Envisioned by the philosophic and the futuristic vision of the great saint Sree Narayana Guru, the Sree Narayana College, Sivagiri, Varkala was established in 1964. The College is affiliated to University of Kerala and ever since its inception it has made an indelible impression in the realm of higher education in Kerala. Sree Narayana Guru in whose name the college stands was one of the greatest social reformers and spiritual leaders who stood for social liberation through education. The message of social “Liberation through Education” was translated to a reality when Sri. R. Sankar, one of the prominent followers of the Guru laid the foundation of Sree Narayana College upon the serene hills of Sivagiri. Situated in the lofty hill tops of Sivagiri, this institution has been continuing its mission as an inspirational source of knowledge for the last fifty years.
The College started its functions modestly as a junior college. In the fourth year of its inception, University sanction was obtained to start Degree courses in Malayalam, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology. Subsequently B.Com, B.Sc Geology and B.A.History were started in 1980, 1981 and 1998, respectively. In 1981 the College was elevated to the status of a first-grade College with the opening of a Post-Graduate programme in Economics. Later M.Sc in Physics was started in 1995 and M.Sc in Analytical Chemistry in 2001. The restructured course B.Com with Hotel Management and Catering was started in 1999. Now the Institution has eleven Under-Graduate courses, four Post-Graduate courses and the research programme in Economics.
This underlines the very strong scholastic tradition of the institution that spans over half a century. The College is committed to impart indepth knowledge and understanding so as to enable students to advance new frontiers of knowledge. The enhancement of the infrastructure is in tune with the growth in its academic requirements. Research being the most potential area of higher education, the college takes maximum care and attention to promote a research culture among the faculty and students. Thus the college concentrates on total quality by introducing a holistic approach in its academic pursuit. The College provides quality education by assuring a peaceful, learner friendly, progressive and democratic ambience in fulfilling its noble vision, mission and goal.