On the memorable day of 11 September 2025, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar CB Patel were honoured when Guru Hari Santshree Jashbhai Saheb Dada of Anoopam Mission graced CB’s residence in Egham with his presence.
His visit filled the Patel household with joy and blessings, underscoring CB’s role as the family’s guiding pillar. Saheb Dada was accompanied by Vinubhai Nakarja, Sadhu Himatswami, Pappubhai, Jayendrabhai, Yogendrabhai Patel, and Meenuben.
Welcoming him were CB’s close family—Pushpaben, Sarojben, Kalpana, and Subhash Patel—along with Jigneshbhai, Bhumiben, Master Dharm, and cousins from the USA, Pannaben and Rajendrakumar. Consulting editors of Gujarat Samachar Jyotsna Shah and Kokila Patel, as well as Jayshreeben (daughter of Pushpaben’s elder sister), along with Rajendrakumar. Surendra Patel, Bhaviniben, and Ashwin Amin were also present for the blessed occasion.
Heavy traffic delayed Dadasaheb’s arrival, but CB’s friends and family used the time for a lively, inspiring exchange. CB drew on his 53 years of experience to share memorable insights about key organisations, community leaders, and spiritual figures like Morari Bapu and Rameshbhai Oza. He also encouraged Surendrabhai and me to further develop entertainment and theatre activities.
After the delay, Saheb Dada was warmly received by everyone present with kumkum tilak, flowers and a ceremonial shawl. On this occasion, Saheb Dada shared the purpose of his visit, saying, “My primary reason for coming is to personally check on Pushpaben’s well-being.
Honouring Saheb Dada and the saints’ observance of Chaturmas, Bhumiben, guided by Pushpaben and Sarojben, arranged fresh fruits, dry fruits and rajgira sheera, with hot snacks for other guests.
At the gathering, Saheb Dada praised CB’s enduring love for his village and Gujarat, noting his regular visits and prayers at Mahadevji in Bhadran. He added that Pushpaben’s illness had kept her and Sarojben from the Ashram, which moved him to visit after CB’s repeated invitations.
Reflecting on cherished memories, Saheb Dada shared, “During my college years, I was devoted to Mahadev and would meditate for a few minutes before visiting the Swaminarayan temple. Early exposure to religious values and temple festivals shaped my life, eventually leading me to meet Yogibapa, who inspired me to start wearing tilak and chandlo from my college days onward.
“When I studied at D.N. School in Anand, teachers like Vitthalbhai Saheb and Ishwarbhai Saheb instilled strong values, though my youthful energy and love for films caused clashes, even leading me to leave the school. Yogibapa’s simple guidance, ‘We should give up cinema, shouldn’t we?’, changed my habits, and I gave up films entirely.
“During college, I introduced a friend, Dr V S Patel, to Bapa. He was a chain smoker and carried a knife, yet Bapa’s words, ‘The mouth meant for taking God’s name should not emit smoke’—transformed him. He discarded his cigarettes, redirected his energy to studies, and eventually earned a PhD, later becoming Vice-Chancellor of Sardar Patel University. Yogibapa’s guidance completely changed the path of a young man who might otherwise have gone astray.”
Reflecting on CB’s visit to the tribal areas of Rajpipla, Saheb Dada recalled how deeply he was moved by the lack of basic education and healthcare for the local residents. After returning, CB addressed a meeting at Anoopam Mission, saying, “I have just returned from Rajpipla. It is my wish that Anoopam Mission adopts this village.” Acting on his suggestion, the Mission initially adopted 11 villages. Within two to three years, the positive impact of their work encouraged other villages to seek support, and today, Anoopam Mission has adopted 36 villages in the region.
Each adopted village now benefits from a dedicated medical team, including doctors, compounders, and ambulance services, with additional support through partnerships with local hospitals. Schools in these villages have also received books and clothing to support students’ education.
The entire project, with an estimated expenditure of $50,000 to $60,000, is funded by Rameshbhai Kansagara, making him a key benefactor of the initiative started by CB.
Anoopam Mission has also collaborated with various companies over the years. For instance, when Marks & Spencer updated their uniforms, a large quantity of old clothing became available. Anoopam Mission received 35 to 40 containers of these clothes, which were distributed as school uniforms to students across regions from Dang to Palanpur.
Recognising this contribution, the Education Officer of Narmada district formally commended the saints of Anoopam Mission, noting, “Through your donation, the number of students in our schools is increasing,” and honoured them for their efforts.
Recalling memories, Saheb Dada spoke of Gujarat Samachar, originally run by Kusumben. In 1976, Kusumben envisioned starting a newspaper in New York to serve the Gujarati diaspora from Africa, who eagerly awaited news from their homeland, from weather updates to village happenings.
Saheb Dada expressed his joy meeting Sarojben, Jayshreeben and Bhumiben, and offered prayers for the good health of everyone, including CB and Pushpaben.
