11/02/2025
Dec 29th 2024 was a day that marked the fulfillment of one of the objectives of the restoration project of our ancestral home in Dharmaj. To reconnect the 3rd and 4th generations of the Somabhai and Narharibhai Muljibhai Patel, the builders of this great haveli, to each other and their roots in Dharmaj.
Some meetings happened by chance and some planned, but that is the magic of this place! The spirit of Somadada and my father, Vishnubhai, of continuing connecting with the greater family lives on through such gatherings.
We had members from the 1st generation (spouses), 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations coming together from Canada (ex-Zambia), UK (some ex-Zambia), USA, Baroda, Ahmedabad, Delhi (all ex-Zimbabwe) and a family friend from Zimbabwe (also Dharmajian) spend an evening under the Chikoo trees planted by ChanchalBa, eating matla undhiyu and mogha na chips (picked from the garden that afternoon!). It was the first time we met the Late Rameshkaka's family from UK (Narharidada's grand and great-grand children) and it turns out the girls, who are a generation apart, are in the same school in the UK! I once met Rameshkaka and family more than 30 years ago at a family wedding, but never stayed in touch.
Relations between the brothers, Narharibhai and Somabhai, and their families have seen their fair share of ups and downs that come with family drama, but having put that behind us (or not knowing) and moving forward with just getting to know each other because this family connection exists through this home that exists, is proof of why tangible heritage is worth preserving! The excitement and curiosity in connecting to their roots was refreshing. Not sure if Somadada and Narharidada banked on their investment in this home to continue a legacy that transcends beyond 100 yrs now, but for those of us here, now, it is pretty special to see the next gen learn about their family history. As we become more global, there is even more reason to preserve the tangible heritage we have.
Many times I have been asked why spend so much time, effort and money to do this despite the differences between those of us who are responsible for these homes that have been passed down. We cannot assume the next generation does not care. Rhodesia House is an example that tangible heritage has immense value as the next generation trace their roots.
Feeling grateful to Sachin, Shardul, Mikin, grand kids of now Late Prabhaben Manubhai Amin, 3rd daughter of Somabhai M Patel, to plan this day and bring us all together during your short trip introducing India to Alyssa and Naaya. Thank you to Alkesh and Falgun for taking time to visit Dharmaj with your family during your trip to India. Thank you to Chital for coming and spending the day despite a hectic week and an early morning departure for a New Year's trip the next morning. Grateful to my husband, Meetul (also Dharmajian) and mom, Anjanaben, for being the silent backbone of this heritage restoration project. Grateful to the Somabhai family and friends from across the globe whose encouragement and some financial support helped make this a reality. Thank you Vikrambhai for documenting the family history with detailed context to share with the family in the published book, The African Odyssey, which plays a pivotal role in reconnecting so many ex-African Indians to their roots.
There are so many people involved in realizing this vision and I am grateful to each and everyone for the roles they played from the architects, conservation contractors, heritage enthusiasts, curators, artists, visitors, photographers, village community, friends and more to realize the value of this heritage property. Look forward to see what else it brings about!
🙏
-africandiaspora
