1857-1858
Madhapar Navavas (new settlement) is established during the revolt against the British Raj. This signifies new ideas and a new way of life for the Kanbi community of Kutch
1858
Shankar Mandir is established in Madhapar with an initial murti (idol) of Shankar Bhagwan
1887
Thaakar Mandir (Sanatan) is established with a Ram murti, becoming a key social meeting point
1898
Swaminarayan Mandir is built, reflecting the diverse religious beliefs within Madhapar (Sanatan and Swaminarayan).
1914
Hanuman Mandir is constructed with handmade materials, guarding the entrance to Navavas. The mandir underwent renovations in 1925 and 1975.
1921
With no knowledge of English or African languages, elders Bhimji Manji Gorasia and Premji Jiva Pindoria migrated to Africa, driven by the ethos of “work hard, and success will come”, pioneering Madhapar’s global diaspora.
1944
A charitable organisation, Gau-Rakshan Sanstha, formed to ensure the welfare of cattle, this organisation built facilities to store feed and care for cows. Contributions from the diaspora in Kenya funded these efforts.
A small library was established in Nairobi by the Madhapar community to promote education and progressive values, challenging harmful traditions.
1946
Hiralalbhai Jina Gorasia became the first in the community to graduate with a degree in agriculture, representing a milestone in Madhapar’s educational journey.
1950
Saraswati Vidyalaya Primary School was built with funds raised by community members in Africa to provide formal education to Madhapar’s children. Initially, only boys attended due to financial constraints. However, education gradually became accessible to all children, including girls.
1962
The primary school introduced education up to Year 8.
1967
Plans were finalised for a high school, with significant funding raised by the Madhapar community in the UK.
1971
During the Indo-Pak War, 300 women from Madhapar repaired a bomb-damaged airstrip in Bhuj within 72 hours.
This act was commemorated in a war memorial erected in 2015 and depicted in the Hindi film Bhuj.
1976
Samshan Bhumi: The crematorium was rebuilt in Navavas to address issues of flooding during monsoons. It became a tranquil space for contemplation.
Leva Patel Vadi: This facility provided an enclosed venue for weddings and social events, replacing the earlier practice of hosting events on streets.
1982
The Savodaya Sports Centre, funded by the UK community, included facilities for cricket, volleyball, tennis, and more. It became a popular gathering spot for locals and visiting NRIs.
1984
Apna Ghar (Old People’s Home) was designed to care for the elderly without family, Apna Ghar also provided food delivery services.
1991
Naku (Gateway to Nava Vaas) symbolised the village’s entrance, playing a cultural role in weddings and other ceremonies.
1994
Dhanjibhai Jetha Meghani challenged corrupt customs officials at Mumbai airport, setting an example of community resilience. His actions inspired others to confront injustice proactively.
1994-2025
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Acknowledgments
Data researched and compiled by: Nanjibhai Bhudia
Timeline produced by: Maya Gorsia