On February 3rd, 1914, with auspicious blessings and visionary inspirations from Acharya Shri Vijayvallabhsurisvarji, a center for Jain education was established in Mumbai. On that day, the foundation stone of the Vidyalaya was laid by the respected Sheth Devkaran Mulji. In the memorable ceremony surrounding the founding of the institution, Sheth Govindji Madhavji donated 292 grams(26 tolas) of gold for the foundation of the Vidyalaya building. Hundreds of Jains at the time of the foundation ceremony put silver coins in the foundation.
SMJV's mission is to promote education among Jains in India. It currently operates in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, serving more than 1800 students every year. Each Vidyalaya (Hostel) branch provides lodging and boarding facilities at a subsidized rate to the Jain students. The Vidyalaya also offers several full and partial loan scholarships to needy all Jain students without sectarian consideration who do not reside at one of their hostels. MJV has built dormitories for girls in Amdavad, Pune and Vallabh Vidyanagar and is in the process of building a new facility at Surat. SMJV is now constructing new hostel building by demolishing old buildings with advanced amenities and facilities.
SMJV has more programs such as Vayavacha, Jain liabrary and more. For more information, visit SMJV’s website, smjv.org.