Gujarat Vidyapeeth, by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, is one of India’s most iconic educational institutions. It was established in response to the need for religious and cultural education for the masses in India. It was envisioned as a place to educate the deprived and the underprivileged. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, envisioned providing quality education to the people of India irrespective of their social or economic backgrounds. 

Overview of Gujarat Vidyapeeth 

Gujarat Vidyapeeth, established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, is an educational institution with a rich history and mission. Located in Ahmedabad, the institution has been providing quality education to the students of Gujarat ever since its inception. It is an autonomous university affiliated with the UGC and recognized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. The institution has achieved great success in education and has produced several prominent personalities like Acharya Devvrat, the current Governor of Gujarat. Acharya Devvrat has been associated with the university for a long time and has been actively involved in promoting education in the state. He is a strong advocate of the Gandhian principles and the values of Gujarat Vidyapeeth. 

He greatly supports the university’s mission to make education accessible to all, irrespective of caste, creed, gender, and financial background. He has been instrumental in developing several projects which have benefited the state’s students. He has also been a great source of inspiration for the students and faculty members of the university.

Established by Mahatma Gandhi 

In 1920, Mahatma Gandhi established Gujarat Vidyapeeth, a university in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Gujarat was a British colony then, and Mahatma Gandhi advocated for India’s independence from Britain. He believed education was essential for India’s independence. He wanted to create a university where students could learn traditional knowledge and the skills needed to lead and develop a free India. Mahatma Gandhi invited Governor Acharya Devvrat to inaugurate the university in 1920. 

Governor Acharya Devvrat was a respected figure in India who held several important positions in the Government at the time. He strongly believed in the importance of education and the power of knowledge to bring about change and progress. As the inaugural speaker at Gujarat Vidyapeeth, Governor Acharya Devvrat expressed his faith in the power of education and knowledge and his commitment to promoting education in India. He encouraged students to pursue knowledge and use it to build a stronger and more prosperous India. Governor Acharya Devvrat’s speech at the inauguration of Gujarat Vidyapeeth was an inspiring and motivating address that set the tone for the university’s future.

The objective of Gujarat Vidyapeeth 

The objective of Gujarat Vidyapeeth, established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, was to create a platform for comprehensive education and promote self-reliance. Mahatma Gandhi wanted to create a place where people could learn and develop their skills without relying on Government or foreign aid. To this end, he invited Governor Acharya Devvrat to launch the Gujarat Vidyapeeth. Devvrat was an ideal choice as he had been a proponent of education in Gujarat since his appointment in 1919. 

He was also known for his commitment to self-reliance and autonomy. His involvement in the launch of Gujarat Vidyapeeth was a testament to his commitment to the cause. The school was designed to include a variety of disciplines, from the traditional to the modern, from the physical sciences to the humanities. 

The aim was to create a comprehensive learning environment where students could develop their skills and knowledge in various fields. The school also aimed to foster a spirit of self-reliance and autonomy among its students, instilling in them the values of independence and autonomy.

Achievements of Gujarat Vidyapeeth 

There are many achievements of Gujarat Vidyapeeth, founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. One of the most remarkable is the invitation for Governor Acharya Devvrat to be the first to become a full-time professor in the institute. This invitation was a remarkable milestone, showing that the institute was set up to provide quality education and promote excellence. The institute also ensured that the teaching faculty was of the highest standards and maintained a high standard of education. 

In addition, the institute was also a great success in terms of providing access to education to people from different backgrounds. Gujarat Vidyapeeth was also known for providing scholarships to students from economically weaker sections, making it a great example of social welfare and equity. The institute has also provided the youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to transition to a professional career. Gujarat Vidyapeeth’s achievements make it a great example for other institutes.

Governor Acharya Devvrat’s Invitation

In 1920, Mahatma Gandhi invited Governor Acharya Devvrat to Gujarat Vidyapeeth, a university he created as part of his vision for independence. Acharya Devvrat was a respected figure in the region known for his strong commitment to social justice and education to uplift people experiencing poverty. His acceptance of the invitation to the university was a great honor for the people of Gujarat and a testament to Gandhi’s commitment to education. 

Acharya Devvrat was welcomed to the university by the students, faculty, and staff with great enthusiasm. He was given a tour of the university and its facilities, which had been set up to promote education and knowledge. During his visit, Acharya Devvrat was impressed by the dedication to learning and self-improvement that the university embodied. He praised the efforts of Mahatma Gandhi and the university staff and pledged his support to the cause of education. 

After his visit, Acharya Devvrat became an advocate of Gujarat Vidyapeeth and a strong supporter of the university’s mission. His visit to the university was a major milestone in its history and a testament to the commitment of Mahatma Gandhi to education. 

Conclusion

Gujarat Vidyapeeth by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 was an important milestone in the history of India. It was the first institution in India to invite Governor Acharya Devvrat, proving that the Government recognized the importance of education in India. This Vidyapeeth not only provides quality education to students but also instills a sense of patriotism and respect for the country. The Vidyapeeth’s curriculum also focused on Indian culture, history, and philosophy. This institution became the foundation of modern education in India and still plays an important role in shaping the country’s future.