In a proud moment for Gujarat, social worker Hasmukh Patel from Banaskantha has been selected for the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2025 for his outstanding contribution to rural development and constructive community work. The award, instituted by the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation in 1977, recognises individuals who have dedicated their lives to upliftment of rural India through Gandhian values, sustainable development, and grassroots transformation.
As part of the honour, Patel will receive ₹20 lakh in cash, a trophy, and a citation. The foundation will soon announce the details of the official award ceremony.
A Lifelong Commitment to Transforming Tribal and Rural Communities
For more than four decades, Hasmukh Patel has been working tirelessly in the remote tribal belts of Amirgadh and Vav in Banaskantha district. Through his organisation, Samvedna Trust, Veermpur, Patel has consistently addressed some of the most pressing challenges faced by rural communities.
His efforts include:
- Improving access to quality education in tribal villages
- Strengthening healthcare infrastructure
- Fighting malnutrition among children and women
- Promoting water conservation and sustainable use of natural resources
- Encouraging agriculture-based self-reliance
- Taking a firm stand against superstitions and harmful traditional practices
Patel’s work is deeply inspired by the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave, and Jayprakash Narayan. He has always believed in treating every rural citizen with respect, not pity — a principle that defines the foundation of his service.
Journey Rooted in Grassroots Movements
Hasmukh Patel’s social journey began in Amirgadh, a region known for its difficult terrain and socio-economic challenges. Later, he shifted his base to Veermpur, where the Samvedna Trust expanded its presence and community outreach.
Over the decades, he has played crucial roles in several national and state-level movements, including:
- Nava Nirman Movement
- JP Movement during the Emergency
- Misa Vas activism
- Rehabilitation work for families affected by the Narmada Dam Project
His long-standing experience in these people-centric movements provided him with a strong understanding of grassroots struggles, enabling him to design sustainable and culturally sensitive development programmes.
Samvedna Trust: Building Pathways to Rural Progress
Through Samvedna Trust, Hasmukh Patel has implemented long-term initiatives in:
1. Education
Setting up avenues for formal and non-formal learning, improving school attendance, and ensuring tribal children receive continuous academic support.
2. Healthcare & Nutrition
Organising health camps, addressing anaemia and malnutrition, promoting maternal care, and spreading awareness about preventive healthcare.
3. Water Conservation
Building check dams, promoting rainwater harvesting, and educating farmers about water-efficient agricultural practices.
4. Agriculture and Livelihoods
Helping farmers adopt innovative, low-cost techniques that boost income and reduce dependency on erratic rainfall.
5. Social Reform
Working persistently to eradicate superstitions and harmful beliefs prevalent in tribal areas, and promoting scientific and social awareness.
Patel’s philosophy has always been simple — “Don’t curse the darkness. Light a lamp.” And through his years of dedicated service, he has lit thousands of such lamps across Banaskantha.
Hasmukh Patel: Gujarat’s 11th Recipient of the Jamnalal Bajaj Award
With this honour, Hasmukh Patel becomes the 11th person from Gujarat to receive the Jamnalal Bajaj Award. Over the years, several eminent personalities and institutions from Gujarat have been recognised for their contributions to rural reconstruction, science and technology for rural development, and women and child welfare.
Past Gujarat Awardees in Rural Development & Reconstruction
Some notable past recipients include:
- Late Jugatram Dave – Vedchi (1978)
- Late Manubhai Pancholi (1996) – Lokbharati, Sanosara
- Late Narayanbhai Desai (1999)
- Late Chunibhai Vaidya – Ahmedabad (2010)
These individuals have deeply influenced rural upliftment through constructive Gandhian initiatives.
Awardees in Science & Technology for Rural Development
Gujarat has also made remarkable contributions in applying science and technology for grassroots progress. Awardees from the state include:
- Late Mohan Parikh – Bardoli (1984)
- Late Ishwarbhai Patel – Safai Vidyalaya (1988)
- Dr. Arunbhai Dave – Lokbharati Sanosara (2002)
- Mansukhbhai Prajapati (2022)
Each of them introduced innovative, affordable solutions that empowered rural communities.
Honourees in Women and Child Development from Gujarat
The Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation has also recognised several inspiring women leaders from Gujarat:
- Late Pushpavatiben Mehta (1983)
- Late Kantaben Shah and Harvilasben Shah (1993) – Known as the Harishchandra Sisters
- Arunaben Desai – Wadhwan (2005)
Their contribution to women’s empowerment, childcare, and community leadership remains exemplary.
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Why Hasmukh Patel Truly Deserves the Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2025
Hasmukh Patel’s decades-long journey is a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins at the smallest unit — the village. His approach combines:
- Gandhian simplicity
- Deep cultural understanding
- Community participation
- Long-term sustainability
His work has not just solved problems but has created self-reliant rural ecosystems, which is exactly what the Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2025 stands for.
As the foundation prepares for the official award ceremony, Patel’s recognition is being celebrated across Gujarat, especially in the tribal communities whose lives he has transformed.
Conclusion
The Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2025 bestowed upon Hasmukh Patel is more than an honour — it is a tribute to decades of selfless service, rural empowerment, and unwavering commitment to Gandhian values. His story will continue to inspire countless social workers, volunteers, and rural development leaders across India and beyond.
