HISTORY

1920:
Gokhale Education Society, a premier educational organization, established a secondary school in Bordi, a remote village in Thane district, to spread secondary education in rural areas. Principal T. A. Kulkarni, then Chairman of Gokhale Education Society, took the lead in establishing the school. Smt. Dhanbai Pestonji Hakimji, a great philanthropist from Gholwad, donated to the school in memory of her mother, Smt. Soonabai Pestonji Hakimji, leading to the naming of the institution as Soonabai Hakimji Pestonji High School. The school’s campus is situated on the sea coast, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, creating an ideal atmosphere for education reminiscent of the ‘Gurukul’ of ancient culture.

Pre-Independence Period:
The school was fortunate to have the leadership of Acharya Bhise, a visionary in rural education, who emphasized value education alongside the academic curriculum. He also introduced vocational education like spinning, weaving, and agriculture to make education relevant to the needs of rural people. Devoted teachers like Chitre Guruji and AtmaramPant Save served the students, considering their service a sacred duty. Many teachers participated in India’s freedom struggle, underwent imprisonment, and inspired students to do the same. Due to these efforts, the school was recognized as a ‘National School’ during the pre-independence period.

1945:
During the Silver Jubilee celebration of the school, past students built an auditorium named ‘Gurudakshina Mandir’ as a tribute to their teachers. The auditorium revives cherished memories for past students visiting the school and reminds them of the teachings and preachings of their teachers. Additionally, the past students established “The SPH High School Past Pupils’ Association” to maintain a permanent connection with the school where they were educated.

Past 80 Years:
A residential hostel for boys named “Shardashram” was constructed and has served students from Maharashtra and Gujarat states for the past 80 years. Late Shri Chitre Guruji devoted his life to serving students living in Shardashram. Students who stayed in Shardashram feel fortunate for having received education under saintly teachers like Acharya Bhise and Chitre Guruji, and they regularly return to Bordi to pay homage to their great teachers.

1962:
To cater to the need for technical education, the Godrej Technical Institute was established.

1975:
With the advent of a new pattern of education in Maharashtra, the Phirojsha Godrej Junior College was started. Godrej Boce & Company, Mumbai, donated to support these institutes.

1993-1994:
This period marked the centenary year of Acharya Bhise and AtmaramPant Save. The society decided to start an English Medium School by opening a division of Junior KG named Prin. AtmaramPant Save KG School. Each year, a division of a higher standard was added by natural growth, and the Government of Maharashtra sanctioned the opening of a division of Std. VIII from the academic year 2002-03.

1994:
N. B. Mehta Science College was opened to contribute to science education at the +2 level. The college was named after Shri N. B. Mehta, a former teacher at SPH High School. His son, Shri Nitinbhai, donated to the college. With excellent facilities for laboratories, a library, and classrooms, the college aims to provide higher education and create a scientific temper in rural communities. It offers modern courses in Biotechnology, Information Technology, and Computer Science.

1999:
The Lalita Jaykumar Pathare Institute of Information Technology was established, equipped with modern facilities for computer education and information technology. Smt. Lalita Pathare, a past student of SPH High School, and her husband, Shri Jaykumar Pathare, a well-known industrialist, provided the donation to establish this institute. The institute, attached to N. B. Mehta Science College, offers degrees in Computer Science and Information Technology affiliated with the University of Mumbai.

2002-2003:
The Government of Maharashtra sanctioned the opening of a division of Std. VIII for the English Medium School. As a result, the English Medium School grew, and the secondary section was named Pujya Chitre Guruji English Medium High School in memory of the late Krishnarao Mahadeo Chitre, alias Chitre Guruji.

Present:
Today, the English Medium High School is fully operational up to Std. X, maintaining good academic standards where students from all strata of society get admission. Computer education is introduced along with the regular academic curriculum from Std. I to X. A modern computer laboratory is available, allowing even students from economically lower classes to access computer games. The school also emphasizes sports activities to nurture sports talent from a young age. The school aspires to develop into an ideal institution where students learn about India’s rich heritage and culture. The aim is to create not only scholars but also responsible citizens.

Ongoing Development:
With the support of the Chairman and Secretary of Gokhale Education Society and cooperation from the citizens of Bordi, Gholwad, and surrounding villages, there is confidence that the school will soon develop into an ideal English Medium School in a rural area.