This weekend at Shahapur Teli Patil Galli, history comes alive in the form of a grand milestone—Govt. Saraswati Girls’ High School, Shahapur, celebrates 150 years of unwavering dedication to girls’ education. From humble beginnings in the late 19th century to becoming a cornerstone of empowerment and excellence, the school’s journey is a tribute to vision, resilience, and collective effort.
A Walk Through Time
Founded in 1874-75 under the enlightened patronage of the Rulers of the erstwhile Sangli State, the Patwardhans, the school began with just 17 girls and two teachers in a modest five-room building. The people of Shahapur, inspired by their proximity to the British-ruled Belgaum and deeply rooted in their love for education, requested His Highness, the Raja Saheb of Sangli, to establish a girls’ school. The Raja, progressive in thought, granted the request—planting the seed of what would become a remarkable legacy.
Over the decades, the school grew steadily, evolving from a Marathi Primary School into a full-fledged Anglo-Vernacular High School, thanks to the community’s persistent efforts and visionary educators. It was renamed Saraswati Girls’ High School, honoring Rani Saraswatidevi, wife of Chintamanrao Patwardhan, the ruler of Sangli State. (The Chintamanrao High School is named after the Raja himself)
Pioneering Leadership and Educational Excellence
One can imagine the state of girls’ education in Belagavi over 150 years ago. The institution has been blessed with extraordinary educators who shaped its course. From the charismatic Smt. Laxmibai Talvalkar, the first headmistress who came from Maharshi Karve Shikshan Sanstha, to Shri V. D. Gunaji, the first graduate headmaster who initiated the renaming of the school, every leader brought dedication and innovation. Post-independence, the school came under the management of Saraswati Seva Mandal, Shahapur, and later transitioned to the Government of Karnataka in 1965. It became a symbol of integration, offering both Marathi and Kannada mediums of instruction, thereby embracing linguistic and cultural diversity.
Educators like Shri K.R. Walvekar, Smt. A.M. Dakhani, Smt. K.A. Bhairannawar, and Smt. S.B. Mooganur continued the tradition of excellence. The School Betterment Committee led by the dedicated Shri Madhukar Tammaji Naik, Shri Mahadevappa Kittur, Shri S. A. Bhoj, Smt. Asha Potdar and others constantly worked hard towards improvement. They brought donations too. The launch of the school magazine, formation of the Past Students’ Association, and infrastructure expansions all reflect a deep commitment to holistic growth.
150 Years Later – A Grand Celebration
A new building has come in place of the old school, largely with the initiation and relentless efforts of MLA Shri Abhay Patil. A sum of Rs. 6 crores has been spent on this work.
As we mark 150 years, the school prepares for a grand Alumni Meet and Jubilee Celebration on Saturday, 10th May 2025 at the school, followed by the main event on Sunday morning, 11th May 2025. Over 6000 past students from all over India, right from 2 members from the oldest passing out batch of 1962, have registered for this event and hundreds of them are expected to attend in person.
- The day begins at the school at 8:00 AM with breakfast, till 9.30 am
- Inauguration of a brand-new building, constructed with the efforts and support of MLA Shri Abhay Patil.
- A vibrant procession with all the alumni will then move from the school to Chintamanrao High School, Kacheri Galli, culminating in a felicitation ceremony in the Jubilee Hall to honor former teachers who played key roles in shaping thousands of lives.
- 1.30 to 2.30 is lunch
- 2.45 onwards cultural programs
For more details, please contact Preeti Kamat +91 97403 59654 / Dhanashree Limaye 9591027136