About Kandivali Education Society

Shining Bright for 88 Years: The Legacy of Kandivli Education Society (KES)

In the midst of India’s fight for freedom from British rule, a group of visionary leaders in the quiet village of Kandivli took a bold step toward a different kind of revolution—one in education. In 1936, Sri Jamanadas Adukia, Sri Gokaldas Ranchoddas, and Sri Lavji Meghji, along with other generous local businessmen, founded the Kandivli Education Society (KES) to provide vernacular education to Gujarati families. Their patriotic vision was realized when KES was formally registered in 1947, just before India gained independence.

The seeds of this small initiative bloomed with the founding of Shree Kandivali Vidyalaya on March 31, 1936, with only 13 students. Over time, this school evolved into what is today known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel High School (SVP), which now educates over 4,500 students. A technical section followed in 1961, and in 1976, a Junior College in science was introduced, later renamed Shri T. P. Bhatia Junior College of Science, which currently serves 2,500 students.

KES has always aimed to uplift society through education. The launch of SVP Night School in 1970 provided working youth an opportunity to continue their education while earning a living. Further expanding its offerings, KES established the Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in 1984, affiliated with Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, allowing students to explore their passions in Indian classical music and dance.

In 1989, KES College of Arts & Commerce opened its doors, offering degree-level education to the local population. Later renamed B. K. Shroff College of Arts and M. H. Shroff College of Commerce in 2008, the institution today is permanently affiliated with the University of Mumbai, serving 4,100 students.

In 2009, KES took a significant step into global education by establishing KES Cambridge International Junior College, offering the prestigious ‘A-level’ program from the University of Cambridge, recognized globally as a pathway to undergraduate education in over 125 countries.

Today, with over 20,000 students across its institutions, KES has come a long way from its humble beginnings with 13 students. The tireless dedication of countless individuals, their philanthropy, and their vision have transformed KES into an exceptional educational institution, standing tall for 88 years and counting.