Bridging Worlds: My Bhavnagar Roots from Across the Ocean

Bhavnagar has always been more than just a place on the map for me. Growing up in the United States as a South Asian Indian American, my frequent family trips to this city in Gujarat felt like a return to the heart of my heritage. Every visit was an invitation to rediscover where my family came from, connecting me more deeply to the stories, traditions, and legacy that are an integral part of my identity. As I’ve grown older, I realize that these experiences in Bhavnagar—so rich with memories of family, culture, and history—are not only about looking back but have shaped the person I am today, especially in my work as an educator.

One of the central threads of my childhood visits was Gandhi Smruti, a place that has always held deep significance for me. It stands as a monument to Mahatma Gandhi, Bhavnagar's own connection to India’s independence movement. I still remember the feeling of walking through its halls as a child, absorbing the atmosphere, even if I didn’t fully understand the depth of what it represented at the time. The museum was not merely a place to learn about Gandhi’s life and work but a reminder of the larger values of peace, equality, and social justice that permeated so much of the culture around me. Over the years, I have come to realize that those values have stayed with me, shaping my understanding of education and social responsibility. Gandhi’s legacy has subtly woven itself into my own journey, influencing how I view my role in shaping the future for young minds.

Those trips to Bhavnagar were also marked by visits to ShishuVihar School, where my grandfather would take me and I would play with the children there. While at the time I may have seen it as just another school, in hindsight, I realize that those experiences planted the seeds of what would become my own passion for education. There was something about the warmth and dedication of the teachers, the lively energy of the classrooms, and the focus on nurturing young minds that resonated with me on a level I didn’t fully appreciate until much later. These memories have helped shape my own approach as an educator today, reinforcing the belief that creating nurturing, stimulating environments for children is fundamental to their growth.

The sense of peace and reflection I found as a child wasn’t limited to educational spaces. Takhteshwar Temple, situated atop a hill overlooking Bhavnagar, was another landmark that played a significant role in my visits. With its panoramic views and peaceful surroundings, the temple became a spiritual anchor during my trips. Visiting the temple as a child left a lasting impression on me, not only as a religious practice but as a space where I could connect with my roots in a quiet, reflective way. The serenity of Takhteshwar Temple offered a sense of belonging that extended beyond the immediate physical space—it was about understanding my place within the larger history and spirituality of the city.

But perhaps the most personal connection I have to Bhavnagar lies in Lok Milap Trust, an institution that has always been close to my heart. Founded by my grandfather, Mahendra Meghani, the Trust was his way of continuing the legacy of my great-grandfather, Jhaverchand Kalidas Meghani—a name synonymous with Gujarati literature, social reform, and India’s freedom struggle. Jhaverchand Meghani’s contributions to Gujarati culture and literature are immeasurable; his works, such as "Saurashtra niRasdhar," captured the spirit of the region through folklore, poetry, and storytelling. His words gave voice to the common people, blending the richness of Gujarati traditions with the pressing need for social change during the fight for independence.

My grandfather took up the mantle of preserving this rich heritage. Lok Milap Trust became a beacon for those passionate about literature and education, serving not only as a bookshop but as a cultural and intellectual hub. It was through the Trust that my grandfather sought to continue Jhaverchand Meghani’s mission of using literature to inspire social change, fostering a deep connection to the values of education, culture, and activism that have shaped our family’s legacy.

Sadly, my grandfather passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy that is still very much alive. For me, walking past the Lok Milap building near Gurukul School during my visits to Bhavnagar has become a way of staying connected to both him and the city. It’s a quiet reminder of the important role our family has played in Bhavnagar’s literary and social fabric, and it reminds me of the values my grandfather instilled in me—values of dedication, service, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Although I now live far from Bhavnagar, the city and its spirit continue to shape who I am. My memories of Bhavnagar, from exploring Gandhi Smruti to the peaceful moments at Takhteshwar Temple, are not just snapshots of my childhood—they’re living pieces of my identity. And while the distance may be great, Bhavnagar remains ever-present, woven into the very fabric of my life. Through these enduring memories and the legacy of my ancestors, Bhavnagar will always be home.

About the author:Tirusha Dave is a South Asian Indian American educator, writer, and advocate for early childhood development. With roots in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, she has a deep connection to her family's legacy, particularly through the work of her grandfather, Mahendra Meghani, and her great-grandfather, the renowned Gujarati poet and freedom fighter, Jhaverchand Meghani. Tirusha's work reflects her passion for blending cultural heritage with education, drawing inspiration from her visits to India and her experiences growing up abroad. Currently residing in the U.S., she is dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments for young children.