Gangaben Paatil’s Birthday Marked with Public Service in Surat

Surat | Gujarat — In a heartwarming example of service-driven celebration, the birthday of Gangaben Paatil — wife of Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil — was observed not with grandeur, but with meaningful contributions to society. From aiding the disabled to strengthening healthcare services at Surat Civil Hospital, the occasion turned into a day of public service under the family’s guiding motto, “Jan Seva Ae Ja Prabhu Seva” (Service to people is service to God).

On Monday, Gangaben Paatil presented one e-cycle and three tricycles to disabled citizens at her residence, bringing smiles and renewed mobility to the recipients. “This tricycle will give me independence to move freely without depending on anyone. I am grateful to Gangabenben for thinking of us on such an occasion,” said one of the beneficiaries, visibly emotional.

Further extending the service to healthcare, the family donated golf carts for patients, doctors, and hospital staff to help them commute between the orthopedic OPD and the physiotherapy-exercise department of Surat Civil Hospital. “These carts will save time and energy, especially for patients who struggle to move from one department to another,” said Dr. Mahendrasinh Chauhan, Dean of the Medical Faculty.

A significant highlight of the event was the honoring of 200 newly appointed staff nurses and three nursing superintendents at Surat Civil. Each was welcomed with a national flag photo frame as a mark of respect. Gujarat’s state government has recently recruited 1,903 nursing staff and 16 superintendents, of which 200 nurses and three superintendents have joined Surat Civil, strengthening the hospital’s health services.

Dr. Parul Vadgama, In-charge Superintendent of Government Medical College, remarked: “The presence of trained, skilled, and empowered nurses is crucial for quality care. This gesture of encouragement will boost the morale of our new recruits.”

For years, the Paatil family has celebrated birthdays by serving society rather than indulging in lavish festivities. Their initiatives include distributing fruits to hospital patients, kits for mothers and newborns, toys for children, and sarees for women in the tribal belt from Ambaji to Umargam. Last year, they also distributed nutrition kits across tribal hospitals and supported cancer patients with financial aid.

Blood donation camps have also been a consistent part of their outreach, with volunteers from “Youth for Gujarat” stepping up in emergencies. Modern medical equipment, including ambulances and sonography machines, have also been donated during and after the Covid-19 crisis.

Surat BJP President Paresh Patel, Youth for Gujarat President Jignesh Patel, and Vice President of Gujarat Nursing Council Iqbal Kadiwala were among the dignitaries present at the event, which turned into both a celebration and a reminder of the importance of compassion in leadership.

“Gangabenben’s birthday reflects the family’s values,” said Chhotubhai Patil. “Anyone who comes to their office seeking help never returns empty-handed. That is their real gift to society.”