18 years of innovative education and Social Service
A Pre-primary School in 1945-In early forties of 20th century, people hardly understood the significance of Pre-primary education. In that period Mrs. Avantikabai Kelkar, inspired by the educational ideas of Mme Montessori, started a Pre-primary school in Solapur in 1945, with % children. Till 1988, it had become a renowned Pre-primary school up to 7th std with a reputation for discipline and quality.
The bee-hive activities- In January 1989 the trust and the school was handed over to Jnana Prabodhini-Pune and got a new name: Jnana Prabodhini- Solapur(JPS). Soon, stds 8,9,10 were added and it became a secondary school. Two senoir members of Jnana Prabodhini committed themselves to the nourishment of this new sapling. With great effort, they acquired land for new construction. A temple of knowledge was built in 10 years. Inaugurated at the hands of Shri L. K. Adwani, the then Home minister, the temple became a bee-hive of educational and service activities.
Relief work and later – After massive earthquake in south Marathwada, JPS rushed for relief and now in the last 13 years, JPS has started a full-fledged branch in village Harali with a primary and a secondary residential school and horticulture on 30 acres with 7000 plants and innovative experiments in agriculture.
For ‘have – nots’ – In Solapur, the school along with excellent academic progress made a name for its activities for the ‘have – nots’ in the society. It led a literacy campaign for Solapur city covering 38 slums with 180 literacy classes. A Sugar school for children of sugarcane cutters was started in 1990. A child labors rehabilitation and education center was started in 1991.
Pre-primary teacher’s training –
A training center for pre-primary teacher’s training was started 15 years back. Now 30 batches of Pre-primary teachers have passed from this school and are working in hundreds of Pre-primary schools in Maharashtra. They are in great demand.
Cultural heritage and leadership training –
The Pre-primary, primary and secondary schools have thrust on developing scientific attitude and creativity of children. The students are made familiar to the cultural heritage of India. Special efforts are made to improve their concentration and study skills. Experiments in science start at Pre-primary, primary levels. Projects-method of study is used effectively. The students hace won national awards for their Projects. Students learn aiming, horse riding and other adventures physical skills as well. Educational experiences to enhance leadership qualities are designed and organized. Along with that empathy for the suffering sections of our society and commitment to work for them is imbibed in the minds of students. In 19 years, this effort has created a visible impact on the social and cultural milieu of Solapur city. A satsang and meditation centre guides the spirited aspirants in studies of Jnaneshwari, Dasboth, Upanishads and yogasutras.