Ganpatbhai Govindbhai Patel
"GG Patel"
April 4, 1938
—
January 21, 2026
We lovingly called him "Dada" — our beloved grandfather
Share a memory of Dada
"GG Patel"
We lovingly called him "Dada" — our beloved grandfather
Share a memory of Dadaकर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन
"You have the right to perform your duty, but never to its fruits."
— Bhagavad Gita 2.47
GG Dada's life was forever transformed by his guru, Param Pujya Shri Dongreji Maharaj. Under his guidance, Dada became a devout follower of the Bhagavad Gita and the Shrimad Bhagavat—reading it over one hundred times. These sacred teachings inspired him to embody three powerful principles:
Compassion
Kindness and mercy to all living beings—forgiving debts, helping those in need, treating every person with dignity.
Empathy
The deep wish to alleviate suffering. His life's work in education was driven by his desire to lift others from hardship.
Goodwill
Sincere wish for the welfare of all. He approached every endeavor with pure intentions, working for the upliftment of his community.
GG Dada, our cherished visionary educator, devoted philanthropist, and the heart of our family, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the age of 87. Born in the serene village of Digadi in Gujarat, India, he embodied the spirit of resilience and hope, rising from modest beginnings through his unyielding faith in the transformative power of education, a gift that forever changed his life and those around him.
In his early years in Digadi, GG Dada discovered education as a beacon of possibility, igniting a passion that propelled him beyond the village horizons. With courage and determination, he ventured forth to pursue his engineering degree at LD College of Engineering, becoming one of Ahmedabad's first engineers—a milestone that filled his heart with pride and opened doors he once only dreamed of. This bold step out of the village didn't just elevate his own path; it lifted his entire family and the people around him, creating ripples of progress and opportunity that reshaped destinies.
What we as a family are today—our strengths, our values, our shared successes—is a direct reflection of his pioneering spirit and the foundation he built for us all. As a thriving businessman, he didn't just build success for himself; he lovingly nurtured his sons and extended family, sharing his wisdom to help them forge their own paths, creating a tapestry of shared dreams and unbreakable bonds.
But GG Dada's greatest legacy was his boundless generosity and commitment to others. Touched deeply by how learning had lifted him from humble roots, he poured his soul into giving back, especially through championing girls' education. This cause stirred his deepest compassion. In his beloved village of Digadi, he was a true pioneer, establishing the primary school that became a cornerstone for generations of young learners.
Extending his vision further, he devoted much of his time as a trustee and administrator in pioneering and building Shree Saraswati Kanya Kelavni Mandal in Kadi, an institute dedicated to empowering girls' education and fostering their growth into confident, capable individuals. The vision of this institution was to bring forth, empower, and give a fighting chance to girls from our samaj, nurturing their potential in a supportive environment. Today, it stands as a beacon of progress, encompassing a nursing school, physiotherapy school, girls' hostel, and more, continuing to uplift and transform lives.
His influence reached even wider as he played a significant role as a trustee and administrator of Stree Kelavani Uttejak Mandal in Ahmedabad, where his tireless efforts helped expand access to education for women across the region. His actions weren't mere philanthropy; they were acts of profound love, ensuring that the light he found in education would illuminate generations to come.
Through his gentle strength, selfless spirit, and inspiring vision, GG Dada profoundly touched and forever altered so many lives. His children, grandchildren, and the countless students he uplifted carry forward his warmth and guidance as eternal treasures. He leaves behind a family enveloped in grief yet overflowing with gratitude for his endless love. Though our hearts ache with his absence, we find solace in the beautiful memories of his laughter, his stories, and the quiet ways he made the world kinder.
As trustee and administrator, he pioneered this institute in Kadi dedicated to empowering girls' education. Today it encompasses a nursing school, physiotherapy school, girls' hostel, and more—continuing to transform lives.
His tireless efforts as trustee and administrator of this Ahmedabad institution helped expand access to education for women across the region, opening doors of opportunity for countless young women.
In his beloved village of Digadi, he was a true pioneer, establishing the primary school that became a cornerstone for generations of young learners, giving back to the community that shaped him.
Founded this construction firm to build affordable housing for families in Ahmedabad. His projects prioritized compassion over profit, often forgiving payments and offering homes at accessible prices to uplift our samaj.
One of Ahmedabad's pioneering engineers from LD College of Engineering. This achievement opened doors he once only dreamed of and lifted his entire family, creating waves of progress that reshaped destinies.
"GG Dada will forever be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements but for the profound hope, empowerment, and love he instilled in every soul he encountered."
A lifetime of precious moments captured in photographs
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Click on any photo to view in full screen
Those whose lives Dada touched share their cherished memories
Be the first to share a memory of Dada
Did Dada touch your life? We'd love to hear your story.