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S.S. Jayalakshmi

Mrs. S.S. Jayalakshmi was a woman of courage and compassion. A Pioneer in Integrated Education,a Leader who inspired us with her yeoman Service to humanity.

Mrs. S.S. Jayalakshmi, Founder of the Vidya Vikasini group of institutions,dared to dream about special education and integration at a time when not many realized the need for specialized training for the differently-able. She started a per-school at home and later joined Avinashilingam University’s new nursery school. She then won a Ford Foundation scholarship that allowed her study child development at M.S. University,Baroda. She returned to another job, before setting up the Vidya Vikasini Nursery School in 1973 on Children’s Day. the Opportunity School for Special Children was started in 1981 and soon, the two were integrated. Some of the awards that were received in recognition of her service are: 1995-96

“ The Best Teacher Award” 1995-96 By Lions Club of Coimbatore Race Course District 324B1

“Best Dist. Chairman for the Handicapped” for the year 1995-96 awarded by Lions International District 324 B1. 1996-97

International Presidents Certificate of Appreciation 1996-97 By Lions International President. Outstanding Employer of the Handicapped

Award by Hon.President of India in 1996. Best Employer of the Handicapped-Nimkar Award

Special Award By the Govt.of Tamil Nadu in 1996. 1998

Significant Achievement Award 1998 by Rotary Club of Coimbatore Metropolis. Appreciations Award at ‘Sakthi` 98 at Regional Conference by Region D Lions Club District 324 B1. 2001

Inner Wheel Club of Coimbatore Dist. Citation presented to Smt. S S Jayalakshmi – 2001. 2003

Best Institution Award

Award by Hon. President of India in 2003. 2005 Best Institution Award

By Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu gave her in 2005. 2010

Gold Star Millineum Award – 2010  Individual services for the Society received from National Integrity Cultural Academy, Chennai 2012

Sadhana Award 2012 by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry for her excellence and contribution in the field of Social Service 2013 Spandan Award 2013

for special Jury felicitation posthumously by National Trust,ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in recognition of her life time service to the Mentally Challenged. Kalvi Thilagam

by KPL Educational and Charitable Trust, Sulakshana Ram Janam Pandey Award

by National Society for Equal Opportunities for handicapped,

It is really a boon for this Great Institution to be founded and directed by such an eminent Educationist. Her strong philosophies and beliefs are the pillars of strength of this great institution.