Rayat Shikshan Sanstha


Rayat Shikshan Sanstha is an Indian educational organisation founded by Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil in 1919. Its aim was to provide education to students who, due to caste, religion of economic status, had not previously had the opportunity. The organisation has its headquarters in Satara, Maharashtra state.
The first school, which was of "Earn & Learn" concept, was started at the village Kale from Karad taluka of Satara district by Patil in Balawantrao Ganaptrao Desai's home, who also was a founder member, wrestler, and independence activist.

History

In 1882, Jyotirao Phule made a demand for providing free education for all. The social reforms movement in the 19th century in Maharashtra brought changes in the educational systems. Schools in rural areas were started by the then princely states of Baroda and Mysore. The Shahu Ji Maharaj of Kolhapur even brought in the reservation system in education. Bhaurao Patil was influenced by these reforms and took to educating the children of rural Maharashtra. In October 1919, during the meeting of Satyashodhak Samaj at Karle, Patil decided to form Rayat Shikshan Sanstha. "Rayat" meaning "subjects" was also used mainly as "peasants class" by the then British government.
Patil started with providing hostel facilities in towns to children of rural areas and thus making it possible for them to take education. He then established schools, colleges and teacher's training institutes. In May 1959, when Patil died, the organization had 38 hostels, 578 non-governmental schools, 3 colleges and 6 teacher's training institutes.

Current status

In 2012, the Sanstha had 42 colleges, 17 post-graduate colleges, 438 Secondary Schools, 8 Training Colleges, 28 Primary Schools, 17 Pre-Primary Schools, 68 Cosmopolitan hostels, 7 Administrative Offices, 8 Ashramshalas, 2 ITI, 1 Engineering College and 57 Ancillary branches.

Awards