Pannalal Lohe Day Care Centre: Four Decades of Nurture, Trust, and Timeless Values

A practising anaesthesiologist associated with Breach Candy Hospital, Bombay Hospital, and SportsMed Mumbai, Dr. Sathe took charge of the parent organisation as Joint Honorary Secretary in 1985, at the age of 35, when it was on the brink of closure. Over the past forty years, his leadership has not only revived the organisation but has also strengthened its foundations, enabling it to serve generations with integrity and purpose.
Among its many initiatives, the Pannalal Lohe Day Care Centre has remained a true home away from home for children of working parents. Families, even from as far as South Mumbai and Prabhadevi, have chosen this centre for its unwavering reputation for care that mirrors the warmth and attentiveness of one’s own home. Today, the centre proudly nurtures a second generation—children of its own alumni—reflecting a legacy built on trust.
At the heart of its daily functioning is Mrs. Sunita Parulekar, a name deeply respected in Vile Parle. To the children, she is a reassuring grandmotherly presence—guiding, nurturing, and shaping young minds with instinctive understanding and boundless affection. Her gift lies in “मुलाांना घडवणे”—the art of gently moulding children—ensuring that each child receives care akin to that of a loving grandparent, while playing an immeasurable role in the development of their personality and faculties.
In an age increasingly dominated by technology, the centre consciously preserves the essence of a grounded childhood. Here, children are encouraged to grow as a harmonious blend of traditional values and present-day awareness—rooted, confident, and free from an over-reliance on screens. From the smallest gestures—how a child greets a guest, to how they carry themselves with grace—the focus remains on holistic development.
Creativity flourishes through thoughtfully designed art and craft activities, storytelling, music, and drama—all personally curated by Mrs. Parulekar. She composes poems, sets them to music, and brings them alive through her own singing, while also writing and directing plays that nurture expression and confidence in children. Festivals, both big and small, are celebrated with equal enthusiasm, instilling cultural awareness and joy.
Children are encouraged to play freely within the premises, enjoying equipment such as slides, swings, and merry-go-rounds—simple pleasures that are becoming increasingly rare today. Complementing this is the introduction of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Lab, where children gain hands-on exposure to scientific concepts through practical experiments, fostering curiosity without the burden of academic pressure. A specialised teacher from Pune conducts these sessions for children aged six years and above, with dedicated batches held over weekends. Parents may visit the centre to inquire and enrol their children for these sessions.
The centre also conducts summer programmes, including an Expression Camp, a five-day workshop beginning in the first week of May, with new batches commencing every Monday. Designed to help children articulate their thoughts and emotions through various art forms, the camp enhances concentration, reduces screen time, and encourages independent thinking. Parents are welcome to visit the centre for further details and admissions.
Behind this seamless functioning stands Dr. Sathe’s quiet and unwavering support—his presence felt not in overt display, but in the strength and stability he lends to every member of the organisation.
The Pannalal Lohe Day Care Centre welcomes children from 6 months to 10 years of age, operating Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For those seeking a space where childhood is respected, nurtured, and allowed to unfold in its truest sense—this is where it quietly continues to thrive.