Asia’s Richest Village: When we hear the name of the village, a picture of the field-baron, earthen house, and simplicity emerges in the mind. But there is a village in India that completely changes this picture. This village is Madhapar, which is situated in Kutch district of Gujarat and is called the richest village in Asia. There is an amount of more than Rs 7,000 crore in the banks of this village, which can also beat a big city. After all, what is the story of this village? How did a small village become so rich? And why are it being discussed all over the world?
Identification of Madhapar: A unique village
Madhapar, located near Bhuj city in Kutch district of Gujarat, is not an ordinary village. It is a village in the desert area, which is known for its economic prosperity and modern facilities. According to the 2011 census, the population of this village was around 17,000, which has now increased to around 32,000. There are about 7,600 houses in the village, and surprisingly there are 17 big banks, including names like HDFC, SBI, PNB, Axis, ICICI, and Union Bank. Having so many banks in a village is a unique thing in itself.
In these banks, the villagers have deposited fixed deposits of Rs 7,000 crore. If the average is withdrawn, every person has a deposit of about Rs 15-20 lakh. Apart from this, there are more than 200 crore deposits in the village post office. This amount is so large that many banks are keen to open their branches in this village. But the question is, where did a village bring so much money? The answer is hidden in the hard work of the people of Madhapar and their global connection.
Secret of Madhapar’s prosperity: NRI’s contribution
The biggest reason for this immense wealth of Madhapar is its NRI (NRI) family. 65% of the total population of the village live abroad, especially in African countries, UK, America, Australia, and New Zealand. Of these, about 1,200 families have settled abroad, but they have a deep connection with their village. These people deposit the money earned abroad in Madhapar banks and Zono: and post offices.
Most of the residents of Madhapar are from the Patel community, who are famous for their business understanding. In particular, they dominate the construction business in Central Africa. There is a large population of Gujarati migrants, which is active in construction, real estate, and other businesses. These people not only made their mark abroad, but also sent a large part of their earnings to their village. According to Parulben Kara, former president of the District Panchayat, the people of Madhapar live abroad, but their heart resides in his village. They prefer to deposit their money in Madhapar banks instead of foreign banks, so that the village develops.
Beginning of madhapar
The story of Madhapar is not just today, but its roots are found in the 12th century. The village is one of the 18 villages set up by the Mistry community of Kutch. This community built many historical temples and buildings in Gujarat. Over time, the Patel community population in Madhapar increased, and they enriched the village with their hard work and business skills.
In 1968, the people of Madhapar in London formed the Madhapar Village Association, which aims to connect the villagers living abroad and contribute to the development of the village. This organization played a big role in keeping Madhapar united. People living abroad not only send money, but also donate for facilities like schools, colleges, health centers, and temples in the village.
Cities collide
Madhapar is not only rich in terms of money, but its facilities are not less than a big city. The village has all the basic facilities of water, electricity, roads, and hygiene. There are luxurious bungalows, government and private schools, colleges, hospitals, lakes, and temples. The village also has state -of -the -art Gaushala and Community Hall, which is the center of social and cultural activities.
There is also farming in the village, and its yield is exported to big cities like Mumbai. Surprisingly, despite living abroad, Madhapar people did not sell their fields. They are connected to their cultural roots and consider farming as part of their heritage. When the technique came in the 1990s, Madhapar had already become a Hitech village. The roads here are confirmed, and the sanitation system of the village is so better that it competes with a metro city.
Social and cultural strength of madhapar
The prosperity of Madhapar is not limited to just money. The social fabric and cultural solidarity of this village is also its strength. The people of the village retain their traditions, but also adopt modernity. The temples and community halls here are the center of social ceremonies and religious events. The village has facilities ranging from play school to inter college, where both Hindi and English are studied in mediums.
The people of Madhapar are not only financially strong, but are also ahead in social awareness. They work unitedly for the development of their village. Organizations such as Madhapar Village Association further strengthen this solidarity. People living abroad return to the village from time to time and participate in community development.
Although Madhapar’s story is inspiring, this village is also not untouched by some challenges. The desert area of Kutch is known for water scarcity and difficult climate. But Madhapar has dealt with this problem through dams, lakes, and Artisian wells. In addition, there is a danger of the younger generation living abroad to decrease with the village. However, the Madhapar Village Association and Community Efforts have been maintained so far.
The story of Madhapar is an example for other villages in India. This village shows that hard work, solidarity, and investment in the right direction can make any village rich. Some lessons we can learn from madhapar:
1. Education and Awareness: The emphasis on education in Madhapar made people financially empowered. It is also necessary to promote education in other villages of India.
2. Community unity: The people of Madhapar preferred their village and unitedly developed. Other villages can also develop through community organizations.
3. Economic Investment: Madhapar’s NRI invested its money in the village, which strengthened the local economy. Overseas Indians should encourage investing in their villages.
4. Communication of modernity and tradition: Madhapar adopted modern facilities, but did not leave its cultural roots. This balance is also necessary for other villages.
Madhapar is not just a village, but an inspiration. This shows that hard work, solidarity, and right thinking can make any place an example of prosperity. A deposit of Rs 7,000 crore, 17 banks, and modern facilities make Madhapar the richest village in Asia. But its real power is its people’s love and their solidarity.
Come, take inspiration from this story of Madhapar and try to make your villages rich and happy. This village proves that dreams can come true, provided we work together and stay connected with our roots.
