Motivated by Appasaheb Patwardhan, Dattatray Samant Guruji, and Shamraoji Peje, Navbharat Chhatralay, a boys’ hostel, was established on 1st June 1947. This hostel is a living example of a modern-day Gurukul. Its core motto is to instill knowledge, character, and self-reliance among students.
Samant Guruji nurtured this Chhatralay from its inception until his demise in January 1966. The hostel was fortunate to be supported by a group of generous and charitable individuals such as Shivpratap and Kaluram Malu (brothers), Smt. Shailatai and Gangadhar Mandlik (couple), and freedom fighter Chandubhai Mehta, who all joined hands with Samant Guruji in building this family of students.
In the words of Shri Shrikant, former Backward Class Commissioner, Government of India:
"Navbharat Chhatralay is an ideal boys’ hostel in the country,"
and Samant Guruji was hailed as the “Modern Sandipani.”
The Chhatralay has made remarkable contributions in the fields of education, social reform, agriculture, and more across Ratnagiri district. These accomplishments underline the profound appreciation it received at the national level.
One of the earliest and most committed students of the Chhatralay was Late Pandurang Shinde Guruji, who dedicated himself to the institution for more than 60 years, both during and after Samant Guruji’s tenure. His selfless devotion played a crucial role in making the institution economically self-sustaining.
Shri Prakand Pandit and Bharat Ratna Mahamahopadhyay Dr. P.V. Kane were lifelong members of the institution. Dr. Kane, during his M.A. in Sanskrit, was awarded the prestigious Zala Vedant prize—an honor that reflects the high academic caliber of those associated with the Chhatralay.
One of the most remarkable achievements of Navabharat Chhatralaya was by its student, Shri Raghunath Geete, who repeated the extraordinary academic feat of Mahamahopadhyay by winning the same prestigious Sanskrit award. He later rose to prominence as a renowned Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Bombay.
Several alumni of the Chhatralaya have significantly contributed to public life:
Shri Pandurang G. Shinde Guruji, the first student of Samant Guruji, took on the complete responsibility of the Chhatralaya after Guruji’s demise. He exemplified devotion (Gurubhakti) and social service by dedicating his life to the growth of the institution.
From 1966 to 2009, Shinde Guruji focused intensely on the physical expansion and financial self-reliance of the hostel. Under his guidance, the number of resident students grew from 35–40 to about 125, supported by improved infrastructure, nutritious meals, and disciplined management.
Importantly, while material progress was achieved, the core values laid down by Samant Guruji—discipline, knowledge, and character development—were never compromised. As a result, the tradition of producing meritorious students continues.
The legacy of excellence has been carried forward by many students, including:
These individuals, and hundreds more, have distinguished themselves across fields like education, banking, agriculture, social service, and public administration. Approximately 3,500 students have benefited from the hostel to date.
