A Historic Milestone in Women's Education
Established in 1946 during the pre-independence Nizam era to pioneer girls' schooling in Marathwada.
From Pre-Independence Struggle to Modern Excellence
“If a man learns, he alone becomes wise; but if a woman learns, the whole family becomes wise.”
The Founding Vision & Inspiration
Guided by this belief and inspired by the vision of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, Shri. Godavaridevi Lahoti Kanya Vidyalaya was established in 1946, during the pre-independence era and the Nizam rule. At a time when Marathwada was an educationally backward region, the establishment of a girls' school in Latur marked a significant milestone in the journey of women's education.
As the saying goes, “She who holds the cradle’s string has the power to uplift the world.” With this vision, the late Hon. Seth Shri. Puranmalji Lahoti established Shri. Godavaridevi Lahoti Kanya Vidyalaya in 1946 in the name of his sister-in-law, with the noble aim of providing girls with access to education.
With the inspiration and support of the late revered Swami Ramanand Tirth, late Shri. Babasaheb Paranjpe, and Smt. Mai Diwan, this educational endeavor gained further momentum and began making a lasting contribution to women's education in the region.
A Commitment to Education (1946–1960)
The school received generous financial support from the late Hon. Seth Shri. Puranmalji Lahoti. The expenses required to meet the educational and physical needs of the school were borne from the personal funds of the Lahoti family. The construction of the school building was undertaken by the late Dinanath Vasudev Save, an education enthusiast and contractor from Latur, who completed the work with a deep sense of social responsibility. One of the most remarkable chapters in the school's history is that from 1946 to 1960, girls were provided education free of cost. The entire expenditure for their education was borne by the Lahoti family, reflecting their extraordinary commitment to the cause of women's education.
A New Milestone (1954–1960)
Following the demise of Shri. Puranmalji Lahoti in 1954, the institution continued its journey under the guidance of the late Hon. Shri. Narayanlalji Lahoti. During his tenure, the school achieved another important milestone when its first batch of matriculation students graduated in 1955, fulfilling Puranmalji’s dream of advancing women's education.
In 1955, 15 students appeared for the matriculation examination, of whom 10 successfully passed.
In 1958, the Primary and Secondary sections of Shri. Godavaridevi Lahoti Kanya Vidyalaya were separated into two divisions, marking another important step in the academic development of the institution.
Finally, in 1960, the late Hon. Shri. Narayanlalji Lahoti entrusted the school to Shri. Marwadi Rajasthan Education Institute (SMRSS), under whose management the institution continued its educational journey.
With a legacy spanning decades, Shri. Godavaridevi Lahoti Kanya Vidyalaya continues to uphold the vision of its founders—to educate, empower, and uplift girls through knowledge, values, and opportunity.
The School’s First Executive Committee
The school’s first Executive Committee played an important role in guiding the institution during its formative years. Under the active guidance and dedicated efforts of the committee members, the school made significant progress in its educational journey.
Historical Context: The Dual-Shift System
During this period, the school faced a shortage of space and therefore operated in a two-shift/dual-shift system. Despite these limitations, the commitment and guidance of the Executive Committee helped the school continue to grow and serve the educational needs of girls in the region.
Principals of the School
The school has been guided by a succession of dedicated Headmistresses who have contributed to its academic growth and development over the years.
Mrs. Vidyawati Patwardhan
Former Headmistress • Succession #01
Mrs. Nalini Gaikwad
Former Headmistress • Succession #02
Mrs. Malti Mhaiskar
Former Headmistress • Succession #03
Mrs. Shiromani Purushottam
Former Headmistress • Succession #04
Mrs. Ratnaprabha Bembalkar
Former Headmistress • Succession #05
Mrs. Varadalakshmi Renapurkar
Former Headmistress • Succession #06
Mrs. Savita Pimple
Former Headmistress • Succession #07
Mrs. Revati Bhogale
Former Headmistress • Succession #08
Mrs. Suman Dole
Former Headmistress • Succession #09
Mrs. Usha Shinde
Former Headmistress • Succession #10
Mrs. Sunita Borgaonkar
Former Headmistress • Succession #11
Mrs. Sangita Kasar
Former Headmistress • Succession #12
Mrs. Deshmukh Achala
Current Serving Headmistress
A Legacy of Dedicated Leadership
A Legacy of Dedicated Leadership: Over the decades, each Headmistress has contributed to the growth and progress of Shri Godavaridevi Lahoti Kanya Vidyalaya. Their leadership, dedication, and pedagogical commitment have played an important role in shaping the character and academic excellence of the school. The institution continues to advance with the same spirit of dedication, carrying forward a rich legacy of women's education, values, and empowerment.
Milestones in the School’s Journey
“Through the effective and dedicated management of successive Headmistresses, the school continued to prosper and make steady progress. During the tenure of Mrs. Malatibai Mhaiskar, approval was granted for three divisions from Class V to Class X, marking an important step in the academic growth of the institution.”
Golden Jubilee Celebrations (1996)
The year 1996 marked the Golden Jubilee of Shri. Godavaridevi Lahoti Kanya Vidyalaya. It was a memorable year for the entire school community. Various activities, cultural programmes, and a grand concluding ceremony were organized to commemorate this significant milestone.
Diamond Jubilee Celebrations (2006)
In 2006, the school celebrated its Diamond Jubilee, marking another significant milestone in its distinguished journey. The year was commemorated through numerous educational and cultural activities, including an Alumni Meet, workshops for teachers, and teacher–student–parent interaction programmes. These activities brought together students, teachers, parents, and former students, strengthening the bond between the school and its wider community.
Continuing the Journey (77+ Years)
Continuing its successful journey, the school has completed 77 years of its educational legacy. As it stood on the threshold of its Octogenarian Anniversary, the school organized various programmes and activities throughout the academic year 2024–25 to commemorate this important phase of its journey.
The Sacred Resolve of Late Seth Shri Puranmalji Lahoti
Holding the noble dream of women’s education close to his heart, the late Hon. Seth Shri. Puranmalji Lahoti played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the bright future of women’s education in the region.
His vision, dedication, and commitment created opportunities for generations of girls to receive education and build a better future. His contribution, along with the efforts of those who carried the institution forward, helped Latur emerge as an important centre of education.
The legacy of Shri. Godavaridevi Lahoti Kanya Vidyalaya continues to live on through every girl who walks through its doors—carrying forward the values of knowledge, character, confidence, and empowerment.