20. District Development Officer – 3 (Valsad)
Simple yet Self-Respecting People
The people here may not be tall in stature, but they stand tall in self-respect. They are self-reliant and independent. Even if employed as schoolteachers, they do not hesitate to work in the fields. It’s common to see retired officials, after superannuation, picking up a sickle or hoe and working in their own farms, either harvesting or weeding. The average lifespan here is long, and people with large bellies are few.
The local language is soft and pleasant. In the villages, people greet you warmly, saying, “Sahib, come here! Sit down!” The employees here tend to take more leave. Whatever the reason—personal work or guests visiting—they never hesitate to take time off. Because of this, running S.T. (State Transport) buses regularly was always a challenge in this region.
Instead of writing long notes or wrestling with legal references and government resolutions, people here believe that if a job is done, it’s automatically lawful. They don’t bother about where the officer comes from, what he does, or with whom he eats and drinks.
However, when it comes to justice or their rights, they can be as fierce as a whip.
Valsad’s nearby village Bhadeli is the birthplace of India’s first non-Congress Prime Minister, Morarji Desai. Influenced by Gandhian ideals, the region witnessed not only the freedom movement but also campaigns for prohibition and land reforms. The Dandi Salt March and Dharasana Salt Satyagraha are famous landmarks of this area.
To save the tribals from the addiction of toddy (palm liquor), Morarjibhai had thousands of toddy trees cut down and the land cleared for cultivation. As a Chief Minister in the erstwhile Bombay State, he introduced the Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act, which resulted in redistribution of land ownership — many Desais lost their lands as a consequence. Ironically, this very law caused him to lose his assembly election, but he later won the by-election from Khadia-Ahmedabad, reviving his political career.
Homeland of the Parsis
In the 8th century, Parsis arrived at the port of Sanjan, fleeing Iran, and made this region their home — blending into the land like sugar dissolving in milk. Navsari is the hometown of Dadabhai Naoroji. The sacred Atash Behram fire temple at Udvada is a holy site for Parsis. One of Indira Gandhi’s sisters-in-law even owned a house there, which she used to visit.
Parsi cuisine is mild and mostly boiled or steamed, making it healthy and wholesome. Their houses, embroidery, and handicrafts reflect unique elegance and fine artistry. Their Gujarati is soft and broad in tone. Interestingly, many of their surnames are linked to their professions — so one finds Bottlewala or Boochwala.
Although Daman is a Union Territory, it is considered a “brother town” to Valsad. Poet Ardeshar Khabardar, known as a “Poet of Gujarat’s Pride,” hailed from there. From Valsad itself, Justice Pardiwala currently serves as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
Parsis spread across the world still take pride in tracing their roots to South Gujarat, which is why, in personal interactions, they insist on speaking their own sweet, colloquial Gujarati. The orthodox Parsis have faithfully preserved the identity of Udvada as their spiritual and cultural homeland.
Easily Digestible Cuisine
The saying goes, “For good food, go to Tapi; for a blessed death, go to Kashi.” The cuisine of Valsad-Surat is renowned throughout India. The people here are calm, simple, and content. They earn their livelihood with dignity and eat light, easily digestible food that pleases both the body and mind leading to long, healthy lives.
Though Gandhiji launched his Salt Satyagraha from Dandi, the people of this region eat food that is mild in salt. Even their rice rotlas (flatbreads) are soft and unsalted. Due to the influence of the Parsis, boiled and steamed dishes are more common here. Kathiyawadi fried snacks like fafda and ganthiya are rare, but khaman locho (a soft, spicy gram flour dish) and umbadiyu (a traditional winter vegetable delicacy cooked underground) are very popular.
Rice is often served with locho dal, and when kadhi is poured over it, the taste becomes distinct — different from the traditional Gujarati khichdi–kadhi flavor. Here, money is called paiha and children are affectionately called poyra and poyri.
The Famous Kesar Mango
The Kesar and Alphonso (Afus) mangoes of Valsad compete in quality with Junagadh’s Kesar and Ratnagiri’s Alphonso. The chikoo (sapota) fruit here is as sweet as honey. For non-vegetarians, there’s no shortage of fish or continental cuisine. At the Galaxy Hotel in Vapi, Manager Pathanbhai’s hospitality remains unforgettable.
Vapi is the largest industrial township of the district. Water, forest, land, and industry — all come together in perfect harmony in Valsad.
South Gujarat — The First Choice of Officers
This is such a peaceful and straightforward region that for government officers, Surat was always the first choice, and Navsari–Valsad the second. Officers would happily rush to take up postings here. And unless replaced by transfer, they tended to stay long.
It was in such a serene southern district that I was posted after the retirement of Z.A. Sheikh. At that time, Valsad district included what are now the separate districts of Valsad and Navsari — covering Dharampur, Pardi, Umbergaon, Valsad, Gandevi, Chikhli, and Vansda talukas. Today, with district divisions, even the number of talukas has increased.
People’s Representatives
Our District Panchayat President, Ramanbhai Patel, lived in the same compound as us but stayed there only when he came to the Valsad office. He never insisted on any file nor pressured the administration — he fully cooperated in organizing staff as per work needs.
The Member of Parliament, Uttambhai Patel, known for his red cap, was upright and dedicated to tribal welfare. He lived in a traditional village house, blending naturally with the villagers. His voice was powerful yet respected, so officials would act even before a second reminder.
CD Patel, the MLA from Jalalpore–Navsari, was a senior Congress leader — as pure as 24-carat gold. Though he was Home Minister, differences with Chief Minister Chimanbhai over departmental issues led him to resign. I never saw him flaunt ministerial arrogance; he always supported officers in their work.
Kanjibhai Patel, the MLA from Chikhli, was scholarly and logical — not one to be satisfied with superficial answers. Mangubhai Patel MLA from Navsari (now Governor of Madhya Pradesh) was known for his honest and balanced presentations.
Daulatbhai Desai, MLA from Valsad and a native of Vaghaldhara, had a heart as generous as his name. With a strong, lion-like voice, his advocacy was powerful — he would not rest until work was accomplished. Yet personally, he was affectionate and deeply respectful. He even served as Speaker of the Assembly for some time.
Manibhai MLA from Dharampur was simple and down-to-earth, while Barjulbhai MLA from Nanapondha was sharp and articulate. Ramanbhai Patel MLA from Pardi and Chhotubhai Patel MLA from Umbergaon were alert and attentive to their constituency’s needs.
Taluka Panchayat Leaders
The Taluka Panchayat Presidents were equally active in public service. Vijay Desai from Valsad was young but ambitious, polite in representation, and always took the lead in community programs. Thakorbhai from Vansda kept the administration informed and alert about the issues in remote villages.
At the time, the literacy movement was in full swing — with the slogan “Adult education in every home and village.” The President of Taluka Panchayat Valsad participated in motorcycle rallies, arranged night halts for teachers, and organized youth festivals with full meals — a level of coordination only Valsad could achieve.
Presidents from other talukas were no less committed to public service. Later, the people’s participation model of development that spread across Gujarat had, in fact, been piloted successfully by us in Valsad during 1993–94.
Senior Officers’ Team
Our district leadership team consisted of Collector C.L. Meena, myself as District Development Officer, District Police Chiefs A.K. Sharma and later Atul Karwal, District Forest Conservator Ramkumar, and a few other Central Service officers. Together, we formed a close-knit group. We would take turns hosting gatherings and, along with our families, enjoyed a fine blend of work and picnic-like camaraderie.
The nearby beaches of Tithal and Umargam were quite famous, while Daman and Dadra–Nagar Haveli, both Union Territories, were just a short distance away. The Daman Ganga river and its dam were scenic spots worth visiting. Though there are many rivers in this region, proximity to the sea means that during heavy rains, they overflow and quickly drain into the Arabian Sea. I often thought — if one day Gujarat could connect the Daman Ganga with North Gujarat’s Saraswati river, the state would never again face water scarcity.
A Supportive Panchayat
Having already served as District Development Officer in two large districts, running the Valsad District Panchayat was, for me, comparatively effortless. I had the strong support of three capable GAS officers — Dhanjibhai Zhalawadia, Maruti Kotwal, and Jagdish Trivedi. The Director of the District Rural Development Agency, Indrish Vora, was equally competent. With skilled executive engineers, experienced District Health Officer Dr. Bhasha, and other reliable branch heads — what more could a District Development Officer ask for?
RDC M.B. Parmar was an old acquaintance, and the friendly nature of the succeeding Collector, C.L. Meena, created a congenial environment. The administrative atmosphere in the district was peaceful.
Our officers’ team worked with such unity that we achieved more than our annual targets. By then, I had stopped expecting any awards or promotions — and besides, as Development Commissioner, impartial officers like Sharma Saheb were no longer around.
Here, work and schemes were completed efficiently, without the frantic rush that usually accompanies bureaucracy. And even if someone tried to push for urgency — how could they? In this humid coastal climate, people moved at a relaxed pace. If work pressure increased too much, staff would simply go on leave!
The region’s weather itself influenced the tempo of life — Valsad, lying close to the Arabian Sea, was warm and moist. The very name Valsad means “rain everywhere.” Where Kutch would struggle to receive 300–400 mm of rainfall, here 3,000 mm would fall with ease. Sometimes rain would begin on one Saturday and not stop until the next.
The salty sea breeze affected both life and buildings. The old British-era bungalows with sloping tiled roofs still stood strong, while the modern RCC flat-roofed houses constantly needed waterproofing — yet leaks would persist.
The RIC Inspection
At that time, Revenue Inspection Commissioner (RIC) Sinha Saheb’s inspection was scheduled. His reputation was such that his arrival would send tremors through the entire administration. Since the District Panchayat also handled certain revenue-related matters, his visit included our office after the Collectorate.
But our records were spotless — so why fear? Moreover, my nature was fearless. My Deputy DDO, Zhalawadia, advised me:
“Sir, we’ve seen how particular he is. When he arrives, please stand at the porch to receive him, offer him a bouquet, welcome him warmly, and then calmly talk with him in your chamber. We’ll handle everything else.”
Zhalawadia had made perfect arrangements — from the porch to my first-floor chamber. Female staff stood respectfully along the passage, each holding a flower stick.
When Sinha Saheb arrived, I greeted him with a bouquet, and as we walked in, the women employees offered floral greetings. In the chamber, a tray of dry fruits awaited him. He appeared quite pleased.
We discussed minor revenue issues and then moved on to personal topics. He shared that he once suffered a heart problem and needed a stent, costing ₹80,000. He had applied for a government advance and had resolved to get the procedure only if the advance was sanctioned. The government, understanding the urgency, immediately approved it. He even mentioned that on that very day, he had taken a half-day CL (casual leave) and gone to the hospital for the procedure.
Introduction to Dangs
During that period, I was given additional charge of the Dang District Panchayat, which introduced me to the district. As I had an interest in Ayurveda — and since S. K. Nanda Saheb had adopted the district and established the Dang Pharmacy — I often discussed Ayurveda with the pioneering Vaidya (physician) Amrutbhai Parmar.
The local MLA, Madhubhai Bhoy, was more religious than even a typical Hindu. He would keep saying “Saheb, Saheb,” and diligently work for the people. In Dang, I tasted a local rice variety called Bangalo, known for its distinct flavor.
A Happy Life
The staff there were obedient and devoted to service. In the evenings, when I returned tired, Nagin would take his bicycle to fetch Laki’s lassi. If needed, he would gently massage my feet with oil. Dahyakhaka would prepare the meals, and Ramsingh would take care of bringing and serving things from outside.
At that time, the paneer tikka from Dara Pardiwala’s shop was so delicious that it became an addiction. The children would make their special food requests every week or two. Laxmi, Ujjwal, and Dhawal were all well-settled and content.
Ujjwal was in Class 7 at the Convent School, and Dhawal studied in Class 5 at Bai Avabai School. At the Convent, Ujjwal found another pair of brothers named Dhaval and Ujjwal — the sons of our Accounts Officer, A. J. Shah. Later, Ujjwal left the Convent and joined Dhawal at Bai Avabai School.
By then, I had completed four years as District Development Officer and was in my fifth. When Collector Ravi was transferred from Valsad, I had a chance to take over as Collector but didn’t get it. Still, I was happy with life in Valsad.
So, following the policy of “wait and watch,” I had no desire to leave the district until the government made its next move. The Diwali of November 13, 1993, and the New Year visits on November 14, 1993, remain memorable and full of excitement.
The Sudden Death of an Ambitious Chief Minister
In February 1994, the much-discussed election for four Rajya Sabha seats from Gujarat took place. Both Congress and BJP were expected to win two seats each. But if cross-voting occurred, one party might grab a third seat.
Based on that calculation, Chimanbhai Patel fielded a third candidate Jayantibhai to capitalize on possible cross-voting. However, that move created the risk of Madhavsinh Solanki, the first-choice candidate, losing.
Madhavsinh and Chimanbhai had been rivals for two decades. Madhavsinh was well aware of why he had to relinquish the Chief Minister’s chair in 1985. If Chimanbhai encouraged cross-voting, Congress’s third candidate could win, and Solanki might lose.
Prime Minister Narasimha Rao was keen that Chimanbhai secure victory. The long-standing rivals, now in the same party, found themselves in renewed tension.
Amidst this political stress, Chimanbhai neglected his health. He vomited in his Secretariat chamber — a serious warning — but dismissed it as a common cold or cough. As a result, proper medical treatment was delayed. That very night, whether due to stubbornness or medical error, fate took its course.
An economist by training, a devoted follower of Morarjibhai Desai, and a bold leader who had once stood against Indira Gandhi — Chimanbhai Patel, master administrator and political strategist — passed away of a heart attack on February 17, 1994, at the age of 64.
I recalled his words during a joint conference of Saurashtra’s Collectors, DDOs, and SPs in Rajkot: “As long as this Chimanbhai Jivabhai Patel is Chief Minister, his word alone shall be law.”
Chimanbhai had a certain dislike for directly recruited IAS officers. From 1992 to 1995, he did not send requisitions for new IAS positions, leaving Gujarat without new IAS recruits for three years. Consequently, Gujarati candidates selected in IAS like Ashok Parmar (J&K cadre), Ravi Parmar (Bihar cadre), and Bipin Shrimali (Maharashtra cadre) were assigned to other states.
Leading a minority government, and facing internal competition from his own colleagues, Chimanbhai had to manage MLAs carefully. He attended their family functions, including weddings, and extended all possible help to keep them loyal.
For administrative convenience, just as he had taken the Home portfolio from C. D. Patel, he replaced the Chief Secretary with Khan Saheb.
During a by-election campaign in Bhavnagar, my batchmate Sanjay Gupta, then the Bhavnagar DDO, came into his contact. Chimanbhai later brought him in as Secretary. Sanjay was a visionary and skilled civil engineer — the man who later built the Science City and the new GSPL building.
People said Chimanbhai had built up a massive political fund, but after his death, no one knew what became of it. It was even rumored that his son, Siddharthbhai, received none of it.
In that Rajya Sabha election, Madhavsinh Solanki and Raju Parmar won from the Congress side, while Prafullbhai Goradia and Anandiben Patel were elected from the BJP.
The New Chief Minister
After the sudden demise of Chimanbhai Patel, the big question within the Congress party was — who would now become the Chief Minister? The old Janata Party leaders were unwilling to accept anyone from the original Congress faction. The earlier incident — when C.D. Patel passed away during a routine heart check-up and angiography — had already shown the party the cost of internal disunity.
Eventually, a compromise was reached. The veteran PSP (Praja Socialist Party) leader Chhabildas Mehta became the Chief Minister, and Narhari Amin was appointed as Deputy Chief Minister.
How Long Must I Wait?
Whenever governments change, a reshuffle of officials typically follows. Once again, transfer orders for district collectors were issued. Collectors were moved — one leaving a district, another taking over — in a kind of administrative musical chairs, while the next in line was kept waiting.
This time, however, I saw my juniors being posted as collector and I was dropped. One of my seniors, who had served successfully as Collector of Panchmahal and Vadodara, was now appointed as Collector of Kutch. The Collector of Valsad had just returned after completing his term in Panchmahal.
And where was I in this chain?
A so-called “friend” of mine sitting in the GAD (General Administration Department) had turned into an obstacle. So, I decided to adopt the policy of “Wait and Watch.”
In any case, the District Panchayat suited me. With a vast administrative setup of over 10,000 officers and employees, the DDO (District Development Officer) — who virtually ran a “Mini Secretariat” — could immediately respond to the needs of rural citizens.
Administratively, the Collector and DDO were equals, each reporting to different departments, so there was little rivalry between the two posts. At that time, District Panchayats held great importance. Compared to the DDO’s large establishment of 10,000 staff, the Collector had only about 800–1,000.
Yet, the Collector’s prestige — the red-beacon car, regulatory authority, revenue powers, and role as District Magistrate, symbolizing the government’s presence — made every officer aspire to hold that position at least once in their career.
The Cause of the Blow
As Gujarati proverb say, “char male chotala, bhange gharna otala” (when four meet, news travels to four corners).
During a small “kitty-party” of officers’ wives, the wife of a senior official made a casual but unkind remark about why I hadn’t been appointed Collector.
Even walls have ears, the comment reached me, and it hit me hard. My peace of mind was shaken. I felt the insult deeply and decided to act.
I told my driver Sureshbhai to ready the car, contacted Babaji Thakor the PA to the Panchayat Minister and secured an appointment with the Minister,
Transfer as Collector, Kutch
Liladhar Vaghela a graduate of Gujarat Vidyapith was a short man in height, but a brilliant Gujarati orator. His speeches were flawless, enriched with idioms and proverbs that struck like arrows. He used to say humorously, “menani mari kutari bhanth khai mari jay pan teni delie pag na muke” (Even a bitch in North Gujarat dog would rather die eating wild grass than step foot in his/her house!”
Perhaps I too was feeling something like that “Mahesana sting.”
Liladharbhai, as MLA, had chaired the Panchayati Raj Committee, where I first came into contact with him. He admired my preparation and quick wit in meetings and often praised it before others.
When I met him at his ministerial residence, I explained everything in detail. He immediately called the Chief Minister and obtained permission for us to meet. The Chief Minister’s residence was nearby, so we went there together.
Although I didn’t know Chhabildas Mehta personally, he knew me by name from his earlier tenure as Finance Minister. “Parmar, what brings you here?” he asked warmly.
Liladharbhai explained my case. The Chief Minister picked up the phone, gave instructions, and by noon, the earlier transfer order for Kutch Collector was canceled. A new order was issued — appointing me as Collector, Kutch.
There was no time to lose. I contacted Aparna, who had been appointed in my place as DDO, Valsad, and invited her to my father’s house at Mayur Park Society (Dani Limda, Ahmedabad).
I brought the CTC (Certificate of Taking of Charge) form from the Secretariat, signed it, and formally handed over charge of Valsad District Panchayat to her. Then, I set out for Kutch.
Upon reaching Bhuj, I faced no difficulty in taking charge since the previous Collector’s transfer order had already been processed. However, I sensed — from initial conversations — that finding a government residence might be tricky.
Now, I had entered Kutch as its new District Collector — a significant new chapter waiting to be written in the story of my life.
26 September 2025
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