The Ahmedabad Education Society (AES) was established in 1935, when there was only one college – Gujarat College – established by the British Raj, providing higher education in the field of Arts and Science. AES was established under the inspiration of Late Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, who also laid the foundation stone of H L College of Commerce. Eminent businessmen with philanthropic inclinations and foresight like Sheth Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai, Shri Amrutlal Hargovandas, Shri G V Mavalankar and Shri C C Gandhi were keenly interested in starting an educational edifice in the Business Hub of Ahmedabad which was popular as the Manchester of India during the British reign. Their collaborative vision was to develop entrepreneurial spirit among the youth as also to create a Human Resource to cater to the business needs of a highly successful business community that would contribute to the national growth.
The citizens of Ahmedabad had full faith in the leadership of these eminent personalities and bestowed lavish contribution for the noble cause of education. Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai was appointed as president of the Society in 1936 and the march towards progress was initiated under his dynamic leadership. Schools, colleges and institutes were established one after the other in spacious premises and an excellent environment on the lands purchased by the AES. The AES established the first engineering college in Gujarat in the name of L D College of Engineering, which was later handed over to the Government of Gujarat.
AES was extremely fortunate to have blossomed under the dynamic leadership of its Founder Members who had the vision to make Ahmedabad a seat of learning and education. For this purpose, 600 acres of land was purchased in and around the city of the Ahmedabad. On account of this, the AES has been able to assist in the development of Gujarat by giving away land for other educational institutions like Physical Research Laboratory, Indian Space Research Organisation, Ahmedabad Textile Industry Research Association, Blind People’s Association, Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Center, Gujarat Vishwa Kosh and others.
H L College of Commerce had the privilege to house the Gujarat University in its building in the initial years. AES also generously donated Rs 5 lacs for the establishment of the Gujarat University. The educational institutes established by AES directly and indirectly enjoy status of being “Leaders” in their field. AES institutes have been privileged to get the services of eminent personalities like Prin V K R V Rao, Prin Gurumukh Nihal Singh, Prin S V Desai, Prin G V Mavalankar, Prin R D Desai and others as Principals of its Colleges.
Over the years, AES has become one of the largest academic trusts in Gujarat. At present, two universities and more than 25 institutions run by the AES, provide education from Kindergarten to Ph.D. level to more than 3000 school children and 10000 college students. AES has excellent arrangement for hostel facilities also, providing residential accommodation to more than 1000 male and 450 female students.