Bhai Pratap Dialdas, the founder of Gandhidham – Kandla complex is the founder of Gandhidham Maitri Mandal, an Education Society established in 1952. Ere this from 1950, the educational, cultural and social functions of this society were performed by the Sindhu Resettlement Corporation through its social amenities department.
Gandhidham Maitri Mandal is the backbone of the Socio – Educational Cultural structure of Gandhidham. It caters to the needs of our society. Dada Hundraj Dukhayal, former President, along with a group of devoted workers has done yeoman’s service to the society. At present Gandhidham Maitri Mandal runs directly under its care 4 Higher Secondary Schools with Science stream in English & Hindi medium, 4 Secondary Schools, 4 Primary Schools, 5 Balmandirs, Yoga Mandir, Gymnasium Centre, N. R. Malkani Public Library, Bewas Vani Mandir, Bhai Pratap Memorial, Dada Dukhayal Smarak and Dada Dukhayal College of Education.
Arts College was started in 1963 and Science faculty was added in the year 1967. Gandhidham Maitri Mandal started Polytechnic in 1962 which ran classes for Mistri and overseer course for 1 year. Hundreds and Hundreds of young men availed of this opportunity to become qualified and got jobs here in Gandhidham as the construction of twin township of Gandhidham was in full swing under a batch of eminent engineers who continued this work of construction on war footing.
In 1968, The Gandhidham Collegiate Board took on its shoulders this Herculean taks of upgrading the colleges and the Polytechnic and has done wonderful work in its advancement. It is really a boon for the whole Kachchh. Kaka Pribhdas Tolani and his family’s contribution in Higher Education field is laudable.
Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools have shown remarkable progress and are the recipients of many awards of State as well as National. Former Principals of Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Adipur and J. S. Adarsh Kanya Vidyalaya, Gandhidham are the State Best Teacher and National Best Teacher award winners respectively. The Teachers of all the schools managed by Gandhidham Maitri Mandal are devoted to the cause of Education.
Right from the beginning the Schools of Gandhidham Maitri Mandal have played an important role in all the constructive plans and programmes of the township. All the important days of Great Sindhi Personalities and Festivals are celebrated by Gandhidham Maitri Mandal, wherein teachers and students participate with enthusiasm. Every year Gandhidham Foundation Day and Gandhidham Varshik Utsav Mela is celebrated with pomp and dignity on 12th February for 3 to 4 days.
The sapling planted by Bhai Pratap in 1950-51 and nurtured by Kavi Hundraj Dukhayal has now grown in a formidable shady tree with roots embedded in solid foundation and branches spread in various directions.
Smt. Iswaribai Jiwatram Buxani Yoga Mandir started in 1995 financed by Dr. Ram Buxani has progressed immensely and its branch Gymnasium centre runs health club for Gandhidham people, which is financed by respected Shri Gopaldas Mahbubani. Since 2006-07, health centre with multifarious activities pertaining to Naturopathy and environmental reformation have been started with the cordial co-ordination of UNIKO group dedicated to community service with holistic approach.
We have started Dada Dukhayal College of Education from the year 2004-05. From 2005-06,Gandhidham Maitri Mandal has started English medium Primary School as well as Pre – Primary Schools at Adipur and Gandhidham.
In order to start Sports & Cultural in the Schools, the ground in Maitri Sports Complex has been prepared for sports and athletics activities. District and State level sports like Hockey, Football, Table Tennis as well as Athletics Camps & Competition have been held in the past one year.
Gandhidham Maitri Mandal with the co-operation of Kachchh District Table Tennis Association has started a Table Tennis coaching centre in Maitri School Complex, which has attracted many students from all schools of Gandhidham area.
These are our present activities, but there is more room for improvement and expansions of school activities. Upgrading and improving the quality of modern Techno – Social and Sports development is the main task of Gandhidham Maitri Mandal.
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Dada Dukhayal College of Education Ward 3A, Maitri School Campus, Adipur - Kachchh - 370205