Welcome to Dharmaj, a quiet village that has become a global financial marvel, earning the nickname the “NRI Village.” Here, the scenes of traditional rural life are juxtaposed with Mercedes, BMWs, and Audis that cruise down pristine, wide roads, often rolling past the occasional tractor.
The source of this staggering affluence is its global diaspora. While the impressive local figure of ₹71,000 Crore reflects community pride, official records confirm that the village’s 11 nationalized and private bank branches collectively hold NRI deposits exceeding ₹1,000 Crore (or $120 million+).
Dharmaj’s transformation began over a century ago when its residents, mostly from the Patidar community, started migrating abroad—first to Africa, and later to the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. Today, an estimated 3,120 families from the village live overseas, and their enduring financial and emotional connection to their roots is the engine of its prosperity.
The wealth is not just private; it’s communal. The village boasts a state-of-the-art underground drainage system (operational since 1972), well-maintained parks, and high-quality educational and health infrastructure—all funded by contributions from its global citizens.
The local joke perfectly encapsulates the village’s reality: “village ka sabse garib adami bhi humlog se amir hoga” (Even the poorest person in this village is likely richer than most of us). Dharmaj stands as a testament to the power of a globally-connected community that chose to invest its success right back into its homeland.
