History & Founding
The Vijayashri School of Harikatha was established in February 2020 by the renowned Harikatha exponent,
Smt. Vishakha Hari. Founded in loving memory of her mother, Smt. Vijaya Santhanam, and under the divine guidance of her Guru, Sri Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal (Sri Sri Anna), the school embodies a rich legacy of devotion, storytelling, and cultural preservation. Harikatha, a traditional art form that seamlessly blends music, narrative, and dance, has been a cherished cultural practice throughout India for centuries. The stories drawn from Hindu epics and Puranas are imbued with moral and spiritual lessons that resonate deeply with audiences.
Recognizing the need to preserve and promote this invaluable heritage, Smt. Vishakha Hari founded Vijayashri School of Harikatha as a center for learning and cultural enrichment. The school's foundation is built on the principles of
“Gnanam Parama Guhyam” (Knowledge Is Supreme) and “Free Siksha For All & All Siksha For Free.” With over 600 students currently enrolled, Vijayashri School offers a holistic curriculum that includes sacred scriptures, classical music, and expressive storytelling. Through online classes, personal workshops, and community events, the school continues to nurture a deep appreciation for Harikatha, ensuring its relevance and vibrancy in modern times.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is anchored in two core principles: Dharma (Righteousness) and Bhakti (Devotion). Through the rich narratives of Harikatha, we strive to instill these values in our students, guiding them on a path of personal and spiritual growth. By presenting tales of heroism, virtue, and divine play, we aim to inspire a deep sense of ethical living and spiritual devotion.
We uphold the motto "Gnanam Parama Guhyam” (Knowledge is Supreme), reflecting our commitment to education as a transformative force. Our approach combines traditional pedagogy with modern methods, ensuring that the ancient wisdom of Harikatha remains accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences. Through our dedicated instructors and comprehensive curriculum, we cultivate an environment where creativity, devotion, and knowledge flourish. We envision a world where the teachings of Harikatha not only preserve our cultural heritage but also inspire individuals to lead lives of purpose and integrity.
Milestones & Achievements
​Since its inception in February 2020, Vijayashri School of Harikatha has achieved remarkable milestones that reflect our dedication to preserving and promoting the ancient art of Harikatha. Under the visionary leadership of
Smt. Vishakha Hari, our school has grown into a vibrant center of cultural excellence.
2020
Founding & First Celebrations
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Established in Feb 2020 in the loving memory of Smt. Vijaya Santhanam, with the blessings of Sri Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal (Sri Sri Anna) and our present Acharya Sri Hari Anna.
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Vijayashri patashala was started humbly at the serene, lushy venue of “Indra Ranganathan Trust’s premises”, Alwarpet.
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Hosted our inaugural Vijayashri 3-day long workshop with Sri Sri Anna’s Govindakathamrutham celebrating the school’s foundation followed by a series of Harikatha performances and cultural events.
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Started our Vijayashri Balabodham during Vijayadashami.
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Vijayashri Kala Katha Rathna - featuring Kaavya Katha, Nrithya Katha, Kola Katha, Saikatha Katha, Mala Katha Vijayashri Margazhi Vaibhavam in Dec 2020 in Arkay Convention Center with Harikatha & Carnatic vocal performances by Vijayashri students.
2021
Expanding Our Reach
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Summer camp: Master classes on Vedic Math, Ayurveda, Astronomy, Yoga.
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Successfully transitioned to online classes, reaching over 200 students worldwide.
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Aug 15th 2021 - book released “Harikatha - Katha and Beyond, authored by Smt.Vishakha Hari. This was inducted into the syllabus of National Education Policy - NEP and taught to school students by Vijayashri instructors.
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Organized Utsavams for significant festivals.
2022
Recognition & Growth
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Celebrated our second grand three-day Vijayashri Janma Dina Mahotsavam in Sri Sri Anna's presence at Srirangam Vaishnava Sabha, featuring parayanam, bhajans, Natakam, harikathas on Vaishnava acharyas and azhwars by Vijayashri students.
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Recognized for our contributions to cultural preservation by various cultural bodies.
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Vijayashri Margazhi Vaibhavam 2022 at Vani Mahal featuring various events Vadi - Samvadi, Sangeethamum Samskruthamum, Harikathas by juniors and seniors, Purandaradasa Natakam etc. This was in partnership with Shankara TV.
2023
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Celebrated Vijayashri Janma Dinam - 3 day festival at Indus Amber Hall, Saidapet, Chennai with the theme Bharath 75 marking 75 years of independence of our nation. Unexplored stories of great Kings, queens, saints, composers of Bharath were presented by Vijayashri children. Vijayashri Carnival showcasing dying art forms, creative and antique skills like mandala art, doll making, antique vessels, music quiz rounds, origami, mehendi etc.
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Offline classes started at Vijayashri Bhavanam, Mylapore.
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Vijayashri Margazhi Vaibhavam 2023 at Vani Mahal. Besides the events Vijayashri publications launched the book “BHARATH 75”, a compilation of interesting stories by Vijayashri children on the great warriors, artists, devotees of Bharath. It was launched by historian
Smt Chitra Madhavan.
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2024
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Kanchi yatra with Vijayashri students. This was a rejuvenating, devotion as well as enthusiasm filled yatra covering all 14 divyadesams. As it happened to be Syama Sastri’s Jayanthi all students had the blessed opportunity of singing Syama Sastri’s masterpieces before both Kamakshi amman and Jagadguru Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal (Periyava of Kanchi mutt).
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Scriptures classes for dancers and students of Smt. Urmila Satyanarayanan.
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Theervai Nokki Yudham Seivom - Social issues handled through solutions from Ithihasas and Puranas via both youtube channels and in person school visits.
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Tie up with different schools. Vijayashri instructors sent to schools to teach value based lessons.