Vanita Vishram
| Motto | Empowerment of Women through Education |
|---|---|
| Formation | 15 May 1907 |
| Founder | Smt. Bajigauri D. Munshi, Smt. Shivgauri K. Gajjar |
| Type | Educational and welfare trust |
| Headquarters | Athwa Gate, Surat, Gujarat, India |
| Location |
|
Region served | Gujarat |
| Fields | Education, vocational training, women’s welfare |
| Website | vanitavishramsurat.com |
Vanita Vishram is a women’s educational and welfare institution based in Surat, Gujarat, India. Established in 1907, it originated as an ashram for widows and disadvantaged women and has since grown into a multi-institution trust. Today, Vanita Vishram provides education from pre-school to university level, along with vocational training, nursing, and welfare programmes. In 2021, it established the Vanita Vishram Women’s University, Gujarat’s first women’s university under the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model.[1]
History
Vanita Vishram was founded on 15 May 1907 (the day of Akshay Tritiya) by two widows, Smt. Bajigauri D. Munshi and Smt. Shivgauri K. Gajjar.[2] With savings of Rs. 2,000, they established an ashram for helpless widows, divorcees, and socially disadvantaged women.
In 1911, the institution was formally registered as a trust.[3] Over time, it expanded into education and training:
- 1950 – Establishment of a training college with hostel facilities.
- 1961 – Launch of Sir V. D. Thackersey Girls’ High School in Gujarati and English medium.
- 1972 – Founding of Sheth P. T. Mahila College of Arts and Home Science.
- Subsequent decades – Introduction of pre-primary and primary schools, vocational training, garment and fashion design institute, wellness centre, and nursing school.[3]
In 2021, the trust founded Vanita Vishram Women’s University (VVWU) in Surat, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes.[1]
Founders
- Smt. Bajigauri D. Munshi (1885–1951) became a widow at the age of 22. She was noted for her administrative ability, emotional strength, and leadership.[2]
- Smt. Shivgauri K. Gajjar (1890–1969) was widowed at the age of 17. She contributed foresight, financial management, and dedication to the institution’s growth.[2]
Mission and Objectives
Vanita Vishram’s motto is Empowerment of Women through Education.[4] Its objectives include:
- Providing women with opportunities for education at all levels.
- Supporting social, moral, and spiritual upliftment.
- Enabling economic independence through skill development and vocational training.
- Promoting physical, intellectual, and moral growth.
Institutions
The trust manages a 27-acre campus at Athwa Gate, Surat, with around 11,000–15,000 female students annually.[5] Major institutions include:
- Vanita Vishram Women’s University (VVWU) – established in 2021.[1]
- Vanita Art Gallery – established in 2019.
- Vanita Institute of Open Schooling (VIOS) – established in 2018.
- Natkhat Nest Baby Day Care for Girls and Boys – established in 2016.
- Institutes of Garment and Fashion Designing (IGFD) – established 2014 for vocational training, garment and fashion design, and wellness.
- Vanita Vishram Sports Complex – established in 2014.
- Vanita Vishram School of Nursing – – established 2011 and offers ANM (2 years) and GNM (3 years), recognised by the Indian Nursing Council and Gujarat Nursing Council.[6]
- Dr. Premlilaben V. T. Primary Girls’ School – established in 1977.
- Sheth P. T. Mahila College of Arts and Home Science – established in 1972.
- Sir V. D. Thackersey Girls’ High School – established 1961.
Recognition
Vanita Vishram is regarded as one of the oldest women-focused educational institutions in Gujarat.[5] The establishment of VVWU marked a milestone as Gujarat’s first women’s university under the PPP model.[1]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "About Us". Vanita Vishram Women’s University. Retrieved 23 September 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Our Founders". Vanita Vishram. Retrieved 23 September 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "History". Vanita Vishram. Retrieved 23 September 2025.
- ↑ "About Us". Vanita Vishram. Retrieved 23 September 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "About Vanita Vishram". Vanita Vishram. Retrieved 23 September 2025.
- ↑ "School of Nursing". Vanita Vishram. Retrieved 23 September 2025.
External links
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