The Gujaratis of India

Gujarat and Gujaratis dominate not only the national polity today but have drawn attention of the world ever since the Gujarat model of economic development was converted into an instrument of political challenge. It aroused the worlds curiosity and people wanted a peek into the unique mind that a Gujarati is. The state’s people according to general perception are good at making wealth. Their contribution to the nation is evidence of this. Yet they lead simple lives and do not flaunt their wealth on their person. At the same time they also do not hesitate in parting with a large part of their earnings for philanthropy. A large number of educational and healthcare institutes have been built and are operated by them in and outside Gujarat. Gujarat has been a land of religious tolerance since ancient times. The Parsis and the Shias among the Muslims preferred Gujarat as a land to settle in a thousand years back when the living conditions in their original settlements became too burdensome due to religious intolerance. People of different denominations have lived in a peaceful and cohesive manner because the political and economic institutions in Gujarat were inclusive even though the former princes did attempt to turn extractive and exploitative. However the most unique trait of Gujaratis is their wanderlust—not only for making money but also to seek adventure. They have spread out not only in India but in almost every other part of the world. Yet they have retained their original culture because they carry their culture along with their bags and baggage.