Blog Posts

On 26th November 2026, Mr. Khan Md. Gilani, Regional Education Board Member, along with Mr. Anand Surani, Joint Secretary of the Surendranagar and Botad Local Education Board, visited our hostel. The purpose of their visit was to observe the progress of our students and review the level of education being provided at the hostel. Mr. Khan expressed his happiness with the overall development and academic performance of our students. He also emphasized the importance of conducti

On 23 November 2025, 23 Students from The Aga Khan Hostel Botad, participated in an educational field trip organized by Botad REC for the STEP class students. The visit to the historic Lothal Archaeological Site offered a day full of learning, fun, and hands-on experiences. During the trip, students explored the ancient remains of one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations. They observed architectural wonders, decoded historical structures, and learned about the cultural

The Parents Orientation Program was organized to strengthen the partnership between parents and the hostel team, with the shared goal of supporting students in their educational and personal development. As we completed our first semester and the holidays began, parents arrived to pick up their children. We capitalized on this occasion and organized the Parents Orientation Program on 15th October 2025. President Saheb, Alijah Dr. Dilip Darediya, conducted the session His pres

The Aga Khan Hostel, Botad, resonated with vibrant energy, heartfelt devotion, and a deep sense of gratitude during the three-day Salgirah Mubarak celebrations— marking the first Salgirah of Prince Rahim Hazar Imam following his historic Takht Nashini. This momentous occasion held not only ceremonial significance but also provided a meaningful spiritual and emotional space for our students to reflect on continuity, legacy, and the enduring blessings of leadership in the Imama

On 14th September 2025, members from The Aga Khan Education Board had come, Mr. Anand Surani and Mr. Moez Lakhani - who conducted an English Reading Assessment for students from Grade 4 to Grade 9. A total of 38students participated in this assessment. The purpose of this assessment was to evaluate the reading proficiency of the students and to better understand their individual learning needs. The assessment provided valuable insights into students’ comprehension, fluency, a

In a world increasingly driven by screens and digital distractions, The Aga Khan Hostel, Botad, paused to honor the timeless joy and power of reading by celebrating National Read a Book Day. Although the day is officially observed on September 6th each year, our hostel marked the occasion on September 7th, 2025, providing students with a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with books and the world of literature. This event was more than a calendar observance — it was a though

On 31st August 2025, the Aga Khan Hostel, Botad, had the privilege of hosting Mr. Manoj Bhai Solanki, a renowned fitness coach and respected member of the Gujarat Body Builders Association for over 35 years. With decades of experience, including his service as a Gym Coach in Botad since 1990, Mr. Solanki has guided and inspired countless individuals in the field of health and fitness. During the session, Mr. Solanki demonstrated practical exercises, shared valuable fitness ti

On August 24th, 2025, Mr. Amin Ladhani - Academic Director of The Aga Khan Hostel, Botad, visited Fidai Baug Hostel, Mumbai The visit to Fidai Baug Hostel was undertaken with the purpose of building institutional connections, exploring shared educational values, and identifying areas of mutual collaboration between Aga Khan Hostel (Botad) and the Fidai Institution. Historical Significance of Fidai Baug Hostel: Fidai Baug Hostel holds deep historical and educational significan

On 24 August 2025 , Mr. Amin Ladhani, Academic Director of The Aga Khan Hostel, Botad, visited Life Foundation Hostel in Virar, Mumbai—an inspiring institution dedicated to nurturing youth while also caring for the elderly under a unified and compassionate vision. The visit provided a meaningful opportunity to witness firsthand a model that blends education, service, and humanity, creating an environment where learning and compassion go hand in hand. Established in 2002 , Lif

Hostel Retreat 2025 – Pathways to Progress, held over two days on 22 and 23 August 2025 in the serene surroundings of Lonavala, was a landmark event that brought together hostel trustees, presidents, and institutional partners from across India. Organized by the National Council Hostel Team, the retreat served as an invaluable platform for shared learning, introspection, and collaboration. The Aga Khan Hostel, Botad had the distinct honour of participating in this meaningful

On 21st August 2025, President Saheb Alijah Dr. Dilip Darediya, Hon. Secretary Sunny Darediya, and Academic Director Amin Ladhani set out from Botad to attend the Hostel Retreat in Lonavala. En route, they made a meaningful stop in Ahmedabad to visit Smart and Active Kids Preschool—an esteemed educational institution lovingly managed by Mrs. Heena Darediya, the wife of our Hostel President Saheb. This visit was undertaken with the objective of exploring and adopting effective

The Aga Khan Hostel, Botad had the honor of hosting Jayrajbhai Patel, an esteemed lawyer and retired law professor with over 32 years of teaching experience at Botadkar College (Botad) and Kikani College (Dhandhuka). A man of many talents—a writer, painter, astrologer, and avid traveler—Jayrajbhai brought with him a lifetime of wisdom drawn from both the academic world and his deep spiritual journeys across India, especially the Himalayas. The topic of the seminar, “How to De

On 15th August 2025 , following the solemn Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony, the Aga Khan Hostel arranged a delightful picnic for its students to Krishna Sagar Lake in Botad, Gujarat. This outing was a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of freedom while offering the students a refreshing break. The students thoroughly enjoyed their time amidst the serene beauty of Krishna Sagar Lake. They marveled at the natural surroundings, engaged in feeding the fish, and shared

The Aga Khan Hostel celebrated the 78th Independence Day of India on 15th August 2025 with great enthusiasm, patriotic fervor, and a strong sense of unity. The occasion served as a reminder of our nation’s hard-won freedom and the sacrifices made by countless individuals to secure it. To celebrate this significant occasion, the students enthusiastically gathered on the hostel terrace early in the morning. With pride and patriotism in their hearts, they actively participated i

On 14th August 2025 , The Aga Khan Hostel, Botad, had the honor of welcoming renowned motivational trainer and youth counseling coach, Mr. Vipul Jamod. The session was thoughtfully curated for students, with the aim of empowering them to focus on personal growth, academic success, teamwork, and lifelong learning. With his dynamic presence and activity-based approach, Mr. Jamod delivered a powerful and inspiring program that deeply resonated with our students. His interactive

The Aga Khan Hostel, Botad, celebrated the sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan on 9th August 2025 with great enthusiasm, love, and cultural spirit. This event was a perfect blend of tradition and emotional bonding, providing students with a meaningful experience beyond academics. We were privileged to have Asfa Azad bhai Panjwani, daughter of Azadbhai Panjwani and a bright student at Genius School, as our special guest. With great warmth and grace, Asfa tied rakhi to all the b

Saturday, 9th August 2025 , the students of The Aga Khan Hostel Bodad, united in a vibrant celebration of World Lion Day, a day dedicated to honoring the strength, courage, and leadership embodied by the majestic lion. More than just a tribute, the event served as a call to action—highlighting the urgent need for wildlife and environmental conservation. The primary goal of the event was to raise awareness about the critical role lions play in maintaining ecological balance, w

On Sunday, 3rd August 2025 , The Aga Khan Health Board for Surendranagar-Botad, in close collaboration with the Health Board for Northern Saurashtra, successfully conducted a comprehensive health screening initiative at The Aga Khan Hostel, Botad. A total of 47 students benefitted from this thoughtfully organized program, which was designed with a focus on early detection, prevention, and overall wellbeing. This annual initiative underscores our collective commitment to fost

On 1st August 2025, Allijah Saheb Dr. Dilip Darediya, esteemed President Saheeb of The Aga Khan Hostel Botad, led a deeply insightful and engaging session for the hostel students on Adolescence Awareness and the multifaceted challenges that accompany this pivotal stage of life. The session was thoughtfully designed to raise awareness among the young students about the biological, emotional, and psychological changes they experience as they transition from childhood to adulth

Every Monday and Thursday, the students of our hostel immerse themselves in the nurturing art of gardening. This heartfelt activity goes beyond simply planting flowers or tending to greenery—it is a celebration of responsibility, care, and respect for the environment. Each seed sown, each plant watered, and every corner of the garden cared for reflects a deep commitment to keeping our surroundings safe, clean, and brimming with life. Through this hands-on connection with natu