Bhuj's Madhapur, a small village in Gujarat, has an unbelievable title, it is Asia's wealthiest village. With a population of just 32,000, it has fixed deposits of over Rs 7,000 crore, a record the Indian government has acknowledged.
Madhapur's success is rooted in its NRI base, which comprises 65% of the population. These non-resident Indians, primarily based in Africa, the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, keep pumping vast sums of money into their origins.
The money made in Madhapur is not idle in bank accounts. It has turned the village into a model of development, facilitating the building of well-laid roads, lakes, schools, colleges, health centres, and temples.
NRIS' investments have made Madhapur a money hub, which has caught the eye of public and private sector banks. Currently, 17 major banks, including SBI, HDFC, ICICI, PNB, and others, have branches here, and a couple more are opening branches.
Although the villagers are scattered worldwide, they donate money for infrastructure development so that Madhapur develops with its people. The major share of riches comes from NRIs working in the construction sector in Africa. Their remittances, flowing back with unstinting allegiance, continue pouring funds into the village's economy.
For Madhapur, money is not in bank accounts; it's in making a better life. With deep bonds and a deep sense of belonging, Madhapur is not just a place; it's a promise kept generation after generation.
