In the heart of Gujarat’s Anand district lies Dharmaj, a village that has become a shining symbol of global success rooted in local pride. Known as India’s NRI Village, Dharmaj is where prosperity meets purpose — and where nearly every family’s story spans continents but returns home with gratitude.
A Legacy Born from Courage, Not Capital
The seeds of Dharmaj’s transformation were sown over a century ago. In 1895, two young men — Jotaram Kashiram Patel and Chaturbhai Patel — left for Uganda in search of a better life. Their courage inspired others like Prabhudas Patel (“Manchesterwala”) and Govindbhai Patel, who built thriving businesses abroad.
Over time, these pioneers created a global network of Dharmajis:
1,700 families in the UK
800 in the USA
300 in Canada
150 in Australia and New Zealand
Many more across Africa and beyond
What began as migration for survival evolved into a movement for development — one that continues to shape the destiny of this remarkable village.
Where Modernity Meets Tradition
Step into Dharmaj today and you’ll find smooth RCC roads, underground drainage (since 1972!), and spotless surroundings that put many cities to shame. Cleanliness isn’t a campaign here — it’s a culture.
The village is home to Surajba Park, offering boating, swimming, and lush gardens. The Panchayat even allocated 50 bighas for green fodder cultivation to support local livestock — proof that modern progress and traditional livelihoods can thrive side by side.
The Rs 1,000 Crore Banking Powerhouse
With a population of just 11,333 and an area of 17 hectares, Dharmaj’s financial might is astonishing. The village boasts 11 bank branches, collectively holding deposits exceeding Rs1,000 crore — earning it the nickname “Investor’s Village.”
It all began in 1959, when Dena Bank opened its first branch here. Then came Gram Sahakari Bank in 1969, founded under the leadership of H. M. Patel, a Dharmaj native who later served as India’s Finance Minister.
In a country where rural banking still struggles, Dharmaj stands as an example of financial literacy and trust-driven prosperity.
Luxury with a Local Heart
On Dharmaj’s immaculate streets, BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes glide past homes proudly named “Fiji Residence” or “Rhodesia House.” These names reflect not vanity, but nostalgia — a tribute to the lands where Dharmajis once worked hard and built their fortunes.
Even the plaques at the village crematorium are engraved in shillings, a gentle reminder of their African past.
A Panchayat That Leads with Purpose
At the core of Dharmaj’s success is its powerful Panchayat — transparent, efficient, and deeply trusted. Every January 12, the village celebrates “Dharmaj Diwas”, a grand homecoming for its global community. NRIs return not just to reconnect, but to contribute — reaffirming their lifelong bond with the soil that shaped them.
Prosperity with Purpose
Unlike many villages dependent on subsidies, Dharmaj thrives on collective ownership and community funding. Its model — powered by diaspora engagement, local accountability, and shared values — is now being studied nationwide as a blueprint for rural transformation.
Here, wealth is not hoarded but reinvested — in schools, healthcare, environment, and infrastructure. Every rupee reflects not charity, but commitment.
A Village that Defines India’s Future
Dharmaj’s story is not just about riches or reputation. It’s a reminder that development isn’t only built in cities — it’s nurtured by communities with vision.
From Africa to Anand, from ambition to achievement, Dharmaj stands tall as India’s living example of global citizenship rooted in local love.
In a world often divided between tradition and modernity, Dharmaj proves the two can coexist beautifully — and when they do, they create something truly timeless.
