Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has just completed 84 years of an eventful and inspiring life. On her birthday, as greetings poured in from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, family members, and countless well-wishers, several thoughts naturally came to mind. As a journalist who has observed her closely for the past 35 years, I can say with certainty that in today’s political landscape, Anandiben stands as an exceptional and unparalleled figure.
During a respectful meeting with her last week at the Raj Bhavan in Lucknow—where I had the privilege of visiting with my family—I sensed the same sharpness, the unwavering flow of moral clarity, and the depth of inner sensitivity that have defined her for decades. Rooted in values, culture, education, and love for the nation, Anandiben Patel is, before anything else—before being a politician, social worker, or educator—a remarkable citizen of India and a beloved figure for millions.
Across her long public journey, she has left an indelible mark as an outstanding teacher, dedicated party worker, popular political leader, and capable administrator. Fearlessness and decisiveness are signature traits of her personality. It was these very traits that once led her to jump into the Sardar Sarovar reservoir to save two drowning girls—a courageous act for which she received a President’s Award for Bravery.
She was also the only woman from Gujarat to join the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ‘Ekta Yatra’, where, despite threats from terrorists, she participated in the historic hoisting of the national flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar.
When one looks at her life as a whole, it becomes clear that Anandiben has faced challenges at every stage—childhood, youth, family life, her work as a teacher, her years in the party organisation, and her role in government. She met every challenge without fear or hesitation, rose above each situation, and continued moving forward. Tireless effort, strong values, clear thinking, willpower, and a disciplined work ethic have shaped every milestone she achieved.
For a woman with no political background to rise purely on the strength of her ideas, conduct, and hard work is itself admirable. But such a journey often brings obstacles. A courageous and honest woman can battle the outside world, but when challenges arise within the family, overcoming them is far more difficult. Anandiben, with immense inner strength, not only carved her own path but also raised her children with care and resolve. Every responsibility entrusted to her—she accepted, and she excelled.
Born in the small village of Kharod in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, Anandiben grew up in a mud house amidst fields in a nearby settlement called Rayna. Her father, Jethabhai—steadfast in Gandhian values—shaped her with qualities such as courage, discipline, duty, sensitivity, determination, and hard work. He had a profound influence on her life. He taught her the dignity of farming, cattle-rearing, and the deeper meanings of family life. Remarkably, almost a century ago, he believed that girls must be educated, as educated daughters transform generations.
Her mother, Menaben, taught her household skills, humility, wisdom, punctuality, and grace. Her elder sister, Saritaben, educated her through difficult circumstances. When Anandiben left the village for higher studies in the city, it was Saritaben who helped her adapt to a new environment—its language, customs, and social norms.
Despite her demanding political life, Anandiben has always cared for her family. She also remains deeply concerned about the lives and futures of party workers and their families. Her son Sanjay, daughter-in-law Hina, daughter Anar, and son-in-law Jayesh continue to be well-connected with society, yet they have kept away from electoral politics.
As for the celebrated ‘Gujarat Model,’ Anandiben has made remarkable contributions in the fields of education, women and child development, sports and youth affairs, revenue, urban development, disaster management, and public works. The nationwide resonance of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao owes much to her vision and conviction.
For Uttar Pradesh, it is a matter of pride that Anandiben Patel is the longest-serving Governor of the state since India’s independence. The transformation she has brought to the Raj Bhavan is both refreshing and inspiring. By opening its gates to the public, she has turned the Raj Bhavan into a ‘Jan-Bhavan’. Thousands of children visit regularly; residents come to walk every morning and evening.
The birdsong, the fragrance of flowers, the soothing fountains, the bonsai garden, the Miyawaki forest, the ‘Maa’ garden, the cowshed, the organic farm, the Panchatantra installations, the model Raj Bhavan School, the serene Shiva statue, the museum, the artisan-designed rooms, the beauty of Annapurna Hall—every corner radiates warmth and vitality. One finds it hard to believe that this is a government building. Under her positive and continuous efforts, the 34 universities of Uttar Pradesh have been infused with new life. Today, these institutions are performing exceptionally in NAAC and NIRF rankings.
Anandiben often says, “A flower blossoms only when it receives fertile soil, nourishment, water, sunlight, and proper care. I consider myself fortunate that I received the soil of Kharod, the guidance of my parents, the love of my family, the support of well-wishers, and the strength to keep moving forward. These blessings helped me fulfil my roles as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—while also serving the nation. Whatever I am able to do is rooted in the soil of Kharod.”
Inspired by deep gratitude toward her birthplace, her workplace, and her culture, millions of her well-wishers pray on her 85th birthday for her happiness, peace, prosperity, and long, healthy life
Jīvam Sharadaḥ Shatam — May she live a hundred autumns.
Sudhir S. Raval is Consulting Editor at the ITV Network
