“If you want to give something, then give education, People will remember you forever!” This is the advice which was given by her father in law to Mrs. Rekha Joshi.
That line motivated her to become a founder of an educational institute and change the lives of 7000+ students. They have been contributing to society since 34 years.
In the Mid 1980s, Mrs. Rekha Joshi decided to establish one educational institute. She chose a location that was she was less familiar with in terms of student availability because she didn’t do things the easy way. She wanted to help the impoverished children first.
Hence, she started her journey from the Gandhigram area of Rajkot where most of the families were into the laborious jobs and wanted their kids to work before getting an education
1980 was the time when it was unimaginable to accept that a lady is going to start an educational institute. That was the time when society used to see women as just an ordinary housewife.
It was very difficult to decide and start something at such a time where things were hard to imagine.
All these problems were solved when she was blessed by her supportive family. Her husband was a bank clerk at that time and her father in law was a retired principal of Gondal state. They helped her lot to get it done. They also got involved as trustees and added a few government officers and doctors into the trust.
In 1986 Unnati School was established in a rented house at 2, Gandhigram at Rajkot. Initially, they got permission for only a playschool and standard 1 to 4. Getting admissions for the first year made them realize what the struggle is, starting an educational institute in such an area, but self-motivated and visionary founders have set an iconic benchmark. They have started their first batch with fees of just Rs. 15/-.
After two years, the school was shifted to Street number 4 from rented to owned premises of 4 rooms and a small office. They were still struggling in finding staff, students, permissions, transportation, and many other basic amenities. Roads, electricity was the most challenging factors for founder itself during the monsoon season, but her passion led her to her next milestone and they got permission and admissions for 5 to 7 standards.
Mrs. Rekha Joshi was getting famous as Rekha ma’am. Years were passing students were getting primary education. People have started admiring their effort and changes done by Rekha ma’am. Despite managing funds was a challenge for her, she wanted to go ahead with the secondary education plan. They were facing more challenges as they wanted to get it done without corruption. Finally, they got permission for the 8 to 10 standards.
In 1997-98 first batch of SSC board have passed 10th standard from Unnati School. Endless efforts and contributions started helping them to achieve good academic results and name in the education field in that area. This led to the rehabilitation of the area, as education brought about civilization and changes and families in that area started sending their kids for higher secondary and college education rather than sending them to work.
In 2004, Rekha ma’am had successfully completed 18 years in this field. She became an educator for thousand plus students along with her household work and family responsibilities. Mr. Pravin Joshi the constant supporter of Rekha ma’am in her journey became the branch manager from just a clerk. Their kids have completed their education and are settled into their marriage life. That two-decade journey was full of struggles, achievements, and contributions for them and many students.
In 2004, they have decided to start 11th and 12th and get permission as well. As they were expanding things they were also finding challenges in management also. Elder son Sanjay Joshi has completed his Instrumental control engineering and he was working with IPCL. But, he left his job and joined the management of Unnati School in 2004-05.
In 2014 English medium for 1 to 10 was started, now Unnati Vidhyalay become the one-stop solution for KG to 10th standard – Gujarati and English medium and 11-12th Arts, Commerce, and Science. Rekha ma’am is proud to be an educator of 7000 + students. 700+ of them are doctors, engineers, and professors. Throughout the 34 years of the institute, they have helped many families as an employer as well. They have 60+ staff in a total. In This 34 years of the journey, they have achieved a lot, contributed endlessly and got it done still growing. Best wishes to her 🙂
