The Legacy of The Anandilal Podar Trust.
The Anandilal Podar Trust (formerly known as The Anandilal Podar Charitable Society/Anandilal Education Society) has been a beacon of education, culture, and philanthropy for over a century. Established in 1921, the foundation of this trust is deeply intertwined with India’s freedom movement and Gandhian ideals, making it one of the most historically significant charitable institutions in the country.
The Beginning – A Historic Contribution to India’s Freedom Struggle
The Anandilal Podar Trust was founded when Mr. Anandilal Podar made an unprecedented donation of Rs. 2,01,000/- to Mahatma Gandhi for the Tilak Swaraj Fund. This fund was a crucial initiative aimed at achieving India’s self-rule (Swaraj) during one of the most turbulent and oppressive periods of the country’s history. Recognizing this landmark contribution – the first major donation from a businessman towards the Indian independence movement – Mahatma Gandhi himself accepted the role of the first Chairman Trustee of the society.
Alongside Mahatma Gandhi, the trust was co-founded by some of India’s greatest visionaries, including:
Mr. Madan Mohan Malviya – Eminent educationist & founder of Banaras Hindu University
Mr. Jamnalal Bajaj – Freedom fighter & industrialist known as Gandhi’s fifth son
Mr. Anandilal B. Podar – Visionary businessman & philanthropist
The Evolution of the Trust.
In 1930, as Mahatma Gandhi and Jamnalal Bajaj became increasingly involved in India’s independence struggle, they stepped down from their roles as trustees. Following this, Mr. Madan Mohan Malviya took over as Chairman of the Trust, leading its vision forward until his demise in 1946.
Under the guidance of subsequent generations, the Podar family continued to shape the trust’s legacy:
Raja Ramdeo Anandilal Podar and Dr. Ramnath Anandilal Podar expanded its reach, fostering educational and social initiatives.
Today, the trust is led by Mr. Kantikumar R. Podar, who carries forward its mission of promoting education, culture, and heritage preservation.
A Legacy of Impact & Commitment.
For over 100 years, the Anandilal Podar Trust has been at the forefront of nation-building, education, and cultural preservation. From establishing educational institutions to promoting India’s artistic heritage, the trust has played a pivotal
Empowering Communities Through Education, Healthcare & Recreation.
The Anandilal Podar Trust is dedicated to fostering education, healthcare, and community well-being, ensuring sustainable development and empowerment for future generations. Our core objectives focus on:
Expanding Access to Quality Education.
Education is the foundation of progress, and the Trust has been committed to making high-quality education accessible to all. To achieve this, it has established over 37 educational institutions, including:
Schools & Postgraduate Colleges – Providing academic excellence from primary to advanced levels.
The First Institute of Management in Rajasthan – Equipping students with leadership and business acumen.
Vocational Training Centres – Empowering individuals with industry-relevant skills for employability.
Special Education Initiatives – Supporting differently-abled individuals through institutions like the Deaf & Dumb School.
Currently, over 30,000 students are enrolled in these institutions, benefiting from a holistic learning environment.
Advancing Healthcare for a Healthier Society.
Healthcare is a fundamental pillar of social well-being. The Trust is committed to delivering quality medical care and promoting holistic wellness, evident through:
A 260-Bed Ayurvedic Hospital – Integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare practices.
An Ayurvedic Postgraduate College – Advancing education and research in Ayurvedic sciences.
Community Healthcare Initiatives – Extending medical aid to underserved populations.
Enhancing Recreation & Community Development.
A well-rounded society thrives not only on education and healthcare but also on sports, culture, and recreational activities. The Trust has established:
Labour Recreation Centre – Promoting social welfare and workplace well-being.
Sports Pavilion & Recreational Park – Encouraging fitness, outdoor activities, and community bonding.
Through these initiatives, the Anandilal Podar Trust continues to uphold its mission of nation-building, social upliftment, and cultural preservation, ensuring inclusive growth and sustainable development for all.
2007 – Cultural Galleries – Forts, Palaces, Marble Art, Turban, Oriental Cart and Gandhi Philosophy, Cultural Auditorium added on the First floor of Museum.
2007 – B.Sc. Bio – Technology course was added at Seth Gyaniram Bansidhar Podar College, Nawalgarh.
2006 – CBSE Affiliated English Medium Senior Secondary School added.
2004 – Teacher’s Training College was established.
2003 – Separate hostels for Boys and Girls were added.
2000 – Cultural galleries of Rajasthan – Musical Instrument Gallery, Rajasthani Living Style Gallery, Gem and Jewellery Gallery, Fair, Festival and Dances Gallery, Bridal Costume Gallery, Miniature Painting Gallery, Handicrafts Gallery were added in the Dr. Ramanath A. Podar Haveli Museum, Nawalgarh.
1998 – M.A. and M.Sc. classes were added in Seth Gyaniram Bansidhar Podar College, Nawalgarh.
1997 – The year was unique in the history of the Scoiety as three new Institutions, viz.,
(1) Rambilas Anandilal Podar Institute of Management Studies
(2) Smt. Godavaribai Ramdeo Podar School (English Medium) and
(3) Smt. Gyanwatibai Rambilas Podar Ladies Vocational Training and manufacturing Centre were inaugurated on January 31,1997.
1997 – Mr. K.R. Narayanan, then Hon. Vice-President of India and the then Hon. President, visited Podar Haveli, Nawalgarh. The other dignitaries visited are Governor of Rajasthan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Union Minister, former Defense Minister of India and Mr. Podar (1997)
1996 – Saw over 7,000 foreign tourists visiting this Haveli (Residential House) to see the intricacies of the frescoes. A large number of Indian and Foreign magazines and media covered the work of art at this Haveli.
1992 – To give a fillip to and to exhibit traditional Rajasthani culture and heritage, Mr. Kantikumar R. Podar undertook a massive restoration of almost 100 years old frescoes numbering over 750 at the ancestral residential House of the Podar Family at Nawalgarh.
1974 – Dr Shigeo Nagano, Chairman, Nippon Steel Company Limited and Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan at the temple at Jaipur built by Podar Family (1974)
1966 – Dr. Ramnath A. Podar donated this ancient and ancestral Haveli for housing a Higher Secondary School.
1955 – Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the President of India, specially visited Nawalgarh to perform the Opening Ceremony of the Smruti Bhawan (a large indoor and outdoor Sports Complex and Auditorium) that was built by the Society in the memory of Raja Ramdeoji as also to unveil the life size statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Park built and maintained by the Society in memory of its first Chairman Trustee and father of the nation.
1942 – Podar College was established in the year when there was no University in Rajasthan and the College had to be affiliated to Agra University. (In the State of Uttar Pradesh)
1922 – Podar Educational Institutions at Nawalgarh started.
Podars have been in the fore-front in the cause of Social Service. Shri Anandilal Podar and his family members have established 37 institutions, comprising of Schools, Post Graduate Colleges, Management Institutes, Vocational Centre, Labor Recreation Centre, Hospital of 310 beds, Hostels, Post Graduate Medical College, Medical Research Centre etc. Over 30,000 students are studying at present in these Institutions.
A list of these institutions is listed below:
Nawalgarh, Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan)
1. Seth Gyaniram Bansidhar Podar College – Commerce (Post Graduate)
2. Seth Gyaniram Bansidhar Podar College – Arts
3. Seth Gyaniram Bansidhar Podar College – Science
4. Rambilas Anandilal Podar Institute of Management Studies
5. Panabai Ramnath Podar Senior Higher Secondary School.
6. Seth Gyaniram Bansidhar Podar Primary School.
7. Smt. Godavaribai Ramdeo Podar School (English Medium)
8. Dr. Ramnath A. Podar Teacher’s Training Institute
9. Raja Ramdeo Podar Smruti Bhawan (Auditotim-cum-Sports pavilion).
10. Raja Ramdeo Podar Library
11. Dr. Ramnath Podar Sabhagar
12. Gandhi Park
13. Smt. Gyanwatibai Rambilas Podar
Ladies Vocational Training Manufacturing Centre
Jaipur (Rajasthan)
14. Raja Ramdeo Podar Senior Secondary School
15. Ramnath Anandilal Podar Institute of Management (MBA)
16. Seth Anandilal Podar Institute for Deaf & Dump
17. Anandilal Podar Vocational Training Centre For Dumb & Deaf.
Bhawanimandi (Rajasthan)
18. Seth Anandilal Podar High School
19. Shri Ganesh Girl’s Middle School
Mumbai (Maharashtra)
20. Raja Ramdeo Podar Ayuvedic Research Institute (with 50 beds)
21. Raja Ramdeo Podar Shala
22. Smt. Godavaribai Ramdeo Podar Vocational Training Centre.
23. Rambilas Anandilal Podar Medical College (Ayurvedic)
24. Mahdevi Anandilal Podar Hospital (Ayurvedic) (260 Beds )
25. Smt. Panabai Ramnath Podar out Patients’ Clinic (Ayurvedic)
26. Ramniranjan Anandilal Podar College of Commerce & Economics.
27. Seth Anandilal Podar Junior College of Commerce & Economics.
28. Seth Anandilal Podar Vidyalaya
29. Ramniranjan Podar School
30. Smt. Leelawatibai Podar High School
31. Smt. Mahadevi Podar Primary School
32. Smt. Godavaribai Podar Primary School
33. Podar Balwadi
34. Podar Little Kingdom (K.G.)
35. Podar Buds Blossoms (K.G.)
36. Rambilas Anandilal Podar Labour Recreation Centre
37. Dr. Ramnath Anandilal Podar Ayurvedic Hospital (Proposed)
Temples established are:
Santacruz (Bombay)
1. Bhagwan Shri Laxminarayan Mandir, Santacruz, Bombay.
Jaipur(Rajasthan)
1. Bhagwan Shri Ram Mandir, Jaipur.
