It has been defined by J. S. Grewal who is quoted by R. P. Shukla as "A rural pre-primary school run economically but scientifically and using as many educational aids as possible, prepared from locally available material".
It was developed by Tarabai Modak, the first balwadi was started in Bordi a coastal village in Thane district of Maharashtra by Nutan Bal Shikshan Sangh in 1945.
Modak's was a pioneer effort in providing non-formal education at pre-school level in India.
[2] The purpose of balwadis is to provide a child facilities for physical and mental growth at school and at home.
[3] Balwadis were further developed as a part of the government of India's poverty alleviation programme by universalising education.