PUBLIC LIFE AND VOLUNTRY SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION

Arya Shikshan Sanstha, Risod : This institution was established with the object of encouraging Primary and Secondary educatton in the areas surrounding Risod town. It conducts Bharat Madhyamik Shala which had a strength of 463 students in 1909-70. The school is well provided with a library and a science laboratory.

The annual income and expenditure of the school amounted to Rs. 1,06,430 and Rs. 1,03,812, respectively in 1969-70.

Avinash Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha, Mangrulpir: Avinash Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha, was established in 1967 with the object of serving the cause of education. The Sanstha established a High School at Mangrulpir in 1968.

It has built a hostel in which 71 students were provided lodging and boarding facilities in 1969.

The assets of the institution were valued at Rs. 17,000 in 1969. It receives Government grant and private donations too.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Shikshan Sanstha, Mangrulpir: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Shikshan Sanstha was established in January 1967 for propagating the cause of education by conducting schools, libraries and hostels for students from the backward classes.

It conducts a high school which had a strength of 120 in 1969 It is maintaining a hostel which has an accommodation of about 100 students. The institution provides the hostel as well as boarding facilities free of charge to the backward class students. It receives donations from charitable institutions and the public.

The income and expenditure of the institution both came to Rs. 52.000 in 1969. In the same year it received Rs. 5,000 by way of Government grant, and Rs. 5,000 by way of donations.

Babuji Deshmukh Vachanalaya, Akola: Babuji Deshmukh Vachanalaya is one of the oldest libraries in Akola founded in the year 1860. Its principal objective is propagation of the cause of education among the people through the establishment of libraries and study circles and by arranging lectures.

The activities of the library include lectures from distinguished scholars, and discussions on various topics of current interest, elocution competitions and music competitions for women.

In 1969 the library had 2,400 members on its roll. It is housed in its own building. The value of the assets of the library including the books is estimated at Rs. 5,00,000. The annual in-come and expenditure of the library amounted to Rs. 16,000 in 1969. It gets a yearly grant of Rs. 750 from Government and Rs. 300 from Akola municipality.

Bakalival Vidyalaya, Washim, Akola: The Rajasthan Education Society was founded in July, 1944, at Washim with the object of serving the cause of education in Central Provinces and Berar. It started a secondary school, namely, Rajasthan Navayug Vidyalaya and Arya Mahavidyalaya i. e., College of Arts in 1944. In the year 1954 the Rajasthan Navayug Vidyalaya was renamed as Bakaiival Vidyalaya. It is a full-fledged high school giving instructions up to 11th standard. Besides studies, it encourages extra-curricular activities and sports.

Since its establishment till today nearly 4,975 students have passed through this Vidyalaya. The assets of the Vidyalaya amounted to Rs. 2,50,000. Its annual income amounted to Rs. 69,067.62 and expenditure to Rs. 81,301.33 in 1965-66. The Vidyalaya receives a grant-in-aid amounting Rs. 30,644 from the Government.

Berar General Education Society, Akola: The Berar General Education Society was founded in the year 1935 with the aim of spreading education by starting schools and colleges at suitable centres.

In the beginning the society started a high school viz., Modern High School which was subsequently renamed after the donor as Narayan Madhav Chaudhari High School.

The society subsequently expanded its activities, and has the following institutions under its control.

The society has earned a good name as an excellent educational institution.

The value of assets and property of the society is estimated at Rs. 1.25 crores. The society receives grant from Government, and donations from other sources also.

Bhikamchand Khandelwal Vidyalaya, Akola: Bhikamchand Khandelwal Vidyalaya is conducted by the Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, Akola. It was founded in July 1958 with the object of advancing the cause of education.

The Vidyalaya authorities pay special attention to the physical and mental development of students. They also strive at inculcating virtues and national spirit among the students. The Vidyalaya has started a book-bank and free medical relief facilities for the benefit of needy students.

The managing committee of the Vidyalaya included 15 members in 1969. The annual income of the Vidyalaya amounted to Rs. 1,68,504.85 and the expenditure to Rs. 1,60,153.62 in 1969. Its assets were valued at Rs. 2 lakhs in the same year.

Dalit Vidyarthi Vasatigrih, Murtizapur: Dalit Vidyarthi Vasatigrih was established in 1949 with the object of providing hostel facilities to backward and economically backward class students including girls.

In 1968-69 there were 45 boys and 24 girls staying in the Vasatigrih. The assets and property of the Vasatigrih amounted to Rs. 4,000. It receives a Government grant at the rate of Rs. 25 per student per month while it charges Rs. 5 per month to every student. It provides boarding facility too. In 1968-69 the expenditure of the Vasatigrih amounted to Rs. 22,500 for the boys' section and Rs. 7,000 for the girls' section.

Dhanabai Vidyalaya, Balapur : Shrimati Dhanabai Vidyalaya was founded in August 1944 at Balapur, with the object of extending facilities of education to the general mass of the people.

The Vidyalaya is housed in the building owned by the Balapur Education Society. The total assets of the Vidyalaya amounted to Rs 5,000, in 1969. The institution received a grant of Rs. 85,000 from the government in 1969.

The Vidyalaya had a strength of about 650 and a teaching staff of 24 in the year 1969.

Gadge Baba Kunta Mata Sanstha, Murtizapur: Gadge Baba Kunta Mata Sanstha, came into existence in the year 1967. It was founded by Shri Vasudeo Buva Sonawane, grandson of the Late Shri Sant Shiromani Gadge Baba. The object of the Sanstha is to bring about cultural and educational. progress of women. The Sanstha manages a Chhatralaya viz., Late Matoshri Kuntamata Kanya Chhatralaya at Murtizapur.

The Sanstha is administered by an executive board of nine, consisting at present of Shri Vasudeo Buva Sonawane, the founder of Sanstha and its life president, vice-president, secretary and six members.

The Sanstha provides free lodging and boarding facilities to gill students. They are also provided with certain items of daily use free of charge.

The assets and property of the Sanstha were valued at Rs. 1,500. while its expenditure amounted to Rs. 4,400, in 1969-70. It received government grant amounting to Rs. 2,600 while the income from fees was Rs. 1,800 in the same year.

Gadge Maharaj Dharamshala, Murtizapur: Gadge Maharaj Dharamshala was established in 1930.

There are 4 life members who look after the management of the Dharamshala The property of the Dharamshala is worth about Rs. 10,000. It is made available for holding social functions and wedding ceremonies which gives it an income of about Rs. 1,500. The maintenance of the Dharamshala is mostly through donations.

Gadge Maharaj Gorakshan Sanstha, Murtizapur: Gadge Maharaj Gorakshan Sanstha-was established in 1930 to serve the public by making available good milk and also to look after disabled animals.

The Sanstha is managed by a committee of 5 members. The assets of the Sanstha were valued at about Rs. 1,50,000 in 1969 including land and building. The annual expenditure on the maintenance of 20 cows and other animals amounted to Rs. 7,000, in the same year. The Sanstha is maintained by public donations and the sales proceeds from milk products.

Gadge Maharaj Vidyalaya, Murtizapur: Shri Gadge Maharaj Vidyalaya was established in 1952 at the inspiration of the late Sant Gadge Maharaj who had donated Rs. 5,000 initially. This Vidyalaya was established to meet the educational needs of the poor agriculturisls of the neighbouring villages.

The present Vidyalaya commenced its work in the premises of the Gadge Maharaj Gorakshan building and subsequently built a suitable building from donations received by it. A boarding house with an accommodation for 100 students is also provided by the Vidyalaya.

The Vidyalaya has a strength of about 1,000 students.

Like many other schools, extra-curricular activities and national celebrations are given due encouragement by the authorities of this Vidyalaya.

The assets of the Vidyalaya including moveable and immoveable items amounted to Rs. 38,477 and the income and the expenditure to Rs. 1,45,000 in 1969-70.

There is an advisory committee consisting of one member each from Shivaji Education Society and Gadge Maharaj Mission and some other members. The day-to-day affairs are, however, looked after by a managing committee with a president, vice-president and secretary.

Janta Homoeopathic and Biochemic Mahavidyalaya, Akola: Shri Janta Homoeopathic and Biochemic Mahavidyalaya is run by Shri Janta education society, Akola, since 17th July 1958, for imparting education in homoeopathic and biochemical faculties of medicine.

The Mahavidyalaya conducts a three-year diploma course recognised by the Government. The medium of instruction for the diploma course is Marathi.

The number of students in the Mahavidyalaya is about 125. Scholarships are given to Harijan and backward-class students. The Mahavidyalaya is provided with a big library and a playground for the benefit of the students. The Mahavidyalaya is housed at present in the building of the Sitabai Arts College.

The assets of the Mahavidyalaya are valued at Rs. 22,000 while the annual income and expenditure amounted to Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 22,000, respectively during 1968-69.

Lions Club, Akola: A branch of the Lion's Club, Akola was established at Akola with the objective of doing social work. The club makes available medical facilities to the people in rural areas and conducts eye-donation camps.

The club had 34 members in 1969. Its income and expenditure amounted to Rs. 7,000 in that year.

Manila Mandal, Patur: The Mahila Mandal was established in 1955 with the aim of fostering social intercourse and the welfare of women It also aims at imparting training to women in arts like stitching, cooking, etc. The Mandal celebrates the Sharadotsay festival. In 1969 the Mandal had 40 members.

New English School, Akola: The New English School is run by the Akola Education Society since July 1927, with the aim of bringing about educational development.

The school is managed by a governing council of nine member. The school has got its own building and assets worth about Rs. 25,000. It receives aid from Government to the tune of Rs. 1,25,000 and Rs. 5,000 from other sources.

There are nearly 25 classes accommodating students from 5 to 10 standards, while the number of students is over 1,000. It has a teaching staff of 35 teachers. The school imparts education in Marathi as well as English media. It is well-equipped with a science laboratory and a library.

The students and teachers in the school take keen interest in extra-curricular activities and sports. National festivals and commemoration events are duly celebrated with a view to inculcate national feelings.

New Era High School, Akola: The Pragatik Shikshan Prasarak Mandal was founded in the eventful year of 1942. At that time Akola with a population of over 62,000 needed a secondary school. At such a crucial time the above mentioned Mandal started the New Era High School. The institution had a band of selfless workers who devoted themselves to the cause of education.

In 1943 the school made an humble beginning at imparting education from 8th to 11th standard, with a total number of 157 students. The school was recognised by the Government in the same year. The institution constructed a building having 14 rooms with public co-operation and donations. It was subsequently expanded to meet the increase in the number of students. The school building was further extended in 1962 at a cost of Rs. 43,000.

The school has a strength of 1,300 students at present, of which 500 are girls.

It is also running a Bal and Yuvak Kalyan Kendra, established in 1963, which undertakes to provide free medical help to poor students by charging a nominal fee of one rupee per student, and utilises the services of eminent honorary doctors including an eye-specialist, a radiologist, and a dentist. Nearly 150 students have taken advantage of this Kendra, so far. With the help of the Red Cross Society the institution provided milk powder for the benefit of children suffering from malnutrition.

It has also helped the formation of an Employees Co-operative Society, Ltd., in 1964 for the benefit of its employees.

Due importance is given to N. C. C. training in the school. The present number of cadets is 100.

The school has provided facilities for physical education by introducing various Indian and Foreign games, such as hockey, foot-ball, volley-ball, cricket, badminton, kho-kho and hu-tu-tu.

The school authorities encourage literary activities, elocution competitions, drawing competitions, etc. The hand-written magazine 'Irsha' deserves a mention as it contains short stories, biographical articles, comics, dramas, etc., contributed by the students themselves. The best contributors to the magazine are rewarded every year.

The school has trained a number of students for the various drawing examinations. Since 1967 it has introduced a new course of training in making statues of plaster-of-paris.

The facility of appearing for the Hindi examinations conducted by the Maharashara Rashtrabhasha Prachar Samiti, Wardha, is also made available since 1958. The school also prepares students for examinations of Tilak Maharashtra Vidvapith, Pune. It also maintains a special Sanskrit Pariksha Kendra, which facility has been availed of by nearly 500 students so far. The school is equipped with a good library having reference books on various subjects in English, Hindi and Marathi. The school also encourages various extra-curricular activities and celebrates national festivals.

The school has also introduced a small savings scheme under which the students save Rs. 5 every year in the Postal Savings Bank.

Since July 1969 the Pragatik Shikshan Prasarak Mandal has also been conducting a night high school for the benefit of persons coming from working classes, who cannot attend the school during day time.

The annual income of the night school is about Rs. 1,100 and its expenditure Rs. 2,500. 'The school does not receive any Government grant.

The income of the New Era high school was Rs. 1,91,121.48 and expenditure Rs. 1,89,188.51 in 1968-69. The school received grant of Rs. 1,68,175.80 from Government in the same year.

The affairs of the school are managed by a managing committee which had a membership of 10 in 1968-69. The total number of leaching staff was 47 in 1968-69.

Rotary Club, Akola: A branch of the Rotary Club established at Akola devotes itself to the cause of social work. The club has undertaken various activities such as, providing medical facilities for the people in rural areas, amelioration of the downtrodden etc.

The club had, in 1968-69, 46 members. The income and expenditure of the club, amounted to Rs. 10,000, in the same year.

Sanatan Dhanna Sabha Pustakalaya, Akola: Shri Sanatan Dharma Sabha Pustakalaya was founded in 1911 with the object of diffusion of religious knowledge and spread of the Rashtrabhasha viz., 'Hindi'. Its activities included not only circulation of books, newspapers and magazines but also conducting religious debates and discourses.

The management of the Pustakalaya vests in a managing committee comprising the president and other officials. There are different classes of the membership of the Pustakalaya such as patrons, life members, donors, ordinary members and well wishers.

The Pustakalaya is housed in a three-storeyed building situated in the centre of the city, in which separate sections for men and women and for children are provided. The number of books in the Pustakalaya was nearly 3,000 in 1969, most of which were Hindi books. It has a good collection of treatises on religion in Sanskrit as well.

The assets and property of the Pustakalaya were valued at Rs. 75,000 in 1968-69. During the same year the Pustakalaya received Rs. 6,000 by way of Government grant, donations and subscriptions. Its expenditure amounted to Rs. 4,400 in 1968-69.

Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, Malegaon: The Shikshan Prasarak Mandal was established in 1952 with the object of promoting secondary education in rural areas, and started the Nathuram Narayandas Vidyalaya at Malegaon in the same year.

In 1969-70 the Vidyalaya had 710 boys, and 60 girls on its roll. The laboratory equipment, teachers' library, boys' library and furniture were together valued at Rs. 32,390 in 1969-70. The Vidyalaya is housed in its own building built at the cost of Rs. 1,34,384 and has landed property spread over an area of 13 acres. The Vidyaiaya has separate grounds for playing such games as foot-ball, volley-ball, kho-kho, and kabaddi.

In 1969-70 the income and expenditure of the school amounted to Rs. 1,22,240 and Rs. 1,08, 955, respectively.

Shirpur Education Society, Shirpur: The Shirpur Education Society, was established in 1917 with the object of propagating the cause of education.

The total membership of the institution was 17 in 1969 which included patrons, donors and annual members. The Governing body consists of 11 members including the president, vice-president and secretary. The Society conducts the Shirpur Vidyalaya, Shirpur. The management of the Vidyalaya is entrusted to the school committee which consists of the Head Master who is its ex-officio secretary, one teachers' representative and six members.

The number of students in the Vidyalaya was 709, while the number on the teaching staff was 25 in 1969. The institution owns five acres of land wherein the students are taught gardening and farming. The Vidyalaya has a science club and a well-equipped science laboratory with an investment of about Rs. 10,000. The library of the Vidyalaya is equipped with about 2,500 books.

The assets of the institution including land and building were valued at Rs. 2,51,000 on 31st March 1969, while the income and expenditure during 1968-69 amounted to Rs. 1,50,000 and Rs. 1,45,000, respectively.

Shivaji Education Society: The Shivaji Education Society with head office at Amravati, is the leading educational institution in Berar which had done pioneering work for the cause of education in the region.

The institution which is a monument of the ceaseless efforts of a number of selfless persons was established in 1932. Since its establishment it has extended the sphere of its activities over a number of districts in Vidarbha. The enlightened public in Akola district also contributed their might towards the growth of this institution and encouraged it to establish schools and colleges in the district. The institution conducts the below mentioned schools and colleges in the district at present.

(1) Shri Shivaji Arts, Commerce and Science Mahavidyalaya, Akola.

(2) Shri Shivaji Vidyalaya, main branch, Akola.

(3) Shri Shivaji High School, Washim.

(4) Shri Shivaji High School, Akot.

The relevant particulars of the college and schools are furnished below:

Shivaji Arts, Commerce and Science Mahavidyalaya, Akola:

The Shri Shivaji Education Society, Amravati, a premier educational institution in Vidarbha, started the Shivaji College of Arts, Commerce and Science at Akola, on 26th June 1963.

The ceaseless efforts of eminent educationists and social workers like Late Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh, Late Dr. G. B. Kherikar, Dr. W. R. Korpe, Shri P. N. Khode and other numerous well-wishers were responsible for the establishment of this educational institution. The financial requirements of this college were met by the agricultural produce market committee, Akola and the authorities of the Akola District Central Co-operative Bank.

The object underlying the establishment of this college is to throw open the facilities for higher education to those living in the rural areas of the district.

The college authorities have also constructed a hostel which received generous donation from the Zilla Parishad, Akola. The building of the college hostel is quite spacious and provides accommodation for 100 students.

With an appreciable increase in the number of students the problem of college accommodation became acute and hence the construction of a new building was taken np. The building was completed in October 1964.

The college imparts instruction in the various faculties of Arts, Commerce and Science and has acquired an excellent reputation as a good institution.

It is provided with well-equipped science laboratories in the faculties of Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Home Science.

It is also equipped with a good library having reference books on various subjects in various languages and a separate wing of text-books. The library possesses nearly 3,615 books.

Among the other facilities provided by the college are games like-hockey, foot-ball, volley-ball, cricket, badminton, kho-kho, kabaddi etc.

The National Cadet Crops training is also provided in the college. The college has encouraged various associations, such as, students representative association, literary association, etc.

The college celebrates annual social gathering and issues a college magazine viz., Shivdarshan.

The students in this college participate in debating competitions held by the University and have won many a prizes.

The college made a very modest beginning with 150 pupils on its roll. At present however the total number of students exceeds the figure of 1,000. The college has a staff of 37.

The total assets of the college are valued at Rs. 5 lakhs including building, library, laboratory, furniture and other equipment. The income of the college amounted to Rs. 1,80,000 and expenditure to Rs. 3 lakhs in 1969. It received Government aid amounting to about Rs. 51,000 as also a sum of Rs. 80,000 from the agricultural produce market committee in the same year.

Shivaji Vidyalaya main branch, Akola: Shri Shivaji Vidyalaya, Akola was founded in July 1946, with the object of providing educational facilities to the residents of the rural areas.

The school has got its own building. The assets including its building, furniture and other equipment were valued at Rs. 2,50,000 and the income and expenditure of the school at Rs. 1,50,000 in 1968-69. There are nearly 25 classes from 5 to 10 standards with a strength of 1,250 students and a total staff of 44.

The school celebrates national festivals and arranges for lectures and other such cultural activities.

A magazine, viz., 'Shivasphurti' is published by the school authorities which contains short stories, life-sketches of great men, poems, comics, etc.

Shivaji High School, Akot: The Shivaji Education Society's Shivaji High School was established at Akot in 1965, with the object of providing better educational facilities to the community. It is one of the biggest schools in the district and had 1057 students on its roll in 1968. The school is equipped with a library containing a large number of books and is provided with a reading room.

Hostel facilities were provided to 72 students in 1968. An agricultural land which yields a net income of about Rs. 1,000 is also owned by the school.

The assets of the school, including land and building were valued at Rs. 1,65,834 in 1968. Its income and expenditure amounted to Rs. 1,64,196.41 and Rs. 1,60,353.27, respectively in 1967-68.

Shivaji High School, Washim: The Shivaji High School, Washim, was established in 1961 with the object of imparting primary and secondary education. The school has a managing-body of seven members including the Head Master.

The school is housed in a rented building. It had 285 students on its roll in 1969-70.

The income and expenditure of the school amounted to Rs. 42,000 in 1969-70.

Sitabai Arts College, Akola: The Sitabai Arts College, Akola was founded in the year 1938 by the Berar General Education Society. The original name of the college viz., Berar Arts College, was changed to Sitabai Arts College after the name of the first donor, Shrimati Sitabai Jain of Akola.

The college has been affiliated to the Nagpur University. The Law faculty in the college was inaugurated in 1956-57 while the Science faculty came into existence in 1958-59.

In 1968-69 the college had a strength of 1425 students divided into three faculties viz., Arts 549, Science 744 and Law 132. The college is housed in a building of its own which is conveniently located in the town.

The Governing Body of the College consists of the President, the Secretary, four representatives of the foundation society, Vice-Chancellor's nominee, three representatives of the teaching staff, and the Principal.

The college awards merit scholarships to students in each class. The amount of Pre-University class scholarship is about Rs. 108 and Degree classes about Rs. 135 per year. The college authorities have provided a hostel for about 15 to 20 students at the college premises. The college library contains more than 15,000 books.

The college authorities encourage extra-curricular activities in pursuance of which they have established various associations and forums as mentioned below:—

(1) Marathi Sahitya Sewa Mandal.

(2) Hindi Sahitya Samiti.

(3) Students' Union.

(4) Planning Forum.

(5) History Association.

(6) Science Association.

(7) English Literary Association.

In addition, there is an Association which arranges debates and lectures by eminent scholars.

The annual social gathering is celebrated in a fitting manner while facilities for various sports activities are made available to the students.

The value of the fixed property and assets of the college was Rs. 8,00,000 in 1968-69, while the income and the expenditure amounted to Rs. 6,00,000 in the same year. In 1968-69, the college received Rs. 1,00,000 by way of Government grant.

Swami Vivekanand Hindi Shikshan Sansiha, Karanja: The Swami Vivekanand Hindi Shikshan Sanstha was established on 1st December 1935 with the object of propagation of Hindi.

The members of the institution are classified as patrons, founder members or honourable donors, lime members, and annual members. The president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, who manage the day-to-day affairs of the institution are elected from among the members. In 1969-70 the institution had 165 students, oi whom 40 were girl students. It distributes books to poor and deserving students, free of charge. As a part of the Mahatma Gandhi Birth centenary celebration the institution constructed a new approach road with Shramadan from the students and contributed Rs. 1,000 towards the same.

The assets and property of the institution were valued at Rs. 21,000 in 1969. The income and expenditure of the institution amounted to Rs. 42,226 in the same year.

Tilak Rashtriya Saraswati Mandir, Akola-Umri: Originally the institution was known as Saraswati Mandir Anath Vidyarthi Griha located in Rajeshwar Mandir and was established in July 1919 at the inspiration of Lokamanya Tilak. The object of the institution was to spread literacy among the poor and the deserving and inculcate among them discipline, self-help and love for the nation. In the early years of the existence of the institution there were very few students who took advantage of the facilities offered by the institution.

In 1920 there spread in the district as in other parts of the country a wave of non-co-operation and boycott and national schools and institutions were established all over the country. In Akola to impart national education, the Rashtriya Shikshan Mandal was founded which ultimately led to the establishment of the Tilak Rashtriya Vidyalaya.

The sponsors of the Saraswati Mandir undertook to work as teachers in the Tilak Rashtriya Vidyalaya. Subsequently the Saraswati Mandir served as a hostel for the students of the Rashtriya Vidyalaya whereas the Rashtriya Vidyalaya served the purpose of an educational institution.

In 1922, Saraswati Mandir purchased 27 acres of land at Umri from the Gorakshan institution with the idea, that its students should have a good and healthy atmosphere with abundance of water supply where industrial and agricultural activities could be undertaken by them. In 1929 i.e., 10 years after its establishment, Saraswati Mandir and Rashtriya Vidyalaya were amalgamated although they were having their separate financial arrangements.

After independence it was decided to register the institution. Therefore in December 1952 both the institutions were united finally and registered. The institution is now known under the name of Tilak Rashtriya Saraswati Mandir and had thus become eligible for Government grants.

In the beginning the institution conducted its classes in small huts due to lack of funds for building purposes. However, in due course the institution was able to collect enough funds out of charities and monetary help received from the public. With the help of these funds the institution constructed a school building, a big well and a spacious hall.

The institution now started working with the following three branches viz., Sadanand Vidyashram, Achalpur, Tilak Vidyalaya Kapustalni and Tiiak Vidya Mandir, Borgaonmanju. The Sadanand Vidyashram had a cultural and intellectual faculty curriculum together with handicraft training, such as handloom weaving and tailoring. The Vidyashram at Achalpur, continued functioning for about 8 years. The other two were closed down for want of sufficient funds.

The constructive activities of the institution in the political and social spheres were commendable. Through their Mangal Murti Mela the institution could achieve appreciable social, political and cultural awakening. In the days of communal riots during 1924 and 1925 it helped the victims of the riots. It also undertook relief work during the floods in the years 1931-33 as also in 1959 when the Purna and the Morna were in spate.

The workers of the institution also sell hand-made cloth by moving from door to door and propagate the principle of Swadeshi by holding exhibitions. They also tour the villages for carrying out social welfare work such as sanitation, conducting educational classes and such other social activities. The institution took a prominent part during the youth session of the Vidarbha Provincial Congress in 1932 and that of Vidarbha Provincial Congress in 1934. The students of the institution undertook to canvass on behalf of the Congress at the time of the various elections held in Vidarbha during the pre-independence days. It is worthy of note that the teachers and students of this institution actually participated in the salt and forest Satyagraha that rocked Vidarbha in 1930-32. One of the students of the institution suffered martyrdom during the Satyagraha.

The institution came under the ban of the Government during the 'Quit India' movement. Many a student and teacher of the institution were jailed for participating in political activities.

A brief description of the activities of the institution is given below.

The Institution started a course in physical training in 1929. The students give demonstrations in various aspects of physical training in villages roundabout. Side by side the institution also started a class for imparting military training.

The institution also imparts industrial education to its students in various crafts such as carpentry, weaving, spinning, tailoring etc. It also runs a Khadi Gramodyog Bhandar which fetches the institution a yearly average income of Rs 3,000.

As stated earlier the institution owns land where attempts are made to grow agricultural products by the use of improved scientific methods such as fertilizers etc. The well owned by the institution provides sufficient water to the agricultural farm of the institution. It also augments the water supply of the town to which it is made on payment basis.

The institution has a goshala (cow shelter) under its management.

The institution started the Lokamanya Tilak Balmandir at Umri for the benefit of children in August 1956. The Balmandir received government grant for the construction of its building. It receives periodical grants from other charitable institutions also.

On 1st August 1956, the institution opened homoeopathic dispensary for free medical treatment to the residents of Umri village and vicinity, and also a free hospital for the students residing in the boarding.

The philanthropic activities of the institution included a homoeopathic dispensary and a boarding house for needy students. It receives grant from the Zilla Parishad and the Social Welfare department horn which it meets a part of the expenditure on the boarding facility. It also inculcates the habit of self-help among the students.

The school under the management of the institution is recognised by S. S. C. Examination Board since 1957.

The authorities of the institution have provided a good library. Extra-curricular activities are also encouraged. They also aim at developing national spirit and fellow feeling among the students through religious and cultural activities.

The institution is equipped with a radio-set, tape-recorder and cinema projector.

The institution has also formed an association of its past students known as Tilak Rashtriya Gurubandhu Mandal, 10 members of which have dedicated their lives for serving the institution.

The activities of the institution are managed by a Managing Committee consisting of 12 members. The total number of teachers is 49. The institution had assets valued at Rs. 4,50,000 in 1968-69. Its average annual income amounts to Rs. 2,50,000 while the expenditure corresponds to the same.

Tulsabai Kaval Vidyalaya, Patur: Tulsabai Kaval Vidyalaya was established in 1953 with the object of imparting education. It was named after the donor who gave a donation of Rs. 17,000 for Vidyalaya.

The Vidyalaya has a building which is worth about Rs. 1,00,000. The income and expenditure of the Vidyalaya, amounted to Rs. 80,000 in 1969-70 in which year it received Rs. 70,000 by way of Government grant.

Vanita Samaj, Washim: The Vanita Samaj was established on 10th March 1938 and was registered under the Public Trusts Act in 1960. its aim is to help general emancipation and allround development of women. In pursuance of its objectives, the Vanita Samaj undertakes various activities promoting indoor and outdoor games, cultural forums and training in fine arts as well as in knitting, stitching, sewing etc.

The management of the affairs of the Samaj is entrusted to an elected committee of not less than seven members comprising the President, the Vice-president, and honorary Secretaries.

The Samaj has been conducting a Balak Mandir since 1953. In 1969 there were 80 children on the roll of Balak Mandir. It also runs a library and arranges series of lectures on a variety of subjects. The Sharadotsav, Haldikumkum, Makar Sankrant and national festivals are also celebrated.

The funds of the Samaj consist of subscriptions from members and donations from public bodies and individuals. The value of the propertv and assets of the Samaj, including land and building, amounted to Rs. 4,549, in 1969-70.

Washim Shikshan Sanstha, Washim : This institution founded the Rani Laxmibai Kanya Shala in 1937 with the object of imparting intellectual, physical, vocational and moral education to the girls residing in Washim and the surrounding villages.

It is administered by a managing body of five including a president, a vice-president, secretary and two members.

In 1969-70, the Kanya Shala had 725 students on its roll. It has a library containing 1,500 books on various subjects. The school authorities encourage the all-round development of students in various fields, such as, sports, moral education, etc.

The building in which the school is housed, is valued at Rs. 1,00,000. The other assets are valued at Rs. 25,000.

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