History of Bal Vidya Mandir Education Society

The prestigious educational institution of Parbhani city, Bal Vidya Mandir Education Society, had its humble beginnings with a small tuition class. The late Mr. M. Sh. Shivankar, driven by a passion to educate needy children, established the foundation of this institution with the support of like-minded people in Parbhani who shared his vision for education and foresight for the city’s future.

In 1967, Bal Vidya Mandir Education Society was formally established, giving Parbhani a new educational institution. After Late Ferozshah Parakh assumed responsibility as the first President of the society, the primary school was started, followed by the opening of the secondary section.

Later, seeing the deep dedication towards education of Late Dr. Pandurangji Navandar, who was already renowned in the medical field of Parbhani, he was elected as a Director of the institution in 1980. Eventually, he dedicated himself completely to full-time academic work. His meticulous planning, organizational discipline, and passion for education earned him further responsibilities as Vice President and Secretary of the institution.

Over time, Dr. Pandurang Navandar was unanimously elected as the President of the society. Until his last breath, he devoted himself to student welfare, raising the reputation of the institution across Maharashtra.

The sapling of education planted by Late M. Sh. Shivankar and Late Ferozshah Parakh, along with their then-Board of Directors, was nurtured into a strong banyan tree by Dr. Pandurangji Navandar with the cooperation of his colleagues. In this mission, he was ably supported by his wife, Prof. Vasantitai Navandar, who also served as Vice President of the institution. She imparted moral values to students, organized guidance camps for adolescent girls, and acted as a mentor to teachers.

Throughout the past six decades, Bal Vidya Mandir Education Society has consistently worked with student welfare as its primary goal. Along with curriculum-based teaching, emphasis was laid on instilling cultural values in students, developing their overall talents, and preparing them to be responsible citizens of society. As a result, students of the institution can be seen excelling not only across India but also in many countries of the world, leaving their mark through their academic excellence. Truly, this institution has functioned as a “University of Knowledge and Values.”

With the foresight of Late Dr. Pandurang Navandar, a visionary educational campus was established. A new branch of Bal Vidya Mandir Primary School and Bal Vidya Mandir High School was started at Vaibhav Nagar in Parbhani. In 1990, the Junior College was inaugurated, thus making higher secondary education available for students even in challenging circumstances.

The institution soon became the school of choice for parents and students alike. With visionary leadership, Bal Vidya Mandir became the first in Parbhani city to start a Semi-English Medium School.

In 2005, Bal Vidyavihar School was established at Ambika Nagar on the model of English medium education, and later in 2013, classes for Standards IX and X were started. Today, this branch provides education from Nursery to Standard X.

Recognizing the growing demand for quality education, in 2017–18, Bal Vidyavardhini CBSE English School was established at Dharmapuri, offering high-quality CBSE curriculum education in Parbhani.

Today, more than 6,000 students are studying under Bal Vidya Mandir Education Society. Along with academic excellence, students have brought glory at state and national levels in competitive examinations, modern science and technology, co-curricular activities, public speaking, debates, music, dance, painting, and sports.

To provide exposure to various fields, the institution organizes many competitions in memory of its founders and leaders:

The Divisional Elocution Competition in memory of Founder Late M. Sh. Shivankar

The District-Level Quiz Competition in memory of Former President Late Ferozshah Parakh

The “Late Dr. Pandurangji Navandar Junior Genius Divisional Quiz Competition” in memory of Former President Dr. Pandurang Navandar

On the birth anniversary of Former Vice President Prof. Vasantitai Navandar, an Introspection Day is held for all staff members.

The institution has developed fully equipped infrastructure including modern school buildings, a rich library, well-equipped science laboratories, advanced computer labs, and cultural auditoriums.

In recognition of its work, the Government of Maharashtra’s Department of Social Justice honored the institution with the prestigious Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Award.

Guided by its visionary leadership, the institution continues its successful educational journey today. Knowledgeable and dedicated teachers remain the tradition of Bal Vidya Mandir. To ensure that students receive all types of education under one roof, the institution established the Bal Vidya Foundation in the academic year 2024–25.

At present, the institution is being ably led by President Dr. N. A. Zharkar, Secretary Dr. Vivekji Navandar, and the entire Board of Directors, who are carrying forward the legacy and heritage of the institution with great success.