FOUNDERS

The Sister Nivedita Educational Complex was founded in 1968 in Rajkot, Gujarat by Smt. Ushaben Jani and Shree Gulabbhai Jani. Highly accomplished educationists and widely respected for their work, both founders have set very high standards for education in all their programs. They have grounded their work in the commitment to holistic and joyful education that is steeped in values and aims to build good human beings.

Ushaben Jani was a Lecturer of Economics at a well known college affiliated to Saurashtra University before she co-founded Sister Nivedita Educational Complex in 1968. She holds a Masters degree in Economics as well as a Bachelors degree in Sociology and Education from Gujarat University. She is a well-known social worker whose work encompasses education, women’s empowerment and several other related issues. She is associated with as many as 29 educational, social, cultural and women’s institutions in Gujarat. In addition, she has edited and co-authored several books on education and society that are used for children and adult reading. It was under her leadership that the Sister Nivedita School was awarded the Best School in Gujarat for 1990-91 by the state government. She is also on the editorial board of the education quarterly Samudgar.

Ushaben Jani has been bestowed with several awards through her 45-year-long career that includes:

• S. Radhikrishnan Award by International Association of Educators for World Peace in 2005.

• National Award – Silver Star 2005-2006 by The Bharat Scouts and Guides, New Delhi in 2007 by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, President of India

• Award of Women of the year-2002 by American Biography Institute, North Carolina Raleigh – U.S.A. in 2002

• Top Ten Women of Rajkot – Sargam Club – Rajkot in 2002

She has been the Principal of Sister Nivedita School until 1992 and now co-administers the Foundation with Gulabbhai Jani.

Gulabbhai Jani was a Professor of Economics at a well known college affiliated to Saurashtra University before he co-founded Sister Nivedita Educational Complex. He holds a Masters degree in Economics and in Education as well as a Bachelors degree in Law from Gujarat University. A well-known social worker and a vocal participant in debates on education and social reforms, Gulabbhai has also penned and edited several books on values, great personalities and the process of education as he sees it. He has been the editor of the education quarterly Samudgar and has been at the core of all SNEC’s programs. He is also associated with more than 35 institutions across Gujarat as a mentor and guide.

Gulabbhai Jani has been bestowed with several awards through his 50-year-long career that includes:

• S. Radhikrishnan Award by International Association of Educators for World Peace in 2005

• Leading Educators of the World 2007 Award by International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England

• American Medal of Honour by American Biography Institute, North Carolina Raleigh – U.S.A. in 2001

• Best Citizen of India Award in 1999

He remains the chief administrator of the Foundation since its inception till date.