Ahmedabad / Delhi / Lucknow – In a ceremony marked by warmth, admiration, and reflection on a life dedicated to public service, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah released the Gujarati edition of the book “Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hain”, based on the life of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel. The event, held in Ahmedabad, was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and several distinguished guests.
During the launch, Shah described the book as a “vivid and sensitive portrayal” of Anandiben Patel’s life — a journey that began in a modest lower middle-class household and rose to historic milestones, including becoming Gujarat’s first woman Chief Minister, a Member of Parliament, and Governor of three states, culminating in her current role as Governor of India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh.
“A Life of Purpose, Not Position”
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said the book beautifully encapsulates Anandiben Patel’s struggles, her resilience in the face of hardship, and the inspiration she derived from adversity. He said her life underlines a powerful message: “Leadership is not about position; it is about purpose.”
Shah highlighted the extraordinary challenges she faced in her early years. At a time when educating daughters was itself a battle, Anandiben pursued a master’s degree in science while living as the only female student in her college hostel in the Mehsana district. “Imagine the courage needed to move ahead against the social current of those days,” he remarked.
Role in Strengthening the Party’s Organizational Base
Amit Shah recalled working closely with Anandiben Patel in 2014 when the party undertook a mammoth expansion plan across 1.86 lakh booths. He credited her leadership during the organisational campaign that eventually strengthened the BJP’s reach “from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Dwarka to Kamakhya.”
He said that detailed booth documentation and development of booth-level ideological workers became the foundation of the party’s growth.
Relentless Commitment to Public Life
Shah emphasized that Anandiben Patel’s journey was defined by challenges at every stage — as a student, teacher, social worker, minister, chief minister, and later, as Governor.
He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi entrusted Governors with numerous transformative responsibilities, ranging from improving school enrolment and combating TB to advancing natural farming and sanitation. Anandiben, he said, carried out all these tasks with the discipline of a teacher and the precision of an administrator.
Her tenure in Uttar Pradesh has resulted in significant strides, including a rise in the number of NAAC A+ accredited universities and notable improvements in educational standards across a vast state.
Key Role in the Narmada Project
Reflecting on her contributions as Gujarat’s Revenue Minister, Shah said Anandiben Patel played a pivotal role in land acquisition for the Narmada project. Her efficient approach ensured that the state completed the acquisition at record low costs and in record time.
With obstacles overcome and the project gathering momentum, the Narmada waters eventually reached not only Kutch but also Rajasthan — an achievement Shah credited largely to her administrative acumen.
A Book of Inspiration
The Home Minister said the book contains several touching episodes that reveal Anandiben Patel’s strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment to public service. Even at 85, she continues to work in Uttar Pradesh with remarkable energy and focus, he said, setting an inspiring example for all.
Shah expressed confidence that the Gujarati edition of “Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hain” will reach millions and become a source of motivation for readers across India, particularly those who draw strength from stories of perseverance and purpose-driven leadership.
