School History

1970s - The idea of starting an International School in India was conceived by the great Visionary and Spiritual Master, Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. This was met with an overwhelming response from all over the world. Coimbatore was chosen as the location after evaluation of alternate sites at Bangalore, Lucknow, The Andamans and Himachal Pradesh.

 

1984 - Swami Sahayanandaji traversed the length and breadth of India on foot, to make the initial collection of 1 Rupee from each individual for the purchase of the land.

 

1994 - Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda proceeded to concretize the vision of Pujya Gurudev with unfailing vigour and energy. The work progressed by leaps and bounds.

 

June 6th 1996 - The Chinmaya International Residential School was inaugurated by Pujya Swami Chidanandaji, President of 'The Divine Life Society'.

 

CIRS started with 96 students from Grade 5 to Grade 8 and 11 academic staff headed by Dr. Jaya Venugopal, with Brahmacharini Sumati Chaitanya and Brahmachari Samahita Chaitanya as spiritual guides. Many devotees around the world contributed generously. Swamini Vimalanandaji and Dr. G. S. Keshawamurthy played a significant role in guiding and executing the project to its completion.

 

Today CIRS has 577 students, 69 well qualified and experienced faculty members and 78 staff members from 23 States of India and 19 other countries. It is a prestigious and world-renowned educational institution that is not limited to the devotees of Chinmaya Mission. Plans for development are always ongoing, and no stone is left unturned in the effort to offer the children nothing but the best of facilities.

 

 

"Strive on! With tireless enthusiasm, strive on to reach your goal. Without a goal, the best in you can never come out to expression." - Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda