Kandanur is one of the beautiful Chettinadu villages in Sivagangai district situated between Karaikudi and Puduvayal. Since 1943, the renowned "Chittal Achi Memorial School" stands at the forefront of Kandanur welcoming all. There is an elementary school as well as a high school functioning in the same building. This school was founded by a devoted and affectionate son in honour of his mother. That son is our beloved and revered founder Thiru.VT.Veerappa Chettiar.
The founders family belongs to the Mathur Temple Arumbakkur Nagarathar Community. His mother is Srimathi. Chittal Achi who had five daughters and one son, our honourable founder. He was given the name Veerappan in memory of God Veerasekaraperuman in the temple of Sakkottai. Our founder’s grandmother, Srimathi. Sivagami Achidonated the grand and magnificent front doors to the temple as gift for her dear son’s birth. In the Kandanur temple, they also gifted the big Nandhi Vaganam to the Sivan Kovil. Additionally, our founder’s family have donated lakhs of rupees for the renovation at Sayavanam Temple near Poombuhar.
They decided to build a school so that the children of nearby places can get a quality education in Kandanur itself. As they intended, the foundation stone was laid by Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar on 24-11-1941 and shortly after the school building with all the facilities including classrooms, library, laboratories, and a common prayer hall was built. In this way, Chittal Achi Memorial School has truly become a symbol of our founder’s love for his mother. On 14-06-1943, the school began with 5 classes in the elementary School level and 6th to 11th classes at the high school level. On 21-12-1945, State Educational Director, Dr.Savoor opened the school officially with a golden key. Slowly but steadily the school grew with the devoted service of the teachers and headmasters. It became a well-known institution among many villages in and around Karaikudi. The school still has buses to bring the students from distant places and a hostel also for students coming from faraway places.
Our school gives special attention to our mother language, Tamil so the terms "வெல்கதமிழ்" மற்றும் "இமயத்தின் எல்லை கண்ட எம்தமிழ் என்றும் வாழ்க" are inscribed at the front of the school. The efficient and sincere teachers have brought laurels to school by encouraging and motivating students get high marks in Tamil, English, Arts, Science, Music, Drawing etc. The students were able to achieve great things in sports also. During the time of admission, both the elementary and the high schools have more than 1,000 students. The students who studied in this school occupy great positions in the society worldwide. Our school is a great boon to Kandanur and nearby places. When we enter the school gate, the statue of Chittal Achi welcomes you lovingly.