, with the guidance and Blessings of Their Holiness Pujyasri Jayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Swamiji and Pujyasri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Swamiji, a new school building - Amrithotsava Building- was constructed and inauguruated on 4 September 2009. The school has dedicated teachers, well-ventilated classrooms, modern science labs, library and a large play ground, providing the right ambience for the children to learn.

Students belonging to all communities and religions study in the school and it is amazing to interact with them and listen to them speaking in Sanskrit.

Side view of school building