Purushottam N Patel
(May 23 1896, June 1 1976)
Founder
P. N. Patel, popularly known as GURUJI was born on 23 May 1896 at Sojitra, Gujarat. Obtained B.Sc degree in Botany from Bombay University in 1920. Remained managing trustee of Brahmachryashram established by Motibhai Amin for six years and then as a disciple of shri Aurbindo at Pondichary from 1926 to 1940. During his stay at Pondichary, he realized the real mission of his life while sitting in Yoga. Came Ahmedabad and worked with Swami Bhikshu Akhandanand for some time and then came to Anand and started ‘Ashram’ with six students in a farm, known as Vivekanand Vadi, belongs to Late Shri Natvarlal Dave. With the help of Shri Maganbhai Shankerbhai Patel, Dr. Jivraj Mehta and other persons of Bakrol village he got nine-vigha unused land of chara of Bakrol village from Shrimant Gaekvad of Vadodara in 1948. With the physical help of the students he cleaned the land and build the residential houses for them and thus his life mission began in form of “Vallabh Sevashram” after the name of great iron man of the country. He worked as founder managing trustee of the Ashram and stayed in the Ashram as Sanyasi putting Bhagva cloths till his last day of his life, viz. 1st June 1976. Other great persons who worked with him as a trustee or member of executive council in Ashram are: Bhaikaka, Maniben Vallabhbhai Patel, Babalbhai Mehta, Babubhai Jashbhai Patel, Tribhuvandas K. Patel, Chimanbhai Desai, Dr. Maganbhai Patel, Shivabhai G. Patel.