V.S.K. Duraiswamy Nadar, key person of V.S.K.D. Girls School, is a remarkable individual whose dedication and contributions have left an indelible mark on the Sivakasi community. V.S.K. Duraiswamy Nadar’s life story is a testament to his unwavering commitment to education, his successful career, and his deep-rooted desire to uplift others. Explore the incredible journey of a man who dedicated his life to empowering underprivileged girls through education.

He was born in Sivakasi, he became the first person from his hometown to venture beyond its borders in 1921. His pursuit of knowledge led him to secure a scholarship at Meenakshi College, Chidambaram (now Annamalai University). The crowning achievement of this phase of his life was winning the prestigious G.S. Vaidyanathan Gold Medal at the convocation, an event he cherished as an opportunity to honour his parents, community, and birthplace.

In 1925, V.S.K.D. Nadar joined the Income Tax department, embarking on a successful career. His thirst for knowledge remained unquenched as he pursued a Master’s degree at Madras University. With a deep belief in the saying, “Education happens all your life,” he never ceased his educational journey.

He firmly believed in the power of education as a gift that keeps giving. His commitment to this belief led him to establish the V.S.K. Duraiswamy Nadar Matriculation Higher Secondary School, an English-medium institution dedicated to the education of girls. Despite running at a loss for several years, he kept fees low, ensuring affordability for all.

Upon retiring as the Commissioner of Income Tax, V.S.K.D. Nadar dedicated himself entirely to education. He didn’t forget the roots that had given him strength, and he built a Natraja temple in Sivakasi, emphasising the close connection between piety and education. Today, the school premises house not only the Nataraja temple but also a Goddess Kalaivani (Saraswathi) shrine, symbolising his unwavering belief in the fusion of spirituality and learning.

V.S.K.D. School founded in 1969 with just six girls, the V.S.K.D. School has flourished into one of the town’s premier institutions, with over 1,000 girls from kindergarten to 12th standard. V.S.K.D. Nadar’s pioneering vision for an exclusive girls’ school has come to fruition. 

V.S.K.D. Nadar’s impact extends beyond the school and the community. He influenced the lives of his family members and instilled essential life skills and values in them. His teachings on practical matters, time management, and financial literacy left a lasting impression. His passion for the stock market also opened doors for new opportunities.

V.S.K. Duraiswamy Nadar’s life is a shining example of how one person’s dedication, vision, and commitment can uplift not only their family but also an entire community. His legacy lives on through the thriving V.S.K.D. School and the values he instilled in generations to come. His story continues to inspire, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have on the world around them.