When we think of a village, images of muddy roads, clay houses, and simple agricultural life often come to mind. However, a village in Gujarat’s Bhuj is changing this perception entirely. Madhapur, dubbed as Asia’s richest village, defies the typical rural stereotype and stands as a beacon of prosperity.
A Wealthy Village in Gujarat
Located on the outskirts of Bhuj in Gujarat, Madhapur is home to around 32,000 people. What sets this village apart is its astonishing wealth, with residents holding fixed deposits worth a staggering ₹7,000 crore. The village’s prosperity is largely due to its significant non-resident Indian (NRI) population, which makes up about 65% of the village. These NRIs, primarily from the Patel community, send crores of rupees back home, which are deposited in local banks and post offices.
Financial Hub of Madhapur
Madhapur is not your average village. It boasts 17 banks, including major public and private sector lenders like HDFC Bank, SBI, PNB, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and Union Bank. The village’s wealth and the continuous inflow of remittances from abroad have attracted even more banks to set up branches here.
Connection to Roots
Many of Madhapur’s residents live and work abroad, particularly in African countries where they dominate the construction business. Despite their global presence, these NRIs remain deeply connected to their roots in Madhapur. They prefer to deposit their earnings in the village’s banks, contributing to its financial growth and development.
Modern Amenities and Infrastructure
The prosperity of Madhapur is evident in its infrastructure. The village has nearly 20,000 houses, with around 1,200 families living abroad. The continuous inflow of funds has enabled the village to develop schools, colleges, health centres, dams, temples, and lakes. The village is well-equipped with basic amenities like water, sanitation, and roads. The residents have also formed the Madhapur Village Association in London, further strengthening their ties to the village and enhancing its image abroad.
Madhapur stands as a shining example of how a village can break the mould, combining traditional values with modern wealth and infrastructure, making it the richest village in Asia.
