What you see is what you get...

...says Padma Shri Ganpatbhai Patel about himself, stressing on the need to be truthful, transparent and a teacher worthy of emulation

- Anurita Rathore Jadeja

It is interesting to note how, a little over a month before his 80th birthday, Ganpatbhai Patel continues to celebrate the progress technology has made, as much as he acknowledges foresightedness and education. By planning, implementing and innovating ways to bridge the gap his social and intellectual status facilitate, he provides opportunities to future generations that unmistakably pride in being seekers.

An NRI based in Los Angeles, US for over 50 years now, Ganpatbhai passionately speaks about an electric power system box placed in front of him, explaining about chips, voltages, converting AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current), making power systems that has been his business for many years before he gifted hope and took back goodwill while setting up Ganpat University, Mehsana, in 2005.

Excited about Modi's Made in India campaign, the visionary leader and philanthropist believes "we can feel inspired, design, research and do better, but it has to all begin somewhere", stressing on the importance of making a start.

The device, the size of a small suitcase, carries over 500 parts and components, something Ganpatbhai has done assemblage of in America, through machine and labour, both. He wants to teach children about the process and believes education can be promising for those who ask and know what they must take in.

In a freewheeling chat with the powerhouse, we unravel the 'mechanical' mind of Dada, as he is fondly called, and one who addresses his wife of 65 years as Dadi, on how education and its processes wholly consume him.

What do you recall from your early days in the US, from 1965, and beyond?