From One School To An Empire: The Journey Of Velammal

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

In the heart of Chennai, back in 1986, one man dared to dream that education could be the key to empowerment for thousands. What started as a modest school with just a handful of students is today a vast educational empire that touches the lives of over 100,000 students across Tamil Nadu. This is the extraordinary story of Velammal Educational Trust—a name now synonymous with discipline, academic excellence, and transformative learning among the schools in Chennai.

From schools and colleges to competitive coaching institutions and research centres, Velammal has grown into an ecosystem that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures leadership, innovation, and social responsibility.

The Humble Beginnings: 1986

The seeds of Velammal were sown by Mr. M.V. Muthuramalingam, a visionary with an unshakable belief in the power of education to uplift families and communities. In an era when private education was still considered a luxury for the few, he set out to make quality education accessible and affordable to all.

The first Velammal school was established in Mogappair, Chennai, with just 183 students. The foundation was named in memory of Smt. Velammal, the founder’s beloved mother, symbolises nurturing, guidance, and strength.

This early school was built on three unwavering principles:

  • Discipline
  • Academic Rigor
  • Character Building

The aim was clear: to provide students—irrespective of background—with a strong moral and academic foundation that would help them succeed in life.

Rapid Growth: Expansion Across Tamil Nadu

As the results began to show—both in academics and public examinations—word spread. By the 1990s, demand for Velammal schools had surged. This led to the creation of more campuses across Chennai and the surrounding regions.

Key milestones:

  • 1992: Establishment of Velammal Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Mogappair West, and it is now among the best Matriculation Schools in Chennai
  • 1995–2005: Rapid expansion of Velammal schools in Tiruvallur, Madurai, and Sivagangai districts.
  • 2007: Launch of Velammal Engineering College, marking the Trust’s entry into higher education.

Today, Velammal operates:

  • Over 50+ schools across Tamil Nadu
  • 10+ colleges, including engineering, medical and arts & science
  • Residential campuses, Olympiad schools, and international curriculum centres
  • Vels Academy and Velammal Nexus for focused competitive coaching

Higher Education: Engineering, Medical, and More

Velammal’s foray into higher education further cemented its reputation as a comprehensive educational group.

Flagship Institutions:

  • Velammal Engineering College (VEC) – Accredited and ranked among the best in Tamil Nadu, VEC produces industry-ready graduates in core and emerging fields like CSE, AI, and Robotics.
  • Velammal Medical College & Hospital, Madurai – A centre of excellence that trains future doctors and provides world-class healthcare to rural and urban populations alike.
  • Velammal College of Nursing & Paramedical Sciences
  • Velammal Arts and Science Colleges, offering UG and PG programs in commerce, management, life sciences, and humanities.

Each institution reflects the Trust’s emphasis on academic rigour, infrastructure excellence, and research orientation.

Tech-Driven and Future-Ready

While rooted in tradition, Velammal is not stuck in the past. The group has made significant investments in:

  • Smart classrooms
  • AI-based student monitoring systems
  • Virtual labs and e-learning
  • Career guidance platforms

Upcoming plans include:

  • Full-fledged EdTech platforms for hybrid learning
  • Entrepreneurial incubators for school and college students
  • Collaborations with international institutions for global academic exposure

Impact in Numbers (as of 2024)

  • 1,00,000+ students enrolled
  • 5,000+ teaching staff
  • 122 engineering admissions via JEE in 2024
  • 324 medical admissions via NEET in 2024
  • Multiple 100 percentilers in Physics, Chemistry, and Maths
  • Thousands of alumni working across MNCs, hospitals, government, and academia

The Founder’s Vision: Still Alive and Evolving

Mr. M.V. Muthuramalingam’s vision was never about building buildings—it was about building futures. His belief in discipline, determination, and dignity still echoes through every corridor of every Velammal campus.

Now supported by next-generation leadership, the Trust continues to expand thoughtfully, always keeping its core mission intact:

The Velammal Legacy: More Than a Brand

Today, the name “Velammal” is more than just an educational brand. It is:

  • A launchpad for talent
  • A safe haven for first-gen learners
  • A stepping stone for global careers
  • And above all, a symbol of what focused vision and tireless effort can achieve

What started in 1986 with a single classroom has now become an empire of learning—a shining example of how education, when driven by purpose and passion, can truly change the world.

A Journey of a Thousand Miles… Still Going

Velammal’s journey is far from over. With eyes set on global benchmarks, technological innovation, and community upliftment, the institution is just getting started. Velammal also ranks top among the many CBSE Schools in Chennai.

As thousands of students walk through its gates every year—with dreams of AIIMS, IITs, NASA, UPSC, or entrepreneurship—Velammal remains committed to giving each one the tools, the training, and the tenacity to achieve the extraordinary.

Because at Velammal, education isn’t just about marks. It’s about making a mark on the world.