Praful Pansheriya: A Person Who Walks the Path of Service with a Smiling Face, Far Away from Controversies

(Utkarsh Patel)

In Gujarat politics, there are several leaders whose names immediately evoke thoughts of controversy, debates, or political rivalries. Here, Prafulbhai Chhaganbhai Pansheriya stands out as an exceptional personality whose life and tenure have continuously progressed purely along the path of service, remaining far removed from controversy. His smiling face and simple demeanor seem to convey that power is a means of service, not a tool for fame or arrogance. The work he is currently doing in the Government of Gujarat as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Health, Family Welfare, and Medical Education reflects this very innate nature.

Prafulbhai was born on June 1, 1971, in Shedhavadar village of Amreli district. Hailing from a farming family of the Leuva Patidar community in Saurashtra, he completed his education at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. While that education gave him a deep understanding of life, his true character was forged through social service. He engaged in social work starting back in the 1990s. Blood donation camps, helping the needy, and working in education and healthcare—he did all of this without waiting for any organization, political position, or post. These endeavors earned him recognition as a young social worker, and his seven-day continuous blood donation camp was even recorded in the Limca Book of Records.

His entry into politics occurred in 2012 when he was elected as a BJP candidate from Surat’s Kamrej assembly constituency. He won the public mandate again in the 2022 elections. As an MLA, he gave Kamrej a makeover through development, doing commendable work to improve roads, water, education, and healthcare facilities. However, his defining trait remained that he never got entangled in controversy. Even amid political competition, he maintained respectful conduct toward opponents. His services received special praise during the difficult times of COVID-19, where he played an active role in helping the people of his constituency and overseeing medicine distribution and vaccination efforts.

In 2022, under Bhupendrabhai Patel's government, he was assigned the charge of Parliamentary Affairs, Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education as a Minister of State. In the Education Department, he focused heavily on school cleanliness, quality of education, and the future of students. On one occasion, seeing unclean school toilets, he cleaned them himself! These visuals went viral on social media and inspired many. He has repeatedly stated that young people going abroad to achieve success is not a matter of pride, but a subject of concern; an environment should be built right here so that they remain and serve the country. These thoughts made the education policy more practical.

In the Gujarat Cabinet expansion of October 2025, he was given independent charge of Health, Family Welfare, and Medical Education. In this department, he has focused on food safety, strict action against adulteration, polio vaccination drives, and regular inspections of hospitals. In one instance, upon noticing irregularities at a Palitana hospital, he took immediate action. He has also taken a firm stance against fake doctors.

He often says, "I am a worker first, a minister second." This sentence highlights his humility. Prafulbhai’s service is not limited to a government office. In a village in Kamrej, after the passing of their father, he helped two young girls by building them a home, arranging their education, and extending financial support. His life is full of many such examples.

In today’s times, when politics often appears driven by self-interest and controversy, leaders like Prafulbhai serve as a reminder that true leadership means understanding people’s problems, delivering solutions, working with a smiling face, and staying clear of controversy. His life is an inspiration for the youth... get educated, engage in social service, and make power a tool for service. Leaders like him in Gujarat are the ones who will take society forward.

(The writer is a prominent businessman, social worker and founder of khabarchhe.com)