History of Shri Gujarati Samaj, Indore
In the beginning of the 20th century Shri ManilalBaldevdas Parikh came from Gujarat and settled in Indore. He not only succeeded in the commercial field but also participated in social activities, As the number of Gujaratis increased in Indore, the problem of teaching Gujarati in the Gujarati Samaj persisted. In 1923 just with 7 students Gujarati School was started near Jail Road Square, under the guidance of Shri Ambashankarji Pathak. The school progressed with time. Owing to increase in nimber of students the problem of place and finance arose, which was later solved by late Shri Manilalji. In 1925, this Institution was named Saraswati Bhawan and education was provided upto 5th standard. This primary school was further developed into a middle school the year 1932. Shri Manilalji donated 35 thousand him self and was helped by his colleagues for this purpose. In 1946,a school named’ Rai Ratan Manilal Baldevdas Gujarati High School’ was established. When Sardar Ballabhbhai Patel in 1948, said in his speech that one should leave the stately-narrow-mindedness and accept the broad views of Indian nation; Shri Gujarati Samaj, Indore was inspired and all the members of Shri Gujarati Samaj, Indore, participated whole-heartedly for the welfare of all Indians. The donation of Rs. 55,000 by Seth Manilal in 1951 led to the establishment of Gujarati Inter College with Science & Commerce faculties. This college was further developed into a post-graduate college in 1958. With the help of Smt. Manilalji in 1957, ‘Smt. Chanchalben Parkh’ another Primary school was founded. Owing to the increase in the number of students and lack of place in this Institution. Shri Bhailalbhai Kashibhai Patel donated 71 thousand rupees in the memory of his father with contribution of Shri Govardhandas Patel in the memory of Shri Ghelabhai Nathabhai Patel, ‘Gujrati Bal Mandir’ was founded in 1963. In 1970, art section was introduced in the college. Law College was started in 1963, in the college was divided into two independent colleges, namely P.M.B Gujarati Science college & P.M.B. Gujarati Arts, Commerce & Law college, the year 1974, Botany & Chemistry Classes were introduced in Science College. In 1979, P.M.B. Gujarati Arts & Law College was founded.
The first Girls Commerce College in India was started with the help of donations from Matushri Kankuben Hirachand Sanghvi Charitable Trust. Home Science faculty was started in 1983 and commerce classes were started in 1986 in this college. In 1988, Career Management Institute and Women’s Vocational Training Center was developed. In 1990, in the Science College, Microbiology & Computer Science subjects were developed. At Bombay-Agra Road, Scheme No. 54, 12 acres of land, a huge multipurpose education complex was started. Girls College, Hostel, Vocational Training Centre, Sports complex and Community Hall have been proposed. At present, education from K.G .to XII classes is imparted through English medium in this campus. Shri Mukesh Ajmera Charitable Trust donated this English Medium school and named as A.M.N. English Medium School. In 1976, Polio Inhibition Center was established. Students have Sardar Patel ground for sports activities. There is a well equipped gymnasium, too. Shri Kamlaben Raojibhaipatel, Community Hall was constructed at Nasia road.
In the year 2000 computer education was introduced in the schools and various vocational curriculums have been proposed. Era of professional institutions started with SKRPG Homeopathic Medical College and Research Centre in scheme No. 54. In 2001, In the same campus of 3.25 acres of land this Institute started with MCA and B.Sc. programme, BCA in 2002, MBA in 2003 and BBA in 2004 and many more to follow.
It is a matter of pride for the Samaj that amongst every 7 students of the University one student belongs to Gujarati College. Shri Gujarati Samaj has given Political Leaders, Ministers, I.A.S. Officers, Successful Industrialists, Scientists etc. to the nation. Another achievement of the Samaj is that the MP Minority Commission has also recognized the educational institutions run by Shri Gujarati Samaj as educational Institutions run by the Linguistic Minority Community and given it Linguistic Minority Certificate. Shri Gujarati Samaj also gives financial support to women for self-reliance. Gujarati women are given free training of Tailoring.
At present Shri Gujarati Samaj is a large educational organization dedicated to the cause of education. It represents, not only the city, but entire Madhya Pradesh. It is running 9 colleges and 6 schools today.