Surat industrialist, Piyush Desai: In a heartwarming gesture of social responsibility, well-known Surat-based industrialist Piyush Bhurabhai Desai has announced a financial aid initiative for 7,500 tenant farmers across Gujarat. Each farmer will receive ₹7,500 as direct support — a move that highlights the industrialist’s commitment to the welfare of those who cultivate land on lease but often remain outside government assistance programs.
The announcement comes at a crucial time when the state government has rolled out relief packages for registered farmers. However, many tenant farmers who till others’ land on contract basis often miss out on these benefits. Recognizing their struggle, Piyush Desai decided to personally extend financial support to this underrepresented group.
Expanding His Social Mission: ‘Hiraba No Khumkar’
Piyush Desai, who is widely respected for his philanthropic activities, launched a special campaign titled “Hiraba No Khumkar” (Strength of Hiraba) to promote education for girls in Gujarat. The initiative, inspired by his mother Hiraba’s values, has steadily grown into a large-scale public movement encouraging the education and empowerment of daughters.
Initially launched to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, the campaign began by providing financial support to 551 girls for their education. As of November 9, another 551 girls received scholarship cheques worth ₹7,500 each, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 1,102.
Over ₹41 Lakh Distributed in Scholarships
A special event was held at the Surat Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of Dhanteras, where Desai personally distributed educational aid to the newly selected students. Each girl received a cheque worth ₹7,500 under the Hiraba No Khumkar program.
With this, the campaign has distributed ₹41,32,500 in total educational assistance so far. The atmosphere during the ceremony was emotional and inspiring — parents and daughters expressed visible joy and gratitude as they received the support, symbolizing hope for a brighter and more independent future.
Vision to Educate 21,000 Girls Across Gujarat
Speaking at the event, Piyush Desai emphasized that educating girls is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen a nation’s future. He stated,
“Providing education to a daughter is equivalent to shaping the future of our country. With Hiraba’s blessings, this mission will continue until every deserving girl gets the opportunity she deserves.”
Desai further revealed his long-term vision: to reach 21,000 girls through the Hiraba No Khumkar initiative and distribute educational assistance totaling approximately ₹1,575 crore. The scale of this ambition reflects his belief that collective empowerment through education can transform not just families, but entire communities.
Support for Farmers: Extending Beyond Business Interests
Desai’s announcement of assistance for 7,500 tenant farmers has received widespread appreciation across the state. At a time when farmers face increasing challenges due to fluctuating crop yields, rising input costs, and unpredictable weather, such private initiatives add a much-needed layer of support beyond government schemes.
Many tenant farmers — locally known as Bhagyane — cultivate land owned by others and share a portion of their produce as rent. Since their names often do not appear in official land records, they struggle to qualify for relief packages. Desai’s initiative directly targets this group, offering them a sense of recognition and dignity.
A Philanthropist with Deep Roots in Gujarat
Originally from Nanota village in Banaskantha district, Piyush Desai has built a diversified business empire in Surat encompassing textiles, construction, and finance. Despite his commercial success, he continues to devote significant energy and resources to community development projects, education, and social welfare programs.
His close associates describe him as a man driven by purpose rather than profit. The “Hiraba No Khumkar” campaign, named after his late mother, reflects his deep respect for women’s empowerment and the role of education in shaping social progress.
Public Reaction: Praise and Inspiration
The event saw the attendance of several business leaders, educators, and social activists, all of whom lauded Desai’s unique initiative. Many described his work as a model of corporate social responsibility (CSR) that goes beyond traditional charity to create lasting social impact.
Business leaders present at the event noted that Desai’s gesture will inspire other entrepreneurs to think beyond their companies and contribute meaningfully to society. Educationists emphasized that by helping 1,102 girls so far — and aiming for thousands more — Desai is investing in the long-term intellectual capital of the state.
Empowerment Through Education: The Core Message
What makes the Hiraba No Khumkar campaign stand out is its focus on grassroots empowerment. Instead of simply donating funds to institutions, Desai ensures that each girl receives direct financial aid, enabling her to pursue her studies independently. The initiative covers students from diverse backgrounds, including rural areas where girls often drop out due to financial hardships.
By connecting education with emotional and cultural values — symbolized by his mother’s name, Hiraba — Desai has turned what began as a local campaign into a movement that resonates across Gujarat and beyond.
Building a Legacy of Compassion and Responsibility
In an era where business success often overshadows social responsibility, Desai’s dual commitment to industry and philanthropy sets him apart. His work demonstrates that corporate leaders can play a pivotal role in addressing grassroots challenges, from agricultural inequality to gender disparity in education.
By simultaneously supporting tenant farmers and underprivileged girls, Desai’s initiatives bridge two critical areas of social concern — economic survival and educational opportunity. Together, they represent a holistic approach to community upliftment.
As Desai continues his mission, his actions are steadily building a legacy of compassion, responsibility, and empowerment — values that define the spirit of modern Surat.
