Late Dr. Dattatray Narayan Lele (1930-2024) is widely recognized as a leading and the pioneering Otolaryngologist from Northern Maharashtra. Following his graduation from BJ Medical College, Pune in 1957, he dedicated twenty-five years to diligent service at Nashik’s government hospital. His contributions were particularly impactful in treating patients, especially children, with hearing impairments. The early period posed significant challenges due to severe lack in community education, awareness, and testing facilities. America and Europe were always at the forefront of hearing-related surgeries. In 1964-65, Dr. Lele underwent surgical training in Europe, and upon his return, successfully conducted the first deafness related surgery in Maharashtra outside of Mumbai.
During his overseas training, he recognized the crucial importance of early intervention and special education needs for children with hearing disorders. This brought to mind his mother Mai’s words, Mai in Marathi language means Mother, Big Sister, who always urged, “Beyond treating these children, you must also nurture their education and shape their future.“ Recognizing the need for specialized education, the doctor’s wife, Mrs. Vaijayanti Lele, filled the void. Having observed such educational practices abroad, she completed a formal course in Mumbai to teach hearing-impaired students effectively. The couple continued to gather funds within their family, embarking on their mission of starting a school for hearing-impaired children, a truly selfless act toward a significant cause!
For the school name, many suggested naming it after the doctor who had put in so much effort. Sadly, it was the time the doctor’s mother, Mai Lele passed away, who often used to say to Dr. Lele, “God has given you the opportunity to assist these children; it’s your duty to carry it forward.“ Doctor & family graciously chose the name of the school as “Shrimati Mai Lele Shravan Vikas Vidyalaya”, symbolizing gratitude for Mai’s unwavering dedication and devotion.
The school initially accommodated five students within the doctor’s clinic. The pivotal moment came when Dr. Lele met Mrs. Kusum Tai Patwardhan, a prominent socialist figure and a one of the founder members of the Maharashtra Samaj Seva Sangh. Conversation between the two ignited the strong and long lasting connection and led to the Mai Lele school gaining full support from the Maharashtra Samaj Seva Sangh. With the news spread, more students joined the school and consequently, the school transitioned from the clinic to a classroom within Rachana Vidyalay, one of the institutions under the Maharashtra Samaj Seva Sangh.
In 1977, the school received official recognition from the State, resulting in a significant increase in student enrollment and further leading to the necessity for a dedicated building for the school. Thanks to Dr. Lele’s continued efforts and community outreach, he managed to secure 7000 sqft of land. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new school building happened in 1992 by honorary Kusumagraj, an acclaimed figure from the Marathi literature world and the recipient of the esteemed Padma Bhushan award in India.
The architecture of the school building is distinctive, innovative, futuristic, and specifically tailored to meet the needs of the students it serves. Its semi-circular design features hexagonal-shaped classrooms with additional buffer spaces between them, effectively containing sound to each classroom. This innovative approach ensures an optimal learning environment for the students. Despite being officially designated for 120 students, the school has been educating over 150 students to this day.