Genesis of MGMHS
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School commenced its journey on a land of never to return. The success of this institution began as a piece of land with nothing but grass on it. This changed with the efforts of the Gujarat Education Society of Fiji.
Many businessmen of the 1950s had decided that a school was needed for their children to study in. These people had come together to form a committee. The Late Mr. Jamanadas Narsey convened the first meeting attended by the Late Govindbhai, Narainji Dayalji, Gangaram Hari, J. K. Desai and S.P. Parekh. A decision was made to purchase a piece of land in which to build the school upon.
Various fund drives were operated to collect money for the project. Money was also banked in through donations. This was used for the construction of the Gandhi Hall in Waimanu Road.
A meeting was called upon on 21st September 1952, in the still existing Narsey’s Building in Renwick Road to discuss the purchase of land upon which to build the school. The Seventh Day Adventist Church had tendered a piece of land on Fletcher Road. The Late Ratanji Narsey, Hiralalji Hari, and J.K. Desai met to discuss the tender. The tender deemed successful and the land was purchased for 7,001 pounds.
The Gujarat Education Society of Fiji had some of its founding fathers as Mr Dayabhai N Patel, Mr Ramubhai Patel, and Mr Mulchand Patel.
The foundation stone of this institution was laid on 14th February 1959.
Mr. J. G. Roger, Assistant Colonial Secretary officially opens the school on the 27th of February 1960. (Source: Gujarat Education Society of Fiji Golden Jubilee Souvenir Magazine 1952-2002, 2002)
After more than a year of continuous construction, blood, sweat, and tears, this school was established. The school was officially opened by Mr. J. G. Roger, Assistant Colonial Secretary on the 27th of February 1960. The very first building was purchased by the Gujarat Education Society in 1952.
The first school building purchased in 1952. (Source: Gujarat Education Society of Fiji Golden Jubilee Souvenir Magazine 1952-2002, 2002)
The school commenced operations with a roll of 40 students taught by Mr. Satya Narayan. The classes took place in the aged wooden building which has now been demolished for future development. Later on, Mr. Gopalbhai Patel became the first principal of M.G.M High School. He also went on to become the longest serving Principal of the school serving for 27 years from 1960 to 1986.
Thus, began a journey into a future of unforeseen navigation.
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1. Basic History of MGMHS -
Courtesy of The Late Mr Ramubhai Patel
2. Additional Information, Pictures, and Editing -
Works of Vaibhav Brij Lal
3. Primary Source of Text and Pictures -
Extracted from Gujarat Education Society of Fiji Golden Jubilee Souvenir Magazine 1952-2002