Our History
The story of our journey
In the heart of Mumbai stands a building that has quietly shaped thousands of lives—Shree Lohana Vidyarthi Bhavan, affectionately known as J.D. Bhavan. Today, it is a second home for hundreds of students pursuing careers in Chartered Accountancy, engineering, medicine, law, finance, and more. But its story began not with grandeur, but with a dream born from the collective will of a community that believed in the power of education.
The roots of this institution trace back to December 1910, when the first Lohana Parishad was held. Amidst the discussions and resolutions, one stood out—a bold vision to create a boarding house in Mumbai for Lohana students seeking higher education. It was a time when opportunities were scarce, and the city was daunting. Yet, the community saw potential in its youth and resolved to build a home for them in the city of dreams.
Among the many who championed this noble cause were individuals of profound conviction and unwavering dedication. Their ideals became the guiding light for what would eventually evolve into J.D. Bhavan. Yet, this was never the vision of a single person—it was a collective movement, fueled by generosity, unity, and shared purpose.
Donations began to pour in. In the Memory of Sheth Shri Narayanji Ebji his nephew contributed ₹30,000 for the institution. Sheth Shri Bhulchand Meghji added ₹20,000, and Shri Damodardas Gordhandas Sukhdwala gave ₹10,000. The momentum grew, and soon ₹1,07,716 was raised—a monumental sum for the time. On January 3, 1912, the dream took its first physical form. The Bhavan opened its doors to 15 students in a modest rented space, marking the beginning of a journey that would span generations.
The early years were not easy. The Bhavan moved from one rented location to another, facing financial challenges and space constraints. In 1927, it came dangerously close to shutting down. But the alumni, led by the unwavering Shri Nandlal Chhaganlal, refused to let the dream die. Their efforts revived the institution, and by 1935, it found temporary refuge in a bungalow, accommodating 25 students. The dream endured.
A turning point came with a generous donation of ₹72,551 from the Shri Jethabhai Dhanji Trust, with the condition that the building be named as J.D. Bhavan. In 1956, two plots were acquired from the Mumbai Municipality. On July 7, 1957, the foundation stone was laid, and the Bhavan began to rise—designed by Shri Hirji Ratanshi Thakkar, a talented architect and former student, who offered his services free of charge. The three-story building, completed at a cost of ₹4,10,052, finally gave the Bhavan a permanent home.
One of the most beloved figures in this journey was Shri Nandlal Chhaganlal. On his 60th birthday in 1959, the community gifted him ₹60,000. True to his spirit, he added ₹7,120 and donated the entire amount. With this, the third floor of the hostel was constructed and named the “Shri Nandlal Chhaganlal Solicitor Vibhag”, inaugurated by Governor Shri Prakash on December 25, 1960.
The roots of this institution trace back to December 1910, when the first Lohana Parishad was held. Amidst the discussions and resolutions, one stood out—a bold vision to create a boarding house in Mumbai for Lohana students seeking higher education. It was a time when opportunities were scarce, and the city was daunting. Yet, the community saw potential in its youth and resolved to build a home for them in the city of dreams.
Among the many who championed this noble cause were individuals of profound conviction and unwavering dedication. Their ideals became the guiding light for what would eventually evolve into J.D. Bhavan. Yet, this was never the vision of a single person—it was a collective movement, fueled by generosity, unity, and shared purpose.
Donations began to pour in. In the Memory of Sheth Shri Narayanji Ebji his nephew contributed ₹30,000 for the institution. Sheth Shri Bhulchand Meghji added ₹20,000, and Shri Damodardas Gordhandas Sukhdwala gave ₹10,000. The momentum grew, and soon ₹1,07,716 was raised—a monumental sum for the time. On January 3, 1912, the dream took its first physical form. The Bhavan opened its doors to 15 students in a modest rented space, marking the beginning of a journey that would span generations.
The early years were not easy. The Bhavan moved from one rented location to another, facing financial challenges and space constraints. In 1927, it came dangerously close to shutting down. But the alumni, led by the unwavering Shri Nandlal Chhaganlal, refused to let the dream die. Their efforts revived the institution, and by 1935, it found temporary refuge in a bungalow, accommodating 25 students. The dream endured.
A turning point came with a generous donation of ₹72,551 from the Shri Jethabhai Dhanji Trust, with the condition that the building be named as J.D. Bhavan. In 1956, two plots were acquired from the Mumbai Municipality. On July 7, 1957, the foundation stone was laid, and the Bhavan began to rise—designed by Shri Hirji Ratanshi Thakkar, a talented architect and former student, who offered his services free of charge. The three-story building, completed at a cost of ₹4,10,052, finally gave the Bhavan a permanent home.
One of the most beloved figures in this journey was Shri Nandlal Chhaganlal. On his 60th birthday in 1959, the community gifted him ₹60,000. True to his spirit, he added ₹7,120 and donated the entire amount. With this, the third floor of the hostel was constructed and named the “Shri Nandlal Chhaganlal Solicitor Vibhag”, inaugurated by Governor Shri Prakash on December 25, 1960.
As the decades passed, J.D. Bhavan evolved—not just in structure, but in spirit. Spread across 14,490 square feet, with 10,572 square feet of built-up area, the Bhavan is thoughtfully designed. Gardens bloom in the west and south, while a badminton court energizes the north. Wide roads flank both sides, allowing dual entrances and ensuring ample light and ventilation—every detail planned with student health and comfort in mind.
Inside, J.D. Bhavan beautifully blends tradition with modernity. The air-conditioned auditorium, situated on the east side of the ground floor, has been transformed into a magnificent hall with a seating capacity of 300. It regularly hosts cultural and educational programs and serves as a vibrant hub for daily activities—including television viewing, reading newspapers, playing table tennis, carrom, and more.
Each student room is equipped with modern beds, mattresses, cupboards, tables, two fans and high-speed internet. Bathrooms on every floor feature modern fittings and geysers for hot water. A laundry room, operating on a no-profit, no-loss basis, solves the age-old problem of washing and ironing clothes.
Physical well-being is as important as academics. A gymnasium and yoga room offer students a space to exercise and rejuvenate. The Dining Hall now modernized with transparent glass walls, is airy furnished with dining tables, a water cooler, and a Microwave.
Over the years, more than 4,000 alumni have passed through this Institution —doctors, engineers, industrialists, chartered accountants, lawyers, and scholars. Some have found success in India, others abroad. Many have returned to give back—managing the administration, funding new initiatives, and mentoring the next generation.
J.D. Bhavan is not just a hostel. It is a movement. A living testament to what a community can achieve when it comes together with purpose and passion. It stands on the shoulders of visionaries, nurtured by countless hands and hearts, and continues to inspire every student who walks through its doors. As we look back on this incredible journey, we remember the words of the great Chinese philosopher:
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu And that step, taken over a century ago, has grown into a timeless march—one that continues to shape futures, build leaders, and honor the legacy of those who dared to dream.
Inside, J.D. Bhavan beautifully blends tradition with modernity. The air-conditioned auditorium, situated on the east side of the ground floor, has been transformed into a magnificent hall with a seating capacity of 300. It regularly hosts cultural and educational programs and serves as a vibrant hub for daily activities—including television viewing, reading newspapers, playing table tennis, carrom, and more.
Each student room is equipped with modern beds, mattresses, cupboards, tables, two fans and high-speed internet. Bathrooms on every floor feature modern fittings and geysers for hot water. A laundry room, operating on a no-profit, no-loss basis, solves the age-old problem of washing and ironing clothes.
Physical well-being is as important as academics. A gymnasium and yoga room offer students a space to exercise and rejuvenate. The Dining Hall now modernized with transparent glass walls, is airy furnished with dining tables, a water cooler, and a Microwave.
Over the years, more than 4,000 alumni have passed through this Institution —doctors, engineers, industrialists, chartered accountants, lawyers, and scholars. Some have found success in India, others abroad. Many have returned to give back—managing the administration, funding new initiatives, and mentoring the next generation.
J.D. Bhavan is not just a hostel. It is a movement. A living testament to what a community can achieve when it comes together with purpose and passion. It stands on the shoulders of visionaries, nurtured by countless hands and hearts, and continues to inspire every student who walks through its doors. As we look back on this incredible journey, we remember the words of the great Chinese philosopher:
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu And that step, taken over a century ago, has grown into a timeless march—one that continues to shape futures, build leaders, and honor the legacy of those who dared to dream.