Staff

RANJANA PATEL

In the late sixties, around 1968, when people in Rajkot were not even aware about the concept of Montessari Education, one honourable and far sighted lady, Mrs. Virbala Dalal endeavoured to take an initiative and started a Montessori english medium school in Rajkot, viz. “Jai Bharat” for pre primary school and “New Jai Hind” for primary school.

In those days, when there were hardly any English medium schools, Mrs. Dalal was a pioneer in bringing awareness about the importance of educating a child in Montessori school which would go on to become a strong foundation for some of the best professionals in those times.

In 1972, Mrs. Dalal was the only qualified lady from India who was asked to go to Japan as a delegate for Montessori Education. She was a lady with tremendous knowledge, self confidence and with a keen perception for determining a child’s capabilities for their development. For all the parents, it was a matter of pride and honour to have their children studying in such a school under the guidance of Mrs. Dalal.

In each and every person’s life, there is a Guru behind their Success, it can be your parents, your siblings or any of your mentors. In my late twenties, I was very fortunate to find my mentor, my Guru, Mrs. Dalal, who brought out the teacher in me.

I came across Mrs. Dalal coincidentally for some other work where upon she went on to offer me a job at her school from where my journey began as a teacher. I was delighted to be offered such a great opportunity especially under the guidance of such an esteemed and knowledgeable mentor.

She brought a turning point in my life and gave my life a direction on which I progressed and went on to dedicate 33 years of my life as a teacher with the Galaxy Education System.

Today, wherever I am and for my entire professional life’s journey, I bow down and give full credit and my utmost gratitude to my mentor, my Guru Mrs. Dalal, a phenomenal lady who gave a meaningful purpose to my life.

Thank you

Ranjana Patel

MR GREG D’SOUZA [1975 – 76]

This is all about our schools “Jai Bharat” Pre-Primary and “Jai Hind” Primary schools in Rajkot, Gujarat, India.

Mrs Virbala Dalal, Mr Praful Dalal and Miss Neeshat Dalal had a great vision for their schools to educate the tiny tots of Rajkot and today these tiny tots are great citizens all around the world.

It was my pleasure to devote myself as a teacher during the years 1975-76 to their cause of making those things happen with the wonderful staff members. Those sweet memories are afresh in my heart.

I wish everyone well

Greg D’Souza

VIJAYABEN RAJANI [1974-1990]

Vijayaben was a Pre-primay Gujarati teacher at Jai Bharat and New Jai Hind Schoolf from 1974 till 1990.  She also brought her experience of craft, music and mimicry, along with teaching experience. She was passionate about making ‘best from waste’.

Her recollections were that it was like working with a family, and has memories of doing a TV talk show called: Prithvi Ni Utpati ane’ Utkranti’ [translates as Earth’s growth and regeneration]. She also recalls doing regular Radio talks called Baal Jagat [translates as Children’s world].

Vijayaben Rajani

BINDU PONDA – 1972

(Bindu Ponda left us in 2020)

My sister Bindu Ponda assisted Virbalaben in managing her School, while studying her law graduation, in 1972, when Virbalaben went to Japan for a Conference.

Virbalaben Dalal, was very helpful to us in our early childhood and took deep interest in our early educational base.  The concept of introduction of Montessori level of learning was new and very interesting to parents and children in Rajkot during that time.

By: Yogesh Ponda – Advocate

Dakshaben Brahmbhatt

My Mother, Dakshaben was the first teacher recruited by Jai Bharat school in 1969. She learnt a lot from Virbalaben, who was very meticulous and particular about timings and punctuality. Her experience in Jai Bharat school was the foundation to led to a long career in teaching thereafter in other schools in Rajkot, for which my Mother has fond memories of Jai Bharat School.

By: Ami Brahmbhatt [Daughter]

GANGABEN CHAUHAN 1969 – 1985