Vivekananda College of Education, offering a Bachelor’s Degree course in Education for prospective teachers, was establsihed in 1974 under the aegis of the Sri Yelanadu Jagadguru Education Society.The Seer of Yelanadu Arsikere Mahasamsthana is the president of this education society. Affiliated to the University of Mysore, the college caters mainly to the needs of rural people aspiring to become teachers in high schools. Trained teachers from this belt were in short supply, and Vivekananda College stepped in to fill this inexorable gap - especially since the number of educational institutions kept increasing on par with the burgeoning population's educational aspirations.
As more and more Government and private schools and colleges were established, the lack of efficient trained teachers became a major problem - a lacunae which exists to this day. The establishment of Vivekananda College of education was therefore a godsend to the areas institutions. Named after one of India's greatest philosopher-thinker-intellectual - Swami Vivekananda - the college attempts to imbibe his values, especially in the field of education.
The theme of the college is to impart and promote professional education for teachers who lead society and contribute to the nation's development. The institution has consistently produced top grade teachers since its inception. It has been included under 12B and 2F of U.G.C. Act, accorded permanent affiliation by the University of Mysore, and recognised by N.C.T.E.S.R.C. Bangalore.
Located on the main Bangalore-Honnavar highway, the campus sits on 2.5 acres on the outskirts of town (Arsikere is located 165 KM West of State capital Bangalore) amidst the tranquil environment of green thotas (coconut groves) and quiet hills.
Arsikere is the second largest town in Hassan District and is a major railway junction with connections throughout India. It is a nucleus for the coconut industry. The famous historical places of Belur, Helebedu & Shravanabelagula are also close by. The town is also a tourist destination because of the very popular Malekal Thirupathi Betta (hills) of LORD VENKATESHWARA. The Shivalaya Temple of Lord Shiva, was made during the ancient HOYSALA period, which depicts its rich art and architecture.
