# India’s Wealthiest Village: Dharmaj, Where Luxury Cars Roam, Bank Deposits Hit Rs 1,000 Crore, and NRIs Rule
In the heart of Gujarat's Anand district lies Dharmaj—a quaint village that defies every stereotype of rural India. With a population of just over 11,000, it boasts 11 bustling bank branches, roads lined with Mercedes, Audis, and BMWs, and a collective bank deposit pool exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, largely funneled back by its global diaspora. Dubbed "India's wealthiest village," Dharmaj isn't just a success story of migration and remittances; it's a blueprint for how NRI pride can transform a sleepy hamlet into a self-sustaining economic powerhouse. From its pioneering banking history to annual homecomings that rival festivals, here's an intimate look at the village where roots run deeper than riches.
## The Roots of Riches: A Migration Legacy Born in 1895
Dharmaj's fairy-tale ascent traces back to 1895, when the first villagers—primarily from the Patidar community—ventured abroad seeking opportunities in East Africa, particularly Uganda. What started as a trickle of traders and laborers evolved into a flood of success stories. Today, an astonishing 3,120 families from Dharmaj are settled overseas: 1,700 in the UK, 300 in the US, 200 in Canada, 160 in New Zealand, 60 in Australia, and others scattered across the globe. These Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) didn't just chase the American Dream—they built empires in business, hospitality, and trade, only to channel their fortunes back home.
Unlike many migrant communities that sever ties, Dharmaj's NRIs treat their village as a living bank account. Remittances aren't sporadic; they're a ritual. Families abroad prioritize depositing earnings in local banks over foreign ones, fostering a cycle of growth. This loyalty has turned Dharmaj into Gujarat's "investors' village," where banking isn't a service—it's a tradition. The village's literacy rate, hovering near 100%, ensures savvy financial decisions, making it one of India's most educated rural pockets.
## Banking Bonanza: 11 Branches and a Rs 1,000 Crore War Chest
Walk through Dharmaj's main street, and you'll spot something surreal: 11 bank branches—from national giants like Bank of Baroda and Dena Bank to private players and cooperatives—crammed into a village smaller than many urban neighborhoods. This isn't overkill; it's necessity. The collective deposits? A jaw-dropping Rs 1,000 crore+, dwarfing even Kerala's famed NRI remittances on a per-capita basis.
Bank of Baroda leads the pack with Rs 125 crore in deposits, followed closely by Dena Bank's Rs 100 crore. The first branch, Dena Bank's, opened on December 18, 1959, marking the village's formal entry into modern finance. By January 16, 1969, the Gram Sahakari Bank followed, chaired by H.M. Patel—a Dharmaj son who later became India's Finance Minister. NRIs favor state-run banks for their stability, parking funds that fuel local loans for agriculture, businesses, and infrastructure. Post offices chip in too, swelling the total kitty.
This financial muscle translates to tangible perks: Low-interest loans for villagers, sponsorships for education, and even village-wide projects. As one local banker noted, "Dharmaj isn't just rich—it's a business center for banking."
| Bank Branch | Key Milestone | Deposits (Approx.) |
|-------------|----------------|---------------------|
| Dena Bank | Opened Dec 18, 1959 (First in Village) | Rs 100 Cr |
| Bank of Baroda | Leads NRI Funds | Rs 125 Cr |
| Gram Sahakari Bank | Founded Jan 16, 1969; Chaired by H.M. Patel | Contributes to Rs 1,000 Cr Total |
| Others (8 More) | Nationalized, Private, Cooperative Mix | Cumulative Rs 775 Cr+ |
## Luxury on Village Roads: Mercedes, Audis, and a King-Size Lifestyle
Forget bullock carts—Dharmaj's streets hum with the growl of luxury engines. Mercedes-Benz sedans, sleek Audis, and BMW SUVs are as commonplace as tractors in other villages, zipping past bungalows that could pass for suburban villas. Over 3,000 Patidar families live "king size," their homes decked with marble floors, air-conditioned rooms, and imported fixtures—many funded by NRI kin who visit annually.
This opulence isn't flashy excess; it's earned. NRIs return with suitcases of stories and suitcases of cash, upgrading family estates and gifting cars that symbolize success. Yet, humility persists: Many homes double as community hubs, hosting weddings or festivals with equal parts grandeur and generosity. Agriculture remains the backbone—lush fields of tobacco, cotton, and wheat—but remittances have diversified into local enterprises like shops, dairies, and even small factories.
## NRIs as Village Architects: Self-Governance and Dharmaj Diwas
Dharmaj's true wealth? Its people-powered governance. The panchayat, flush with resources, operates like a mini-municipality—paving roads, installing solar lights, building schools, and maintaining a state-of-the-art community hall. NRIs aren't absentee owners; they're active stakeholders, funding projects via village trusts and advisory roles. This model has made Dharmaj a national case study in decentralized development, proving that with local buy-in and global backing, villages can thrive sans urban migration.
The pinnacle? Dharmaj Diwas on January 12 each year—a grand reunion where hundreds of NRIs fly in for cultural events, feasts, and philanthropy pledges. It's part Diwali, part TED Talk: Families reconnect, donate to scholarships, and brainstorm upgrades like eco-friendly farms or digital literacy programs. As one NRI put it, "We left for opportunities, but Dharmaj is our anchor."
## Beyond Dharmaj: A Glimpse at Rivals Like Madhapar
While Dharmaj reigns as the "NRI Village of India," it's worth noting Gujarat's other gem: Madhapar in Kutch district. With 17 banks and Rs 7,000 crore in deposits (from 92,000 NRIs in Africa, the UK, and beyond), Madhapar claims "Asia's richest village" title. Luxury cars roam its 7,600 homes too, but Dharmaj edges out in per-capita wealth and banking density. Both exemplify Gujarat's Patidar diaspora magic—proof that villages can be vaults of prosperity.
## The Dharmaj Dream: A Lesson for Rural India
Dharmaj isn't frozen in time; it's evolving. Younger NRIs are investing in startups and sustainable tech, ensuring the village's wealth endures. Challenges like climate change and global recessions loom, but the community's resilience—forged in 1895 migrations—shines through. In a nation where rural distress makes headlines, Dharmaj whispers a counter-narrative: With vision, unity, and unyielding roots, even the smallest village can command the world's attention.
As luxury cars cruise past ancient temples, Dharmaj reminds us: True wealth isn't in bank balances alone—it's in the bonds that bring it home. Have you visited a village like this? Share your stories below!
