the all new (or is it vintage) Hindu Primary School ~ Triplicane

School days are pleasant days – the days when we were young and unbiased in thoughts.

The name  * Thiru Allikkeni * (meaning the sacred pond of lily)   pronounced Thiruvallikkeni  by natural laws of linguistics, was crudely rolled and twisted out of shape by the English tongue as Triplicane.  It is a place where religion, nationalistic fervour, patriotism, sports, education and the individual dignity have interspersed for the benefit of the State and the larger interests of the Nation.  A peep in to the past – history is imperative to understand the pristine glory of this puranic place.    Triplicane houses some best historic educational institutions driving home the point of scholastic excellence for decades.  There is Presidency College (probably one of the first colleges in the province);  Hindu High School, Kellet High School, NK Thirumalachariar school for Boys & Girls, Lady Willington School to name a few.

Those who have been in and have  seen Triplicane,  would  never miss that imposing [Red / Saffron] structure at 149 Big Street, Triplicane, Chennai 600 005.

                      A landmark by itself – an imposing structure - bricks and saffron coloured walls with Indo-sarsenic architecture has inspired many and created many worthy students.  Hindu High School founded as Dravida Patasala for Tamil boys which later amalgamated with The Hindu Andhra Balura Patasala for Telegu boys that were in existence in 1852. In 1860 they were amalgamated as The Triplicane Andhra Dravida Balura Patasala and in 1898 renamed “ The Hindu High School”.  It has been a great learning  centre producing eminent personalities and transforming the lives of tens of thousands of people into responsible citizens for the cause of nature building.   The school was for long, considered as one of the best schools in the Madras Presidency and was once the feeder school to Presidency College, another institute of formidable repute of yore.

Triplicane has long been a centre of culture and learning and pioneer in cooperation and social work. It is no wonder, therefore,that the residents of the locality in the forties and fifties of the last century took to starting two small school, one for Tamil boys and the other for Telugu boys.  Reportedly the Tamil school had a strength of 18 boys at the start and the subjects taught were Kural, naidatham, Nanool Kandigai and Nigandoo; History, Geography and Arithmetic were also taught. English also was taught to those who desired it. Sri: . Valliumbalavathiar; Krishnaswamy lyengar;  P.Arunachala Naicker; Venkateseshiah &  R.Newton were the first 5 Headmasters of this great institution.

It is my  good fortune that I studied in this glorious edifice.  I studied there from 6^th  standard till 12^th  Standard (the maximum span then) – that is now set to change ! The academic year 1979-80 was the Second batch of +2.  As you would recall, earlier the school curriculum was that students would study upto 11 Standards in Schools.  The Secondary School Leaving Examination (popularly known as SSLC) – a Government examination conducted commonly for all schools would be taken up  on 11^th  standard.  Those who were successful went to Colleges for joining what was known as PUC and then Graduation.  In 1978-79 – the system underwent a major change – it became 10 + 2.  The Public examination was to be conducted for the X Standard and then students would study specified streams : Science, Commerce and Vocational for 2 years before joining college for Under Graudation.  Thus those of us who passed out SSCL (X) in 1979 were the second batch. 

To our new +2,  we proudly went to classes wearing a full khaki pant and white shirt.  The next year -  it became White and white and rest is history. 

The magnificent edifice of the School in that ‘Brick Red’ is imposing ! – there is the Main building, one opposite to the building that housed the Lab and +2 those days and then the yellow building abutting the Stage ground.  The year 2017 is another watershed year, as it might turn out to be !!

From this year (Academic 2017 – 18), the Hindu High School Management has decided to start a Primary School [L Kg to 5^th Standard] under the same management.  This would function in the new building opposite to that great landmark building.   Passing by that great building, one stopped to read the board again, and continue walking with hopes that many young children would by initiated to good education and becoming future great citizens.

Wishing our School all success and glory.

~ ever loving  (ex)student – S. Sampathkumar

26^th May 2017.