About Us (New)

Origins

“You may light a hundred lamps from one lamp, and its brightness will never fade.”Exactly 114 years ago, when much of our community had newly settled in Mumbai while many families were still rooted in Kutch, education was rare and social challenges such as child marriage and early employment were common.

On 7th January 1912, a historic turning point emerged. The academic achievements of Socialist Velji Lakhamshi Nappoo (L.L.B.) and Shri Ramji Ladha Parmar (B.A.) were celebrated at a community gathering in Chinchpokli. What began as a felicitation soon transformed into a movement when Shri Lakhamshi Nappoo donated Rs. 5,000, inspiring others to contribute. That day, Rs. 13,472.50 was raised and the “Shree Kutchi Visa Oswal Kelavani Fund” was established to support students in pursuing education.

Since then, the lamp of education has continued to burn brightly—transforming mindsets, strengthening values, and empowering generations. Though our ancestors may not have had formal education themselves, their vision and foresight built a strong educational foundation for our community’s future.Following are the 42 schools that have benefited from received funds

Founder’s History

Shri Velji Lakhamshi Nappoo was a visionary leader whose life was devoted to education and community welfare. Arriving in Mumbai at the age of six, he pursued his studies with remarkable dedication—completing his Matriculation at 15 with first rank among Kutchis, earning the Rao Sir Pragmalji Scholarship, graduating B.A. from St. Xavier's College, and later clearing his LL.B. in 1911 to become the first Advocate and Post-Graduate of the KVO community.

His academic success became a defining moment for the community. At a felicitation function organized by Sthanakvasi and Deravasi Mahajans, his father announced a donation of Rs. 5,000 for students without any sectarian distinction. This catalytic gesture inspired others to contribute, raising Rs. 13,000 in 1912 and laying the foundation for educational transformation within the community.

With further contributions from benevolent members, Shri Velji Lakhamshi Nappoo began a provisional hostel in 1915 with just two students. He nurtured and developed this initiative tirelessly in various capacities. The institution later received a major donation of Rs. 1,25,000 from the descendants of Shri Hirji Bhojraj and was named Shri Hirji Bhojraj & Sons KVO Jain Chhatralaya, Matunga—popularly known as Matunga Boarding—establishing him as its founding father.

Beyond this, he played a key role in establishing and strengthening several educational institutions in Mumbai and his native village of Baroi, serving as Trustee and President across multiple educational trusts and societies.

Through foresight, unity, and unwavering commitment, Shri Velji Lakhamshi Nappoo laid a lasting foundation for the community’s educational progress.

Impact

ACTIVITY :

It has given grants to more than 40 schools in villages of Kutch up till 1956. It also promotes graduate education by giving loans/scholarships to students after completion of SSC. This trust along with Shri KVO Seva Samaj and Matushri Manibai Shivji Kanya Kelavani Fund is conducting Career seminars covering various fields of education, Aptitude tests, and career counselling for students, etc.

OUTCOME :

Sheth Dhanji Devshi K.V.O. Kelavani Fund has supported and mentored 3000+ students for Graduate and Post Graduate studies from 1912 to date through interest-free loans Graduate, and Post graduate studies in India and Foreign Countries.