A Legacy of Visionary Education Since 1946
Shrimant Maisaheb Bavdekar School was established in 1946 in Kolhapur as the first Montessori Balmandir in South Maharashtra, marking a historic milestone in early childhood education in the region. The institution was founded by Shrimant Maisaheb Bavdekar (born 4 December 1915), a visionary educationist from the esteemed Sardar Raste family of Pune. She was married in 1935 to Parshuramrao alias Bhausaheb Bavdekar Pant Amatya, the Jahagirdar of Gaganbavda. After the untimely demise of her husband in 1942, Maisaheb chose to dedicate her life to education.
Educational Philosophy & Montessori Movement
Maisaheb pursued advanced studies in education under Maria Montessori in Ahmedabad and Italy. Upon her return, she introduced scientifically developed Montessori education to South Maharashtra—an entirely new concept in the region at the time. In 1950, Madam Montessori herself visited the school and, impressed by its progress and methodology, affectionately referred to it as the “Little Montessori of India.” Maisaheb also worked tirelessly to strengthen the Montessori movement in Maharashtra alongside eminent educationists such as Tarabai Modak and Anutai Wagh.
