Who started the first Montessori School in Western India in 1920?

Correct option is B

Gijubhai Badheka was the founder of the first Montessori school in Western India, established in 1920 in Ahmedabad. A prominent educator and social reformer, Badheka was a strong advocate for child-centered education. He was influenced by the Montessori method, which focuses on the natural development of the child through hands-on learning experiences rather than rote memorization or formal instruction. Gijubhai was committed to promoting education that recognized the individuality and developmental needs of each child, and his contributions were pivotal in popularizing modern educational practices in India.
Information Booster: Gijubhai Badheka is often credited with founding the Bal Mandir in Ahmedabad, a school that integrated Montessori principles with Indian educational traditions. His work laid the foundation for progressive education in India, emphasizing the importance of play, creativity, and self-directed learning. Gijubhai also wrote extensively on child development and education, contributing significantly to the educational reforms in the country during the early 20th century.
Additional Knowledge:
· Annie Besant (Option a) was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and a key figure in the Theosophical Society. While she was a strong advocate for women's education, she did not establish a Montessori school in India.
· Mahatma Gandhi (Option c) was primarily focused on the independence struggle and traditional values like self-reliance. Though he was interested in education, he was not associated with the establishment of Montessori schools.
· Rukmini Devi (Option d) was a dancer, choreographer, and a major figure in the revival of Bharatanatyam in India. She founded the Kalakshetra Academy, but she was not involved with Montessori education.