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31 Jul 2026

Shri Jain Balmandir of Vidyamandir, Palanpur Wins Gujarat's Top Honour for Early Childhood Education

Shri Jain Balmandir, managed by the Vidyamandir Trust, Palanpur, has been honoured with the prestigious Gijubhai Badheka Shreshth Balvatika Award 2026, one of Gujarat's highest recognitions in the field of early childhood and foundational education.

The award, instituted by the Children's Research University, Gandhinagar—the country's first university dedicated exclusively to child development and education—was presented by the Hon'ble Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat. The award was received on behalf of the Vidyamandir Trust by Shri Shivakumar Krishnan, Director. Along with this prestigious honour, Shri Jain Balmandir also received a cash prize of ₹51,000.

While presenting the award, the organisers made special mention of Shri Jain Balmandir's exceptional contribution and exemplary performance in foundational education. They commended the institution for its innovative educational practices, unwavering commitment to quality early childhood education, and its nurturing, child-centric learning environment.

The recognition is especially significant as Shri Jain Balmandir is the institution from which the Vidyamandir Trust's educational journey began.

The origins of the institution date back more than a century. Jain Shishushala was established in 1921 by the late Shri Surajmal Lallubhai Mehta at the Sthanakvasi Lukagachchha Jain Pustakalaya in Palanpur. On 16 August 1951, the Vidyamandir Trust assumed its management.

Soon thereafter, Shri Jain Balmandir was established at the initiative of Shri Kantilal Chhotalal Mehta, made possible through the generous donations of Smt. Kesarben Amritlal Zaveri, Smt. Lilaben Surajmal Mehta, and Smt. Lilavatiben Gafurchand Mehta. What began as a single institution with a vision of nurturing young children through value-based education went on to become the first institution of the Vidyamandir Trust and laid the foundation for an educational movement that today serves thousands of students through a network of schools, colleges and educational institutions across North Gujarat.

Long before activity-based and value-centred education became widely accepted, Shri Jain Balmandir had adopted these principles as the cornerstone of its philosophy. Today, the Gujarati-medium nursery and kindergarten continue this rich legacy by providing a joyful and stimulating learning environment. Its thoughtfully designed facilities include a dollhouse, sand and water play areas, a library and a multimedia room. The curriculum, based on the Pragna Abhigam approach, encourages curiosity, creativity, confidence and the holistic development of every child.

Expressing their delight on the occasion, Shri Russell Mehta, Chairman and Shri Ashish Mehta, Managing Trustee, Vidyamandir Trust, said in a joint statement: "This award is a proud moment for every member of the Vidyamandir family. Shri Jain Balmandir is where our journey began more than seven decades ago, and it continues to reflect the vision and values of our founders. We dedicate this honour to our founders, donors, teachers, staff, students, parents and well-wishers whose unwavering support and commitment have made this recognition possible. While we celebrate this achievement, it also inspires us to continue raising the standards of foundational education and nurturing every child with knowledge, values, creativity and compassion."

The Vidyamandir Trust expressed its sincere gratitude to the Children's Research University and the Government of Gujarat for this prestigious recognition. The award reaffirms the Trust's enduring commitment to excellence in education and strengthens its resolve to continue shaping young lives through innovative, value-based and child-centric learning.

Photo Captions:

(i) Hon'ble Governor of Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat presenting the Gijubhai Badheka Shreshth Balvatika Award 2026 to Shri Shivakumar Krishnan, Director, Vidyamandir Trust, Palanpur, in recognition of Shri Jain Balmandir's outstanding contribution to foundational education.

(ii) Plaque with the Award Citation