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Whether one fully understands Gujarati, speaks it or reads it, a person of Gujarati origin is still undeniably a Gujarati. A mother tongue knows no boundaries. To me, being Gujarati means having roots and lineage that are grounded in Gujarat. Irrespective of any differences - they all are Gujaratis.
Today, the Gujarati diaspora is a global powerhouse, excelling in business, politics, culture and philanthropy. Their contributions have not only shaped the regions they live in but have also strengthened India’s standing on the world stage. With their indomitable spirit, strong entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability and community-driven values, Gujaratis continue to be torchbearers of India's success and progress worldwide.
Dominating key industries in the UK, USA, Canada, UAE, Kenya and South Africa, they drive economic growth and innovation. Beyond business, they preserve Gujarati literature, music and traditions while holding influential social and political roles, shaping policies and strengthening diplomacy.
Last fortnight, the top officials of the newly appointed President Donald Trump’s government in the US assumed office. Prior to that, they had appeared before the Senate committee for a cross-examination. This investigation seems designed to unsettle even the most respected figures. Among these stalwarts, you have undoubtedly come across the dynamic Gujarati-origin, Kashyap (Kash) Patel. President Trump has entrusted Kash Patel, a young man with roots in the outskirts of central Gujarat, with the reins of America's top investigative body – the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation).
The US Constitution has granted the FBI immense authority to investigate criminal cases within and outside the United States, regardless of whether the individuals involved are American or foreign. According to the most recent available data, more than 38,500 people work for the FBI and its annual budget stands at a staggering 11 billion pounds. Kash Patel has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading this powerful organisation, marking the first time that an individual of Indian origin has ascended to such a high position within the US government.
Let us extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kash Patel on his prestigious appointment, and at the same time, express our sincere gratitude to his parents, Anjanaben and Pramodbhai Patel. Why gratitude? Because, as Kash himself says, the values of Indian culture are clearly reflected in him, thanks to the upbringing by his parents.
As Kash Patel began his speech before the Senate, he first introduced his parents and sister, Nisha, acknowledging their presence. He shared that his parents had travelled from India and his sister from overseas to witness this momentous occasion. With gratitude, he greeted them with "Jay Shree Krishna."
Just imagine the vast, diverse, and multicultural circle of friends that someone in such a prestigious position within the American President's inner circle must have, surrounded by the prevalence of Western lifestyles. Yet, amidst all of this, he has managed to preserve his Indian and Gujarati roots.
In my nearly sixty years in public life, I have met thousands of people from all walks of life. I have even met those who came to Britain from Gujarat and elsewhere just a few years ago and have become so absorbed in Western culture that they seem just like the English. But Kash Patel is truly one of a kind. He remains very proud to be Gujarati. In a recent interview, he said, "I can say with pride that I am a Gujarati." The Chairman of the Senate Committee also stated while delivering his address that Kash Patel is Gujarati. As he spoke, there was a clear sense of respect, emotion, hope and expectation towards the Gujarati community in his words.
You all will recall that in November 2015, our beloved Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi visited Britain. During this visit, while addressing a massive crowd of 60,000 Indian community members at Wembley Stadium in London, he announced the resumption of the direct London-Ahmedabad-London flight and had mentioned my name.
After the programme, I was backstage when a person approached me and introduced himself as a senior journalist with The Economist. He said, "I heard your name mentioned in the Prime Minister's speech, and I would like to have a conversation to gather some information." I replied that, given the noise of such a large audience, it would be difficult to talk then, and suggested, "Come to the office tomorrow, and we can speak in peace." The next day, he arrived at the Karma Yoga House office and started interrogating me with questions like: "Who are you? What is your background? How do you know Narendra Modi? What is your connection with him? And what is the secret behind the Gujarati community's success in various fields?" And so on.
I managed to calm him down and spoke to him factually and respectfully. My goal was simple: to ensure that the British journalist received accurate information about PM Narendra Modi and our Gujarati community. The conversation went on for quite some time. In December, a 5,000-word article titled "Going Global- Secrets of the world’s best businesspeople" was published in The Economist. This detailed piece, complete with multiple photographs, celebrated Gujarat and the Gujarati identity. It stands as global recognition of our name and a proud testament to us as Gujaratis (without my photo or name!).
Ambition with restraint—that’s the Gujarati way. Hardworking yet generous, Gujaratis value both wealth and charity. Charity is at the very heart of Gujarat's spirit, embodying our core values and culture. Many notable figures come to mind who, for one reason or another, left a significant mark on Gujarat. Lord Krishna had to travel here and Lord Rama, in his quest to find Sita, also travelled through the Dangs, where he savoured the sweet berries offered by Shabari. The British entered India through Gujarat, spreading imperialism via Rander in Surat, but it was a Gujarati, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, our revered champion of truth and non-violence, seated by the Sabarmati River, who ultimately led them to retreat. Gujarat may be small in both area and population within India, yet its influence is immense, and it has built a unique identity, much like a tiny mustard seed brimming with potential.
When it comes to the generous heroes of Gujarat, countless names come to my mind. There's Ahmedabad’s Sheth Hathisingh and the legendary Bhamashah Jagdusha from the Rana Pratap era, along with Deepchand Gardi, Ratan Tata, Azim Premji and many others. In East Africa, Karimjee Jivanjee, Muljibhai Madhavani and Nanji Kalidas Mehta stand out, not to mention our very own Dhamecha, Vadera, Patels, Bhudia in Britain. These renowned and other families in the UK and many such unsung heroes continue to shine brightly through their generosities. They have always ensured that the community is treated with utmost dignity, never allowing it to suffer even in times of scarcity. You might call it the Gujarati self-respect or culture, but it is truly our identity.
Our identity is more than just a heritage, it’s a way of life. We work hard, earn, spend and share, always contributing to our society. Our values grow stronger with every act of kindness. For us, charity isn’t just about money; it’s about giving time, showing empathy and helping those in need. Whether supporting the poor, uplifting the marginalised, or simply offering a helping hand, we believe in making a difference. This spirit of generosity keeps our community strong. It connects our past, strengthens our present, and paves the way for a future where our values shine across the world.