About Us
History
The Social Service League, established in 1911, marked its 108th year of dedicated service to the working class people of Mumbai on 19th March 2019.
The League’s inception was a result of a collective vision among intellectuals from diverse backgrounds, deeply moved by the prevailing poverty and ignorance among the working class in early 20th-century Mumbai.
Throughout its extensive history, the League was led by distinguished individuals from various walks of life, including notable figures like Late N. G. Chandavarkar, Late Sarvashre G. K. Deodhar, Sir Bhalchandra Bhatavadekar, Sir Henry Edward Edleston Procter, Sir N. M. Joshi, Sir Jamsetjee Jeejibhoy, Sir Fazalbhoy Currimbhoy, and Sir Hormusji Ardeshir Wadia. The League’s fortunes were guided by eminent personalities such as Late Shri Lalubhai Samaldas, Shri N. M. Joshi, Shri Thakkar Bappa, Prof. H. T. Parekh, Dr. S. P. Adarkar, and Shri Ravindra Patkar.
Recognizing that education and proper training are the keys to uplifting society, the League prioritized educational endeavors. In 1971, a library was established in Chinchpokli, a predominantly working-class area. A Night School was instituted in Parel in 1922 to provide education to workers during nighttime. Simultaneously, an Industrial School for Women was initiated in Parel to train women in stitching, sewing, embroidery, and crafts, empowering them to earn a livelihood. In the same year, Damodar Thackersey Moolji Hall was inaugurated, serving as a recreational center for the working class and fostering budding artists in drama and fine arts. The Textile Training Institute (known as MGTTI since 1953), the first of its kind, started in 1924 to train workers for the textile industry. Additionally, in 1925, the Social Workers Training program was introduced to train voluntary social workers. Over time, numerous activities were incorporated, with many extending beyond the League’s roots in Girgaon, Mazgaon, Chinchpokli, Dadar, Vile Parle, and Ambernath to other parts of the city.
Our Vision
To establish a comprehensive community that nurtures individuals from early childhood through graduation, fostering an ecosystem where diverse skills are honed. We are committed to providing everyone the opportunity to realize their full potential, striving to broaden our reach and enhance engagement with all communities for heightened visibility and a more significant impact.
Our Mission
The SSL is dedicated to offering education, assistance, and a conducive environment, empowering each individual to enhance their lives. We prioritize education, envisioning a redesigned campus equipped with cutting-edge educational facilities, a dedicated drama theatre, and additional spaces for various social activities. Our goal is to create an environment where individuals can thrive intellectually and socially.
President’s Message
Shri Anand Mainkar
President
The Social Service League
Season’s Greetings and best wishes to all my brothers and sisters and their family members belonging to various social fields and closely associated with The Social Service League (SSL). This year is a landmark year of great importance for our organization as we present the 111th Annual Report. This year marks the completion of 100 years of implementation of Night School Education concept in India to provide quality education to many deprived people of this country. We celebrated the Centenary celebrations -100 years of “Damodar Hall”, “Sahakari Manoranjan Mandal” and “SSL Night School” and “SSL Night Junior College”. We are glad that we could witness both our Centenary celebrations as well as the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Independence of our country celebrated nationwide. I am once again amazed by the visionary leadership of our Founder late Shri N. M. Joshi whose vision has brought us this far. We are also extremely proud to share that our CBSE school received award for excellence in Co-curricular activities and leader of the year to the principal Mrs. Apeksha Chaudhari on 13th March 2022 from Centre for Education Development Foundation (CED). Our new initiatives are taking shape and on behalf of the Board of Trustees I am happy to announce that the Redevelopment of our School buildings and expansion of SSL English School (CBSE) is underway and speedy. The project focusses to develop the campus serving present educational needs equipped with all the modern amenities. We are happy to have a strong and cooperative Alumni Association, but I urge all other ex-students of SSL to come forward and register with our Alumni association. I request the school alumni to share their feedback, suggestions or appreciation about this institution through various social media such as what’s app, Facebook, twitter, Instagram and website. Your valuable inputs will be definitely considered. Overall, I take this opportunity to express my satisfaction to the overwhelming positive inputs and responses received from our members and students for all the activities carried out all year around and request you to continue the same. I assure you that with all your support and as a team we shall strive ahead and sincerely put in our best efforts to upgrade our Social Service league on all frontiers.
THANKING YOU
– ANAND MAINKAR