Chopda
Education Society was formed when India was under British rule.
Lokmanya Tilak and Dadasaheb Khaparde had come to Chopda to sow
the seeds of nationalism in the people of Chopda. Shri Nimdu
Shamlal Seth of Chopda took inspiration from Lokmanya Tilak and
Dadasaheb Khaparde and along with some people in Chopda founded
Chopda Education Society and New English School on 9th January,
1918 to inculcate in people the value of education, nationalism
and hard work. Along with the school he also founded Lokmanya
Vyayamshala. He believed that 'sound body' is as much important
with education for the national cause. Under the devoted and
able guidance of the teachers Shri. Moharir, Shri. Talegaonkar,
Kasarekar and the support of the landlords the school started
growing up. It had 10 students at the beginning…., now it has
4000 students.
1933 was a remarkable year for Chopda Education Society, when a
great patriot Shri. Maganlal Nagindas Gujarathi became the
Chairman of Chopda Education Society. He was also a staunch
follower of Gandhiji. He had a dynamic personality, with ideal
thoughts on education and a strong decision maker. Todays status
of Chopda Education Society is the fruit of long range thinking
of Shri. Maganlal Nagindas Gujarathi He was Chairman of Chopda
Education Society from 1933 till his death in 1984. During this
period Chopda Education Society has become a huge tree imparting
education to all levels of society through its various branches.
Another patriot and a self taught person Shri. Govardhandas
Bhikaridas Gujarathi (Babaji) had also a lion's share in the
progress of Chopda Education Society. He was an ideal
personality following Gandhism and always ready to work for the
society. Humanity, love, simple living and high thinking, Ahinsa
were the principles of his life. Due to these qualities, he
ruled on the heart of the people. The construction of school was
under his guidance.
New English School was renamed as Pratap Vidya Mandir, Chopda in
the honour of the great donar Pratap Sethji, who had donated Rs.
15000/- for the construction of the new building.
Our present Chairman Shri. Rajabhai A. Mayur, is a successful
businessman having long range thinking on education and always
striving to do something new for the school. He believes in
trusting teachers and giving them full freedom for work. His
versatile, cheerful, cooperative and strong personality makes
him a most respected person.
From 1966 Shri. Vitthaldas Chhaganlal Gujarathi is attached with
Chopda Education Society, Chopda. He became the President of
Chopda Education Society in 2000. He is a well known social
worker in Chopda and a strong believer in physical fitness and
yoga. Under his strong leadership Chopda Education Society is
progressing steadily. |