Our Story
Shreyas was founded by Smt. Leenaben Sarabhai and Smt. Manoramaben Sarabhai at Khajoori Bungalow in the Retreat, Shahibagh and is a manifestation of Leenaben’s spirit; her aspirations, vision, passions, and life lessons are the backbone of Shreyas. Shreyas was born out of a deep concern for nurturing the all-round development of children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. Founded in the early years of independent India, it responded to a social need for education rooted in Indian values, creativity, and dignity of labour.
Our Mission & Vision
To foster a learning environment where education is joyful, rooted in Indian culture, and accessible to all—particularly to those who need it the most.
To uphold and evolve a holistic model of education that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit of every child; to integrate learning with creativity, nature, and culture; and to carry forward the legacy of inclusive, value-based, and child-centric education for future generations.
To provide meaningful education through a blend of classroom and real-life experiences; to preserve and promote traditional knowledge systems; to support the creative expression of each child; and to empower communities through learning, cultural outreach, and social responsibility
Our Philosophy
Shreyas is an integration of the philosophies of Gandhiji, Rabindranath Tagore and Madam Montessori. Self sufficiency, humility, co-existence, empathy, courage and the ability to recognise your true potential and spirit; are our primary goals.
Madam Maria Montessori
“We cannot know the consequences of suppressing a child’s spontaneity when he is just beginning to be active. We may even suffocate life itself. That humanity which is revealed in all its intellectual splendor during the sweet and tender age of childhood should be respected with a kind of religious veneration. It is like the sun which appears at dawn or a flower just beginning to bloom. Education cannot be effective unless it helps a child to open up himself to life.”
“Education begins from birth, not with the alphabet but those early responses which the child receives from his environment.”
“Literacy in itself is no education. Literacy is not the end of education or even the beginning. By education I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in the child and man-body, mind and spirit.”
Rabindranath Tagore
Mahatma Gandhi
Smt. Leenaben Sarabhai
Smt. Leenaben Sarabhai (1915 - 2012) was one of the seven children of Ambalal Sarabhai and Sarladevi Sarabhai. She was born in 1915. She and her siblings were all home-schooled by tutors in the Retreat compound where the Sarabhais lived. She came into contact with many artists, philosophers, poets and thinkers from the time as they were frequent guests at The Retreat. This included Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi and Madame Montessori, all three who had a major influence in shaping Leenben’s idea of Shreyas.
Shreyas was started in 1947 in Khajuri bungalow in Shahibaug. It had two empty buses that served as classrooms. In 1960, it was shifted to the present location. Leenaben worked passionately to educate children all through her life. She lived in breathed Shreyas. She even came and stayed on campus in a Venughar and Kesari Ghar for many years. Her vision of Shreyas was to make it a Global Village for children, a place where children could engage in a host of different activities in a safe environment under the watchful eye of the facilitators. Shreyas Foundation today is a testimony of Leenaben’s lifetime work and her philosophy. She has written many books on education as well as on her ideas and experiences. Today 78 years after the original Shreyas was created, the Managing trustee - Shri Abhay Mangaldas of Shreyas foundation feel that it would be liberal Arts School for Children with seamless learning method.
Guests at Shreyas
Over the years, Shreyas has had the honour of welcoming many distinguished guests whose presence has enriched our journey. Eminent leaders like Smt. Indira Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Shri Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and Shri Hitendra Desai, as well as visionary thinkers like Shri Vikram Sarabhai and Shri Mehdi Nawab Jung, have graced our campus. Cultural icons such as Birju Maharaj, Shiv Kumar and international dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth have also visited, reflecting Shreyas’ unique place in the world of education, culture, and national service.
Shri Balkrishna Doshi & Shri Kamaldas Mangaldas
The architectural journey of Shreyas Foundation began with renowned architect Balkrishna Doshi, whose design philosophy embraced natural light, open spaces, and harmony with the environment—reflecting Shreyas’ values of freedom, creativity, and Indian ethos. His child-centric, climate-responsive structures used local materials and encouraged learning in connection with nature.
Later, architect Kamal Mangaldas continued this vision, adding modern, functional buildings that respected the original design spirit. Together, their contributions shaped Shreyas into a campus where architecture nurtures learning, creativity, and community.
Trustees & Leadership
Shreyas has been guided by a dedicated group of trustees and leaders—visionaries who shaped its growth, safeguarded its values, and adapted its practices with changing times. Their stewardship has ensured that the institution remained rooted in its ethos while evolving to meet new educational challenges.
Shri Abhay Mangaldas
Managing Trustee
History at a Glance
1921
Leenaben’s parents Sarladevi and Ambalal Sarabhai brought to their children Madam Montessori’s holistic method of learning and gave them a non-formal liberal education at home.
The children with their English Tutor Ms Williams at The Retreat. Leenaben is in the traditional attire – top row, last one on the right.
1947
Leenaben Sarabhai took this method of learning to larger society by starting Shreyas Education Foundation at the Retreat in Shahibag, to educate children from all socio-economic classes and ethnicities.
1947 - 1961
Shreyas Education Foundation at The Retreat.
1961
Shreyas moved to its current location on a wooded tekri in Ambawadi – a 28 acre plot of land, designed by Shri Balkrishna Doshi. The Balgram SOS for parentless, disadvantaged and homeless children was started after moving to this campus.
1961
Madam Montessori visiting Shreyas and setting up the Montessori section
After 1961
Dr Hermann from SOS International with Sarladevi (Leenaben’s mother) in Santhagar, Shreyas Foundation.
Pandit Nehru with Leenaben, Sarladevi and Sri Balkrishna Doshi at Shreyas Foundation
Today
Today the Foundation houses the Vikas Kendra or Shreyas Learning Centre; a Balgram SOS where disadvantaged children or children from difficult backgrounds are provided a home till they are independent; a thriving sports complex; art & cultural centres; amphitheatres and halls, vegetable farms and fruit orchards; and a range of facilities available for public use.
The vast green campus offers a healthy, stimulating and peaceful environment for children, facilitators and visitors.