Anar Patel is a name that has become well-known in Gujarat and across India for her work in social service and cultural revival. Born into a family with strong roots in education and politics, she has chosen a path that blends tradition with modern ideas. While her mother, Anandiben Patel, is a respected politician and currently the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anar has carved her own identity as a social entrepreneur and community leader.
Her journey is not about holding political office but about touching lives at the grassroots level. From empowering women artisans to creating platforms for children from poor backgrounds, Anar Patel has shown how one person can bring change by combining compassion with action. Today, she is also in the news for being appointed as the President of the powerful Khodaldham Trust in January 2026, a role that places her at the centre of Gujarat’s socio-religious landscape.
Anar Patel Husband, Career, Age, Children, Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anar Jayesh Patel |
| Popularly Known As | Anarben, Didi |
| Date of Birth | 9 August 1970 |
| Age (as of Jan 2026) | 55 years |
| Place of Birth | Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Social Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Cultural Organiser |
| Known For | Founder of Manav Sadhna, Gramshree, Craftroots; Sabarmati Festival |
| Current Role (2026) | President of Khodaldham Trust |
| Father | Mafatlal Patel (Professor) |
| Mother | Anandiben Patel (Politician, Governor of Uttar Pradesh) |
| Husband | Jayesh Patel (Social Worker, Entrepreneur) |
| Father-in-law | Late Padma Shri Ishwarbhai Patel (“Toilet Man of India”) |
| Children | Daughter – Sanskruti Patel (Fashion Designer) |
| Education | B.Sc. in Mathematics (St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad); MBA (Nirma University) |
| Sports | Represented Gujarat in Hockey |
| Major Initiatives | Manav Sadhna (1994), Gramshree (1995), Craftroots (2007), Sabarmati Festival (2016) |
| Awards | Gujarat Gaurav Award, Sakhi Shakti Award, Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award |
| Hobbies | Painting, Reading, Writing |
| @anarjpatel/ | |
| @anarjpatel/ |
Early Life and Family Background
As per the sources, Anar was born on 9 August 1970 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. She grew up in a family that valued education and service. Her father, Mafatlal Patel, was a professor, while her mother, Anandiben Patel, became one of Gujarat’s most prominent political leaders and later the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. Growing up in such an environment gave Anar a strong sense of responsibility and discipline.
Her childhood was shaped by values of honesty, hard work, and care for others. She was exposed to both academics and social service from an early age. This background helped her develop a balanced personality—someone who could think logically but also feel deeply for the struggles of ordinary people.
Education and Academic Journey
Patel’s education reflects her interest in both academics and sports. She attended CU Shah School in Ahmedabad, Navrang School, and Mohiniba Kanya Vidyalaya. Later, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad. Her love for numbers and logical thinking was clear during her student years.
She did not stop there. Anar went on to earn an MBA from Nirma University, one of Gujarat’s leading institutions. This gave her the skills to manage organisations and projects effectively. Her education helped her combine social ideas with professional management, which became very useful in her later initiatives. She represented Gujarat in hockey, which shows her determination and team spirit.
Marriage and Personal Life
Anar is married to Jayesh Patel, who is also deeply involved in social service. Jayesh Patel is known for his work in community development and has supported Anar in many of her initiatives. Together, they have built organisations that focus on education, health, and empowerment of women and children.
Her father-in-law was the late Padma Shri Ishwarbhai Patel, who was popularly known as the “Toilet Man of India.” He was a pioneer in sanitation and worked to improve hygiene in rural areas. This family background further strengthened Anar’s commitment to social causes. Anar and Jayesh have a daughter named Sanskruti Patel, who is a fashion designer.
Founding of Manav Sadhna (1994)
In 1994, Anar Patel, along with her husband Jayesh Patel and Viren Joshi, co-founded Manav Sadhna, an NGO based at the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad. The organisation was created with a simple but powerful vision: to serve underprivileged children and families with love and dignity.
Manav Sadhna started with small steps, offering value-based education and nutrition to children living in slums. Over the years, it grew into a large network of projects. Today, the organisation runs more than 40 initiatives, including preschools, health programs, and livelihood training. It reaches thousands of children and families across Gujarat.
See Also:- Ilia Malinin
Gramshree Women Empowerment Initiative (1995)
In 1995, Anar co-founded Gramshree with her mother, Anandiben Patel. The aim was to empower women from poor backgrounds by giving them skills and opportunities to earn a living. Gramshree began by training women artisans in crafts and helping them sell their products.
The initiative gave women confidence and financial independence. Many of them, who earlier struggled to support their families, became self-reliant. Gramshree also created community spaces where women could share their experiences and learn from each other.
Craftroots: Reviving Indian Handicrafts (2007 onwards)
After the Kutch earthquake in 2001, Anar was deeply moved by the resilience of rural women who expressed their pain through art. This experience inspired her to create Craftroots, a platform to showcase and promote traditional Indian handicrafts.
Craftroots began with a small exhibition in 2008. Today, it has grown into a major movement that connects artisans with buyers across India and abroad. Thousands of artisans have benefited from this initiative, which helps them earn fair wages and preserve their cultural heritage.
Sabarmati Festival: Celebrating Diversity (2016)
In 2016, Anar conceptualised the Sabarmati Festival, India’s first five-day city festival. The event brought together more than 10,000 artists and attracted millions of visitors. It celebrated the spirit of Ahmedabad by showcasing music, dance, theatre, and crafts.
The festival was not only about entertainment but also about inclusivity. It gave a platform to both established and emerging artists. It also highlighted the cultural diversity of Gujarat. For Anar Patel, the festival was a way to bring people together and create pride in local traditions.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Patel’s philanthropic work goes beyond her organisations. She has always been active in relief efforts during natural disasters. For example, after the 2001 Kutch earthquake, she worked closely with affected communities, helping them rebuild their lives through education and crafts.
Her focus has always been on children and women. Through Manav Sadhna and Gramshree, she has provided education, health care, and livelihood opportunities to thousands of families. She believes that true development happens when people are given dignity and self-reliance.
Awards and Recognitions
Over the years, Anar has received several awards that highlight her contribution to society. She was honoured with the Gujarat Gaurav Award for her eco-friendly village project, which showed how sustainable living can be achieved at the grassroots level.
She also received the Sakhi Shakti Award for her efforts in reviving handicrafts and empowering women artisans. Another important recognition was the Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award, which acknowledged her work in the social sector. Her work has also been recognised by organisations like Assocham Ladies League, which celebrated her leadership in women empowerment.
Read Also:- Dhanya Ananya
