Govinda Dasa College, Surathkal (Dist. Dakshina Kannada) was also known as Hindu Vidyadayinee Sangh (R) Surathkal Govinda Dasa College was established on 30th June 1967 under the management of Hindu Vidyadayinee (H.V.) Sangha (R), Surathkal.

It is situated in front of Iddya Mahalingeshwara temple at Surathkal and one of the premier co-educational colleges established to impart & provide in the field of higher education for the deserving candidates and prove to be a milestone in the part of progress.

The college is affiliated to Mangalore University, Mangaluru and recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under section 2(f) on 3rd July 1967 & 12(B) 3rd July 1967 under Act, 1956.
 
It is re-accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with "B++" Grade - (CGPA Score 2.87 on a 4 Point Scale in 3rd Cycle) on 15th September 2016.

When the college was started, it was affiliated with University of Mysore as Mangalore University was nonexistent then. The college is also the study centre for Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru.

The college offers Bachelor's Degree courses in Arts, Commerce, Science, Business Management, Computer Application, and Post Graduate Courses in Commerce (M.Com.) and Science (M.Sc. in Chemistry) under Mangalore University, Mangaluru.

The curriculum, admissions, and evaluation processes are followed as per the guidelines prescribed by the University and the State Government.

However, responding to the changing needs and market demands, the college offers programmes such as Diploma in Computerized Accounting and Taxation, Diploma in Hardware and Networking, Diploma in Communicative Skills, Certificate programmes on Vermitechnology, Consumer and Human Rights and other add-on courses such as Spoken English, Personality Development, Tailoring and Embroidery, Global Skills etc. These programmes are assessed and steps are taken for quality enhancement by getting the structured feedback from students, alumni, and parents.

Vision:

• To facilitate students, largely coming from rural areas, reach higher levels of knowledge, capabilities and human values by the pursuit of excellence and promotion of quality for leadership

Mission:

Govinda Dasa College has the following mission in the pursuit of its vision:

• Offer quality education at an affordable cost
• Promote human values by practicing them
• Impart skills for acquiring and generating knowledge
• Promote responsible citizenship through outreach programmes
• Prepare the students for career responsibilities by honing their soft skills
• Facilitate effective interaction among Management, Faculty, Students, Parent, and Alumni
• Give priority to girl’s education

Core Values:

The Institute is committed to the Core Values of:

• Contribution to National Development by adopting Strategies for Inclusive Growth
• Fostering Value Based Global Competencies amongst Staff and Students
• Promoting the use of Technology
• Quest for Excellence amongst Staff and Students
• Maintaining a Clean and Green Environment
• Participatory Leadership