History of Bal Bhavan Society - Vadodara

The Bal Bhavan Society is an outcome of the inspiration generated by the International Year of the Child 1979. Enthused by the unparalleled focus on the plight of children everywhere, some of the leading citizens of Baroda came together to establish a long term project for children. A survey revealed that the largest lacuna in children's services in the city was an astonishing dearth of recreational and non-formal services for all children and especially for children belonging to the underprivileged section in the school going age group. Thus the seed of Bal Bhavan Society was sown and was registered in 1980 under the Societies Registration Act 1860 and Bombay Public Trusts Act 1950.

Today, it is a recreational-educational institution for all children with a definite identity, , serving an ever increasing number of children in the age group of 5-16 years and offering multifaceted programmes , activities and sports to over 18,000 children every year. From the children's response it has become obvious that our children need recreational educational outlets, which can be provided through institutions where they can pursue an activity according to their interest, capability and choice, where they can learn to do things for the fun of doing it, where the spirit of play, love of adventure and pleasure of following one's own inclinations dominates their activity.-1


Major Developments at Bal Bhavan

Year Developments
1980 Inception with Activity Centers in different schools of Baroda City
1987 Special Center with programme for Differently Abled Children
1989 Initiation of International Exchange Programmes for children with different countries
1991 Development of Indoor Sports Stadium with 3 Badminton Courts with grant from Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India and from local industries and schools
1994 Development of Children's Auditorium with grant from Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India and Transpek Industries
1994 Development of Non Formal Education rooms by Lt. Shri Gordhanbhai Hathibhai Patel
1996 Science Park by National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi and Community Science Center, Vadodara
1998 Concrete Tennis Court sponsored by Gas Authority of India Ltd.
2002 Computer Education activity sponsored by National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi
2002 Water cooler and drinking water facility sponsored by Lions Club of Nandesari, Lions Club of Greenford Willow Tree-UK and Lions Club of South Hall-UK
2003 Development of Play area with support of Lions Club of Greenford Willow Tree Lions Club, UK.
2004 All India Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament for Prize Money Rs. 1,01,111/- (First time in Gujarat) sponsored by Bank of Baroda.
2004 Renovation of Indoor Stadium by Voltamp Transformers Pvt. Ltd.
2004 Renovation and expansion of Children's Library sponsored by National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi
2004 Renovation of Auditorium and Science Center sponsored by Netafim Irrigation India Pvt. Ltd.
2006 Installation of Magic Mirrors
2007 Development of retaining wall with grant from Smt. Jayaben Thakkar (M.P)
2008 Development of Basketball Court, Skating Rink and Open Air Stage sponsored by Netafim Irrigation India Pvt. Ltd. and National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi
2008 Illumination of two Tennis courts sponsored by Shroff Family Charitable Trust
2009 Development of Gym sponsored by National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi and Jyoti Ltd.
2009 Illumination of one Tennis court sponsored by Smt. Aruna Mehta Memorial Trust.
2010 Relocation of Science center to the First floor sponsored by Jyoti Ltd.
2010 Development of seating area sponsored by Sh. Bhaskarbhai Patel, UK.
2011 Development of two turf wickets with assistance from Shroff Family Charitable Trust and Shed on seating pavilion in Tennis with assistance from Pratham Properties
2012 Laying of Synthetic flooring on Table Tennis court with assistance from Shroff Family Charitable Trust.
2013 Revival of Corporation school children's participation in Bal Bhavan activities-Bal Sarjan Project
2015 Laying of Synthetic flooring on Lawn Tennis court with assistance from Mr Dhruv Lal.
2017 LED flood lights on Synthetic Tennis court with assistance from Mr Keyur Amin ,USA.