Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday, 22 October 2026, inaugurated Kathiyawad Bhavan in Gandhinagar, a purpose-built residential and study facility for young people from the Kathi community preparing for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC), and other competitive recruitment examinations. The facility, established by the Kathi Darbar Education Trust, offers students accommodation, a library, and a structured learning environment within Gujarat's capital.

What Kathiyawad Bhavan Offers

The newly opened bhavan is designed to replicate the kind of focused academic infrastructure that urban aspirants often take for granted. Students from the Kathi community who relocate to Gandhinagar for competitive exam preparation will now have access to dedicated study spaces, library resources, and residential facilities under one roof. Chief Minister Patel expressed confidence that the centre would provide 'proper guidance, a conducive atmosphere for study, library facilities and suitable accommodation' to examination aspirants.

What the Chief Minister Said

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Patel described education as 'not merely a means of individual transformation but also a powerful instrument for building society and the nation.' He acknowledged that community-run facilities such as bhavans complement the state government's own efforts by extending accommodation and educational support to students pursuing studies in cities.

Patel invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of 'Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas, Sauno Vishwas and Sauno Prayas' — broadly meaning inclusive participation, development for all, universal trust, and collective effort — to underscore the role of community participation in widening access to development opportunities. He praised the Kathi Darbar Education Trust for nurturing youth who, he said, would be future contributors to the vision of 'Viksit Bharat-2047'.

Community Legacy and the Road Ahead

Patel highlighted Kathiyawad's historical legacy of religion, devotion, and valour, citing figures such as Jogidas Khuman, Dan Maharaj Visaman Bapu, and Ala Khachar as symbols of courage, service, sacrifice, and strong values. 'It is commendable that the Kathi community is seeking to preserve its traditions while taking society forward through education, knowledge, skills and modern thinking,' he said. The Chief Minister also called on community members to participate in broader national initiatives including 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' — a tree-planting campaign — 'Vocal for Local', and cleanliness drives.

Who Attended the Inauguration

The ceremony drew a prominent cross-section of political, religious, and community figures. Among those present were MP Parshottam Rupala, MLAs Rita Patel and Mahesh Kaswala, Kisan Morcha national vice-president Babubhai Jebaliya, and Gujarat State Kathi Kshatriya Samaj leader Satyajit Kumar. Religious leaders including Mahant Shernath Bapu of Junagadh Gorakshanath Ashram and Mahant Gebinath Bapu of Paliyad, BJP city president Ashish Dave, state media convener Prashant Vala, donors, and a large number of community representatives also attended.

With competitive exam aspirants from rural and semi-urban communities often disadvantaged by the high cost of city living, community-driven infrastructure such as Kathiyawad Bhavan represents a grassroots model of educational equity — one that Gujarat's government is now actively encouraging as part of its broader 'Viksit Bharat' agenda.