Regional Institute of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, SV Nagaram
மண்டல ஊரக வளர்ச்சி மற்றும் ஊராட்சி நிறுவனம், ச.வி.நகரம்
Government of Tamil Nadu
OVERVIEW
Overview
About the Institute
Regional Extension Training Centre (Currently named as RIRD&PR), S.V. Nagaram is one of the Rural Development training centres started in the year 1956, when the State Government launched the massive programme of training of Village Level Workers, as a prelude to the implementation of Community Development Programmes. RETC was renamed as Regional Institute of rural development & panchayat raj (RIRD) on 2004.
At present RIRD & PR S.V.Nagaram caters the residential training for the Rural Development Department officials and Elected representatives, of Village Panchayats and Panchayat unions of 07 districts namely Tiruvannamalai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpet, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore and Tiruvallur districts which comprises 81 Blocks and 3802 village panchayats.
RIRD, SV Nagaram spreads its wings by hosting training to various departments includes Health, Education, TNSRLM, Disabled, Treasury etc., and PAI training to State / Block level Nodal Officers from 18 Line Departments (administrative agencies that directly perform primary Government functions) and we also conduct NIRD&PR, Hyderabad Off campus training.
Jagir Palace
The 36-acre Palace area was acquired by State Government of Tamilnadu from the jagirdhars last descendant Srinivasa Rao sahib and established Regional Extension Training Centre, S.V. Nagaram (Currently named as RIRD&PR) in 1956, is located inside the palace area. Though RETC was started in 1956, the history of the palace has its foundations reaching back through centuries.
Veda ji Bhaskar Pant, a Maharashtra Brahmin, was associated with Shahaji, the father of Shivaji. Pant also accompanied Shahaji during his expedition to South India. Shahaji gifted this place to Veda ji Bhaskar Pant in 1640 AD, who was then called Zamindar / Jagir.
Jagir Venkatanatha Rao Sahib, the descendant of the Pant, constructed a Mutt & Moola Brindavana in 1825 for Sri Satya Vijaya Theertharu in this place and named it after him. Located on the banks of the Kamandala-naga River. The palace or the Aranmanai was constructed adjacent to the Moola Brindavana.
Rani Mahal
The Queen Palace is a three storey building which was constructed in French Architecture style with view point in the first floor through which the queen can watch shows conducted in dancing hall. In the Queen’s Palace entrance, door glass has an etching of the Jagirdar emblem (an image of a fort and a hand with a sword). The Latin word ‘PER DEUM-ET FERRUM OBTINUI' is written, and the meaning is “We got all these through GOD and our sword”. Similar images can be seen in the Sadras Fort and Pulicat Dutch cemeteries. Once this building has also served as a classroom for Anna University Engineering College.
Located on the banks of the Kamandala-naga River. The palace or the Aranmanai was constructed adjacent to the Moola Brindavana. Currently, Renovation works for the dilapitaded palace has been carried out by Public Works Department.
Queens Pond
The Heritage Queen’s Pond is more than just a landmark. Surrounded by a beautifully paved walking path, this circular pond invites you to slow down. At its heart sits a vibrant iron women statue that captures the spirit of the past, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and clear blue skies. Whether you’re here for a brisk morning walk or a quiet moment of reflection, the pond’s steady clear waters offer a timeless escape from the everyday hustle.
Farm Area
Step into a living emerald sanctuary. The farm area occupies around 35 acres in a total land area of about 39 acres. This farm is a masterclass in natural diversity, where the towering strength of Teak, medicinal valued Arjuna Tree (Neer maruthu), Infused with essence of red gold (Red Sandalwood) and the deep, rich character of Mahogany create a majestic overhead canopy. Beneath their shade, the tropical rhythm of Coconut palms sways in the breeze, alongside the vibrant, fruit-bearing trees like Jackfruit, Mango, Banana, Chiku (Sapota), Pineapple, Jamun Fruit (Nava pazham) & also has a organic vegetable farming. This multi-layered farm is a haven for biodiversity, offering a cool, shaded escape that proves nature is the best architect.