Nestled amidst the verdant embrace of Maharashtra's Lanja Taluka, a cluster of five villages once echoed with the joyous melodies of social gatherings. In the early 1980s, amidst the celebrations of the Tripuri Pournima fair, a seed of hope was sown by a social worker named Harishchandra Atmaram Jadhav. His unwavering passion for social progress spurred him to envision a beacon of education for the children of the Panchakroshi - Indavati, Vangule, Nioshi, Golavshi, and Bapere.
This dream resonated deeply with Shri Shivram Kanade, a lawyer from Mumbai with roots in Indavati. Driven by an unyielding thirst for knowledge, Mr. Kanade defied the odds in the bustling heart of Mumbai. Having etched his days with early struggles, he found solace in the quiet wisdom of night schools, their flickering lamps illuminating his path to a Bachelor's degree in Arts. Mumbai, the city of a million dreams, became his classroom, its streetlights his companions as he pursued his Law degree under the cloak of the starlit sky. In the 1960s, when life itself felt like an uphill climb, Mr. Kanade's story wasn't one of mere survival, it was a testament to the transformative power of relentless pursuit. His triumph wasn't just securing a degree, but a victory over his own limitations, etching a legacy that continues to inspire even today.
Together, they nurtured the idea, seeking consensus and forging a path that led to the birth of Sahyadri Shramik Shikshan Sanstha on November 12, 1983. The spirit of unity transcended geographical boundaries, with the founding committee led by dedicated individuals like Vithoba Khanwilkar, Anant Indulkar, Kashinath Gurav, Jagannath Gurav, and Gunaji Pawar.
Khavadi, strategically positioned for accessibility, became the cradle of learning. Shribhau Desai, a local shopkeeper, offered a humble space beside his store, igniting the spark of education with a single Grade 8 class. But this wasn't merely a brick-and-mortar structure; it was a testament to the villagers' spirit of 'Shramdaan' - the selfless contribution of physical labor. They rose as one, constructing an additional room without demanding a single rupee. Thus , came into existence the start of a new chapter in rural education. The school teed off on June 18, 1984.
The journey, however, wasn't without its share of challenges. Gaining government recognition proved to be a formidable obstacle, a testament to the bureaucratic complexities of the time. Undeterred, the trust, ably guided by lawyer Mahabaleshwar Morje, sought legal recourse. Their perseverance ultimately triumphed, paving the way for government acknowledgment and a 50% financial grant in 1986.
The initial years were marked by unwavering determination. The trust, led by its visionary trustees, tirelessly sought donations to fuel the school's growth. This dedication bore fruit in 1990, with the acquisition of a sprawling 18,000 sq ft plot from one of the locals, Shri Ramchandra Kotawdekar. This land became the canvas for a grander vision.
Once again, the Panchakroshi spirit shone brightly. With renewed zeal, the villagers poured their hearts into constructing five rooms, echoing the 'Shramdaan' tradition. Donations funded the purchase of essential equipment, propelling the building project forward. In 1990, the newly constructed edifice proudly unveiled itself as 'Shri Saraswati Vidyaniketan Secondary School, Khavadi'. This name, steeped in filial love, honored the mother Saraswati and father Shripat of founding member Shivram Kanade.
Today, Sahyadri Shramik Shikshan Sanstha stands tall, a beacon of hope and empowerment for the Panchakroshi communities. Though all of the founding members have passed on, their legacy lives on, meticulously nurtured by the next generation. The school, now boasting a full-fledged secondary education program, caters to over 125 students every year, empowering them with knowledge and opportunity.
Sahyadri Shramik Shikshan Sanstha is not just a trust; it is a testament to the transformative power of community, a story etched in sweat, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. It is a living legacy, whispering tales of hope and progress, urging future generations to carry the torch forward, illuminating the path for generations to come.