Origin & History

The Evolution of the FIRODIA HOSTEL

The Shri Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain (SS Jain) Conference, which had been operating a hostel for college students in Pune at a rented facility, purchased a property on 12th March 1941 to establish a permanent "Boarding" facility for students.

The trustees of the SS Jain Conference who signed the documents for acquiring this property were:

Shri Kundanmalji Sobhachandji Firodia-Ahmednagar

Deevan Bahadur, Shri Motilalji Balmukundji Mutha-Satara

Shri Velji Lakhamasey Nappu-Bombay

Shri Virchandbhai Meghjibhai- Bombay

The property was later entrusted to the Jain Education Society (JES), Bombay, for the construction of the "Vidyalaya." The building was completed by JES and was inaugurated by Diwan Bahadur Shri Motilalji Mutha on 11th December 1949, with a capacity to accommodate 60 students. In 1965, facing operational challenges, the Jain Education Society, Bombay requested the Firodia Family to take over the hostel. Under the guidance of the late Shri N.K. Firodia, the late Shri H.K. Firodia began overseeing the administration of the "Vidyalaya." Subsequently, it was deemed appropriate to transfer the land and the Vidyalaya to a newly formed body, the Maharashtra Jain Education Society (MJES), Pune. The transfer was officially completed on 30th January 1985.

The founder trustees of MJES included: Shri N.K. Firodia, Shri H.K. Firodia, Shri U.B. Pokarna, Shri M.B. Bhandari, Shri K.L. Munot, Shri C.D. Katariya, Shri M.B. Bhatevara, Shri L.C. Mutha, Shri C.D. Gugalia, Shri U.K. Pungaliya.

The hostel was subsequently renamed the "Firodia Hostel", with Shri N.K. Firodia appointed as the Chairman of the Committee.
Under the leadership and financial support of the Firodia Family Trusts, major expansion, reconstruction, and renovation were undertaken. The hostel was closed in 1994-95 to facilitate this work. Sanitary blocks were rebuilt, and new facilities such as a library hall, assembly hall, superintendent’s quarters, and more were constructed.

In 1997, Shri Abhay Firodia assumed the role of Chairman and appointed a new Managing Committee comprising: Shri U.K. Pungaliya, Shri Kantilalji Chuttar, Shri Pradeep Munot, Shri Abhay Munot, Shri Sanjay Chopada.

A significant modernization initiative began in 1998, which included: Complete refurbishment of rooms and amenities, Installation of new bunk beds, steel cupboards, study tables, chairs, and drying stands, Addition of a dormitory section In 2000, a Community Hall and two residential flats were constructed on the upper floors of the office building. In 2001, modern mess equipment and utensils were procured.

In 2002–03, the flooring and toilet blocks underwent a major renovation. To address power outages, especially during exam seasons, a full-capacity generator was installed in 2005, along with water purifiers. Further improvements included: Renovation of the dormitory, Provision of computers for students, Electrical backups for solar water heaters during monsoons (2006).

During the Centenary Year (2011) of the late Shri N.K. Firodia, comprehensive renovation was carried out: Upgraded rooms, Modernized mess, Replacement of all electrical wiring and plumbing systems, Complete renovation and refurnishing of the auditorium, Development of the entire campus including compound, parking areas, and play spaces, Installation of a modern security surveillance system.

Today, the Firodia Hostel is renowned for its excellent infrastructure, appropriate student facilities, nutritious meals, and above all, the care and support provided to its residents.
In 2015, a new well-appointed study area with internet connectivity was introduced during the summer break, further enhancing the academic environment for the students.