Welcome To Ugar Mahil Mandal

Bal Mandir

Bal Mandir

When anyone would have hardly dreamt of starting a ‘ Kindergarten School’ was back in 1952 – in that same year on 21st January, 1952, our Nursery Kindergarten School named ‘Bal Mandir’ was inaugurated. It was the Vision of Mrs.Durgabai Shirgaokar and Miss Saral Karekar of course. A School which started with a batch of 25 children has, as of today 250 Children studying in the different languages viz. Marathi, Kannada & English. In the beginning Miss Saral Karekar took charge of the School and later entrusted its’ management to Mrs.Sarojini Bhat who became the headmistress of this School. She completed the Montessori Course also which enabled her to run the school under proper guidelines. She herself would make all the toys needed for the School because that time it was difficult to obtain all these toys in the regular market. She was herself a perfectionist and laid an excellent foundation for the School under her able leadership. It was the inspiration of Madame Montessori, her vision and therefore this gave birth to ‘Montessori Schools’ or ‘Kindergarten’ as it is known today. Later on Mrs.Nalini Pote took over as the headmistress of this School. She too performed her task so well that all the children loved and adored her. An expert in playing the harmonium, she would teach action-songs to the children who thoroughly loved and enjoyed it. She was assisted by Mrs.Sunanda Sathe, who would manage the children equally well. In the year 1984 – Mrs.Vasudha Barve became the headmistress of this School, and did a commendable job for 24 years. It was under her able guidance and leadership that the K.G School celebrated its’ “Golden Jubilee”. Mrs.Meena Tikekar also worked as a Principal of this School for one year. As of today Mrs.Mangala Diwan is the Principal of this School. Herself a very organized and loving person, she handles the affairs of the School with great aplomb and her tenacity to pursue the goals is worth mentioning. She strives hard to maintain the standard of this institution. Under her able and dynamic leadership the school celebrated “60” years and the function was celebrated with gusto. ‘Tom’ and ‘Jerry’ the Cartoon Characters were present on this occasion to enthrall the little ones by their pranks and tricks. Nursery Schools from Belgaum, Kolhapur, Sangli etc participated in the ‘Entertainment Programmes’ and prizes were given to the Schools. Mrs. Vijaya Waad of Mumbai, herself actively involved with the welfare of the children, was the ‘Chief Guest’. She spoke very well on the role of Parents and Teachers in building the future of the Children. A Puppet Show’ from Pune was a great attraction. Not only did it amuse the Children but the elders also enjoyed it.

Bal Mandir

The solid foundation of this School was laid by Mrs.Durgatai Shirgaokar. The walls of this school were strengthened by Mrs.Tara Kaki and Mrs.Meenatai Shirgaokar and so to say the embellishment and the final touches or strokes were given by Smitatai. With wonderful creative ideas, different types of programmes were arranged for School Children, the parents and teachers as well. The ‘English Medium’ School was started. ‘Nursery’ School which was dear Meenatai’s idea was born in 1995 and further strengthened by Smitatai. The ‘mid-day-meal’ scheme was also her idea, so that children learn to inculcate the values of sharing and eating together. Care is taken to see that Seasonal vegetables and fruits are used to cook the food. The Trips are arranged by way of Study Tours to visit different Schools in different cities, so that you get a chance to learn something new from them. In this way, every year, two trips are a must so to say. Every year Mrs.Mangala Diwan takes great efforts to organize a wonderful ‘Annual Gathering’ of these children. Ably assisted by her enthusiastic group of teachers. They do a remarkable job and present an excellent performance of this school. Teachers are encouraged to attend ‘Annual Gathering’ of neighbouring K.G. Schools. Once in a year an ½ a day ‘Excursion’ is arranged for these children. And a ‘Trip’ of 1 – 2 days is organized for the School Staff. In this school, managed by Ugar Mahila Mandal care is taken to provide education which will help to develop the potentials of a child. All the different types of toys are meant to develop all their senses and skills. And every year toys are added which attract children and improve their skills.

Bal Mandir

Coloured Blocks, Beads, Clay, Lego all these keep the children engaged. Apart from Bykes, the slides, merry go round, swings in the garden give them good physical exercise. Playing with clay, gardening, a bit of Salad – making, Potato peeling gives them great joy. Filling water in bottles, separating different grains, grating dry Coconut etc all these things are enjoyed by these Children. Things which normally mothers do not allow them to do, they get to do in School and they are all very happy and excited about it. Cutting paper, making boats, drawing, colouring, folding paper bits, making greeting cards. Also playing with mud, making different shapes and sizes induces skills in them. They are taught Nursery Rhymes and encouraged to tell stories. Even patriotic songs are taught to them. Even they are taught to sing songs using their acting skills. And they love to do it. Then they are taught things like putting a stone in water and why it goes at the bottom of the glass. Lighting a candle in a glass and covering it. Why the Candle will blow off, how a magnet attracts iron etc. On National days like 15th August, 26th January, 14th November they are taught to speak a few words about our National leaders. It also helps to make them bold and get over their fear. Birthdays of Children are celebrated and also information is imparted to them about the place they live - that is ‘Ugar”. Festivals of all religions are celebrated so that Children get to know about them. Besides this, old practice of ‘by-hearting’ shlokas of Swami Ramadasa is organized. It helps to build the ‘retaining power’ of Children. Also various types of competitions and races are organized like throwing ball in the bucket, lemon and spoon race, threading beads. Also a ‘Fancy Dress’ Competition is arranged. Prizes are given to Children.

Bal Mandir

“The Annual Gathering” is the greatest day for these little ones. And their Parents and Friends turn out in great numbers to witness the dancing skills of their Children. The teachers and Principal Mangalatai leave no stone unturned to make it a Success. Simple Tests are set for these little one to gorge their memory skills and seven children are selected every year and honoured with a Certificate, Cash reward and a chocolate garland and bouquet. A gold and silver medal is also given to them. All these ideas are included. Every year a “Waari” that is carrying a Palkhi of ‘Shri Vithal’ to the temple is organized with the Children dressed as ‘Vaarkaris’- And also a marriage of ‘Bahula – Bahuli’ whereby there is a doll dressed as bride and a bridegroom is arranged. Then there is a boy dressed as ‘Bhadji’ the Purohit or Priest who performs this wedding. The Children are divided into two parties the boy’s side and the girl’s side and they play stone music and enjoy the so to say fun – wedding of these dolls. It is organized towards the end of the year. In this way care is taken to keep the Children busy active and happy at the same time educating them in the values of life. Parent – Teacher meetings are arranged twice in a year promoting congenial relations between them and a healthy relationship also. We hope to further improve and take these Schools to great heights, of course with God’s grace.