C.J. Patel College of Arts, Commerce, Science & Postgraduate Studies in Tirora is the culmination of a series of education-first initiatives in Bhandara district that began during India’s freedom struggle. In the mid-1940s, more than 94% of the district was illiterate and there was only one public school. Philanthropist Manoharbhai Patel—together with local supporters—founded Gondia Education Society (GES) in 1945, opening a second school in Gondia. Over the next six years they established numerous primary and secondary schools, raising literacy from 6% to 14%.

Determined to bring higher education to the region, Manoharbhai rallied colleagues to launch the first Gondia college in a warehouse donated by his friend C.J. Patel. By 1961, GES had founded 22 high schools and three colleges. In a visionary move, all institutions were later transferred to the local Zilla Parishad, setting a precedent in public service.

Manoharbhai’s dream of an engineering and technology institute was realized in 1983 with the Manoharbhai Patel Institute of Engineering & Technology in Gondia. Today, GES’s network includes:

• 1958 N.M.D. College of Arts & Commerce, Gondia

• 1963 D.B. Science College & P.P. College of Education, Gondia

• 1964 J.M. Patel College, Bhandara

• 1966 Junior College of Education (D.Ed), Gondia

• 1966 C.J. Patel College of Arts, Commerce, Science & P.G., Tirora

• 1968 M.B. Patel College of Arts, Commerce & Science, Sakoli

• 1970 S.N.T. College, Ramtek & S.S. Girls College (Home Economics), Nagpur

• 1981 J.M. Patel College (Science faculty), Bhandara

• 1983 Manoharbhai Patel Institute of Engineering & Technology, Gondia

• 1990–97 Additional GES colleges in Deori, Mohadi, Salekasa, Bhandara (Girls) & Gondia (Pharmacy)

• 2001–04 GES High School (Dahegaon), Manoharbhai Patel Military School & Degree Pharmacy Institute

From a single warehouse school to a district-wide educational ecosystem, GES continues its founding mission: to develop every individual’s potential through quality education.