Gujarat’s Dharmaj village redefining rural prosperity

Dec 10, 2025

Rooftops lined with solar panels, clean roads, modern facilities in education, health, and banking — Dharmaj, in Gujarat’s Anand district, stands as a shining example of rural prosperity. Known as the “NRI Village,” nearly every household has members settled abroad, with around 5,000 NRIs contributing to local development. Visionaries like Bhupendra Patel, living in London for over five decades, continue to support their village generously. Two decades ago, Dharmaj launched an initiative connecting overseas residents to local development. Their contributions have transformed the village into a model of cleanliness, sustainability, and self-reliance. Highlights include a sprawling 50-bigha recreational park with swimming pools, boating, and lush gardens. Education thrives through well-supported private and government schools, ensuring young minds receive modern, future-ready learning. Dharmaj showcases the power of global support, visionary planning, and community spirit, redefining rural development in India.