Guided by this belief and inspired by the revolutionary vision of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, Shri Godavaridevi Lahoti Kanya Vidyalaya was established in 1946, during the pre-independence era and the Nizam rule. At a time when Marathwada was an educationally backward region, the establishment of a girls’ school in Latur marked a significant milestone in the journey of women’s education.

As the saying goes, “She who holds the cradle’s string has the power to uplift the world.” With this vision, the late Hon. Seth Shri Puranmalji Lahoti established Shri Godavaridevi Lahoti Kanya Vidyalaya in 1946 in the name of his sister-in-law, with the noble aim of providing girls with access to education.

With the inspiration and support of the late revered Swami Ramanand Tirth, late Shri. Babasaheb Paranjpe, and Smt. Mai Diwan, this educational endeavor gained further momentum and began making a lasting contribution to women’s education in the region.

A Commitment to Education

The school received generous financial support from the late Hon. Seth Shri. Puranmalji Lahoti. The expenses required to meet the educational and physical needs of the school were borne from the personal funds of the Lahoti family.

The construction of the school building was undertaken by the late Dinanath Vasudev Save, an education enthusiast and contractor from Latur, who completed the work with a deep sense of social responsibility.

One of the most remarkable chapters in the school’s history is that from 1946 to 1960, girls were provided education free of cost. The entire expenditure for their education was borne by the Lahoti family, reflecting their extraordinary commitment to the cause of women’s education.

A New Milestone

Following the demise of Shri. Puranmalji Lahoti in 1954, the institution continued its journey under the guidance of the late Hon. Shri. Narayanlalji Lahoti. During his tenure, the school achieved another important milestone when its first batch of matriculation students graduated in 1955, fulfilling Puranmalji’s dream of advancing women’s education.

In 1955, 15 students appeared for the matriculation examination, of whom 10 successfully passed.

In 1958, the Primary and Secondary sections of Shri. Godavaridevi Lahoti Kanya Vidyalaya were separated into two divisions, marking another important step in the academic development of the institution.

Finally, in 1960, the late Hon. Shri. Narayanlalji Lahoti entrusted the school to Shri. Marwadi Rajasthan Education Institute, under whose management the institution continued its educational journey.

With a legacy spanning decades, Shri. Godavaridevi Lahoti Kanya Vidyalaya continues to uphold the vision of its founders—to educate, empower, and uplift girls through knowledge, values, and opportunity.