Abhay Mangaldas

From 1947 to 1961, Shreyas was located in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Shreyas began with twenty children along with some “mothers” and teachers. Madame Maria Montessori, who founded and established the Montessori system of education, was its first president. Shreyas, among the first Montessori schools of India, grew into a full-fledged multilingual day and residential centre with Gujarati or English as the principal languages from nursery level to science and arts intermediate college level. In 1961, Shreyas moved to a wooded hill near Ambawadi. Shreyas was one of the first attempts to create a complete institution, which would provide a new educational approach for children. Classes start from pre-kindergarten to 7th Grade and a Secondary school from 8th grade to 12th grade in both English and Gujarati medium of instruction. Children who avail themselves of Shreyas facilities come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some are from modest circumstances, some without family support or home, and others from families of comfortable means. These facilities are open to all regardless of their gender, creed or economic condition. Shreyas offers a range of activities throughout the day, including yoga, martial arts, camping, horse-riding, swimming, sports, dance, music, art classes, science laboratories, museums, library, and Balgram SOS (Children’s Home). The campus is abundant in vegetation that provides habitat for a variety of birds and animals, like a wooded oasis in an urban region. Shreyas alumni are now spread over four continents of the world. Several alumni have made a mark in their respective fields. Shreyas complex was designed by the famous architect Shri Balkrishna Doshi. Later, additional buildings were constructed by Shri Kamal Mangaldas.

The House of MG is alive and has seen organic growth – after rooms and restaurants, retail and banqueting, “adding Ahmedabad Trunk was like adding a cherry on the cake”. While the textile gallery showcases textile traditions of Gujarat, “90 percent of which are from my mom’s collection”, the heirloom store sells products that are exquisitely crafted, highly curated and spell history. The heritage bookstore puts it all in context. “There are books on Indian healing art, sexuality, architecture, cuisine, arts, crafts and design.

The House of MG is an early 20th century mansion in Ahmedabad that has been converted in to a Heritage Hotel.