(Utkarsh Patel)

Gujarat has a society that is mostly connected to the land. In whose life and blood there is a combination of farming culture and devotion. Today, the youth have turned towards urbanization after getting education. The quality and interest in farming are decreasing. Families living in cities are losing interest in village farming. Today, a situation has arisen that development is taking place in every sector in Gujarat, land prices have increased and due to this, the mentality of the youth who have got good education does not need farming and if they get good returns from the land, they will sell it. If the land is sold, the competition to build expensive cars and luxurious houses has increased! And in short, it can be said that it is a decision to spend (lose) lakhs.

But these youth need to understand that our heritage is agriculture and land is our identity and capital as farmers, which should be preserved. If you don't kill it, it will be fine, but at least we can maintain it and get the food grains for the house, what is the harm? We need to think a little positively and if we bring awareness, then life will remain in our village houses and farms.

In today's modern era, in the greed for development and luxury, we are forgetting our original identity. Land is not just wealth, it is a symbol of our existence. Our ancestors have irrigated this land with their sweat and developed the culture of agriculture in it. Today, when the young generation is attracted to urban life and expensive lifestyle, they forget that selling this land is not only a financial loss but a cultural and spiritual loss.

The immediate money received from selling land is used up in a few years. The shine of expensive cars and luxurious houses is fleeting. On the contrary, land becomes more valuable with time and it provides permanent security for our family. In economic downturns or other difficulties, land can be the true refuge. Many families in villages of Gujarat have regretted selling their land because it became impossible to get their land back.

We should appeal to the youth to modernize agriculture instead of giving it up. Agriculture can be made a profitable business with the use of drip irrigation, organic farming, solar technology and good marketing. If educated youth return to the farm, they can bring innovation. Doing so will not only bring economic benefits, but will also preserve family unity, village culture and the environment.

Our identity is from the land. It will remind our children of our heritage. It is essential that we adopt a positive mindset and keep our farms alive. As long as there are farms, the existence and dignity of the farmers of Gujarat will be maintained. This is true development.

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

(Utkarsh Patel)

Surat, a city known as the textile capital of India, has produced many successful entrepreneurs who have earned global recognition through hard work and vision. Among such inspiring personalities, Kamalbhai Tulsiyan (Kamal Vijay Ramchandra Tulsiyan) stands out. He is not only a successful textile industrialist but also a social worker, an able guide in the banking sector, and a strong voice for the industry. His life shows that true success comes when business is combined with service to the society.

Kamalbhai started his career from very humble and challenging beginnings. In the Pandesara GIDC area of Surat, he established J. R. Dyeing & Printing Mills Pvt. Ltd., which is now considered one of the oldest and most trusted saree manufacturing and processing companies in the country. His company has become a symbol of quality and reliability in dyeing, printing, and texturizing. He has also focused on modernizing the industry by adopting eco-friendly technologies and taking continuous steps for the welfare of workers. Today, he runs the business along with his family members.

His personality becomes even more impressive through his commitment to social service. He is actively serving as the Chairman of The Sutex Co-operative Bank Ltd., which provides financial support to Surat’s textile industry and small and medium traders. Under his leadership, the bank has contributed significantly through education loans, business loans, and various social initiatives.

Kamalbhai has also served as the President of the Pandesara Industrial Cooperative Society, where he worked to protect the interests of textile units. His contributions to organizations like the Southern Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA) and Surat Mega Textile Processing Park Association have been valuable for industry growth. As a patron and managing committee member of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI), he has always spoken boldly for the rights and concerns of traders.

One of his most notable qualities is that he never avoids challenges. During difficult times such as the 1994 plague and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he played an important role in supporting workers, protecting the industry, and helping society. By coordinating with the government and local administration, he provided financial and emotional support to many families. Such efforts truly define him as a social leader beyond being an industrialist.

Even at the age of around 74, Kamalbhai continues to maintain an active daily routine like a young entrepreneur. He is known for his straightforward nature and never hesitates to speak openly about industry issues, whether in front of politicians or senior officials. He lives a simple life and treats his workers like family members. He strongly believes in environmental protection and the use of modern technology to ensure sustainable growth in the textile sector. His involvement in social activities related to education, healthcare, and industry is remarkable.

Kamalbhai Tulsiyan’s work teaches us that success is not just for personal gain but for the benefit of society. He truly believes that real success lies in moving forward together with everyone. His life reflects the idea that “success means growing together.” Personalities like him continue to inspire young entrepreneurs in Surat and beyond.

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

Bank deposits exceeding ₹7,000 crore and strong participation from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have propelled Madhapar village far beyond the ordinary, earning it the title of Asia’s Richest Village. Nestled in Gujarat’s Kutch district, Madhapar may appear modest at first glance, but it has drawn national and international attention for its extraordinary financial achievements. Despite its small size, the village has become a symbol of rural prosperity, with residents collectively holding fixed deposits worth more than ₹7,000 crore.

Madhapar’s economic success is not the result of sudden wealth or windfall gains. Instead, it reflects decades of disciplined savings, prudent investments, and a strong culture of financial planning among its residents. According to reports, the village is home to around 32,000 people who together own assets valued at approximately ₹7,000 crore.

A majority of Madhapar’s population belongs to the Patel community, which has traditionally emphasized education, entrepreneurship, and long-term financial security.

Strong NRI Contribution

One of the most striking aspects of Madhapar’s prosperity is the significant contribution from Non-Resident Indians. A large number of villagers live and work abroad, particularly in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and parts of Africa. These NRIs regularly deposit substantial amounts of money in local banks and post offices, strengthening the village’s financial base.

Despite being a village, Madhapar has an impressive banking network. It is home to 17 banks, including major institutions such as Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Union Bank. This strong banking presence highlights the scale of financial activity in the region.

Along with financial prosperity, Madhapar also enjoys modern infrastructure and civic facilities. The village has well-developed schools, parks, roads, and reliable water supply systems, reflecting how economic growth has translated into an improved quality of life for residents.

Gujarat is widely known as one of India’s leading commercial and industrial hubs, home to some of the country’s top industrialists. However, Madhapar stands as a powerful example that economic success is not confined to cities alone. Its wealth and unique financial standing underline the impact of global connections and the commitment of its diaspora community.

With massive bank deposits, strong NRI participation, and sustained financial discipline, Madhapar has secured a remarkable position on Asia’s economic map, redefining what rural prosperity can look like in modern India.