Dombivli—often described as the heart of Mumbai’s educated middle-class aspirations—has grown from a quiet township of the 1940s into a vibrant educational and cultural hub. Embedded deeply in this journey of growth is The South Indian Association (SIA), Dombivli, an institution that has seamlessly blended tradition with transformation for over seven decades.
Founded on 1st October 1948, on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadasami, The South Indian Association was born from the vision of a few farsighted Tamil-speaking families who believed that education was the most powerful tool to uplift society while preserving cultural identity. What began as a modest Tamil-medium school with just six students has today evolved into a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, English-medium educational ecosystem, proudly celebrating its Platinum Jubilee.
To meet the changing educational needs of a growing and diverse population, SIA continuously evolved. The Primary School expanded progressively, adopting English as the medium of instruction to ensure continuity and inclusivity. In 1964, the Association established the SIA Secondary School, opening its doors to students from all linguistic and social backgrounds.
The institution today offers education in multiple languages—English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and Sanskrit—strictly adhering to the curriculum and guidelines prescribed by the Government of Maharashtra.
In 1975, SIA reached another milestone with the establishment of the Junior College, offering Science, Commerce, and Arts, thus enabling students to pursue uninterrupted education from Nursery to Higher Secondary (XII Std.) under one trusted umbrella. True to the philosophy of “Catch Them Young”, the Kindergarten section nurtures learners from the age of three, guiding them through a holistic academic journey until they step confidently into higher education and professional life.
From its humble beginnings in rented classrooms, SIA today stands tall in its own purpose-built campus near Dombivli (West) Railway Station. The institution was granted revenue-free land by the Government of Maharashtra, enabling phased construction of a modern school complex completed with foresight and care.
The campus now boasts:
State-of-the-art twin computer laboratories with 80 internet-enabled systems
Advanced Science and Chemistry laboratories comparable to collegiate standards
Audio-visual enabled smart classrooms for experiential learning
Dedicated Math and English laboratories to strengthen core competencies
Uninterrupted power supply supported by a generator
A multi-purpose open hall and playground for co-curricular development
SIA today educates nearly 3,700 students from Nursery to Junior College, across 60 divisions, guided by over 70 trained and committed educators, led by experienced Heads of Institutions. The student community reflects India’s diversity, with children from varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds learning together in an inclusive English-medium environment.
To remain future-ready, the Association has established an Institute of Advanced Studies, offering structured computer education from Std. I to X, with plans for phased expansion aligned with emerging educational trends.
While the Secondary and Higher Secondary sections are government-aided—enabling students to benefit from scholarships, fee concessions, and freeships—the Primary School, though unaided, is fully recognized by the Government of Maharashtra and operates on a transparent and affordable fee structure.
Over the decades, SIA has nurtured generations of learners who have gone on to become doctors, engineers, architects, chartered accountants, software professionals, scientists, and leaders across sectors. Notably, several alumni have returned to serve the institution, carrying forward its legacy with pride and responsibility.
Recognizing the growing need for accessible higher education within Dombivli, the Association has already acquired 8,000 sq. meters of land, with an additional 4,000 sq. meters earmarked for sports facilities, to establish a Senior College—a bold step toward shaping the future of local youth.
Inscribed Motto: Knowledge is Power
Subscribed Motto: Unity is Strength
At SIA, education is more than instruction—it is character building, community strengthening, and nation shaping. The Association acknowledges with gratitude the unwavering support of parents, alumni, staff, and especially the citizens of Dombivli, whose trust and cooperation continue to inspire excellence.