Kamal Ghorui
Ahmedabad: As cities grow taller and lives move faster, the idea of a joint family is slowly fading into nostalgia for many urban households. Yet, tucked away in Ahmedabad’s CTM area, the Patel family continues to live by a tradition they believe is their greatest strength — togetherness.Every night at 9pm, 16 members of the Patel family gather for what they simply call their “family meet”. From 74-year-old patriarch Govind Patel to his 14-month-old great-grandson, four generations sit together under one roof, sharing stories, discussing the day, and reinforcing bonds that have endured for decades.For Vinod Patel, one of the three brothers who independently run their timber supply businesses in different parts of the city, the ritual is more than a routine. “It is the warmth and support that has helped us weather storms, both personal and professional,” he says.The family’s journey began over four decades ago when Govind Patel moved to Ahmedabad and established the family business. His sons grew up in a joint family environment so naturally that, as Vinod’s brother Pravin puts it, “We never imagined family life any other way.”The closeness reflects in the smallest of gestures. In the Patel household, uncles often take on responsibilities traditionally associated with parents, while children affectionately distinguish between their “big grandfather” and “small grandfather”. Family dinners are compulsory at least twice a week, while Sundays are reserved for outings to their farmhouse on the city’s outskirts.Beyond emotional support, the Patels see practical value in staying united. “You never feel alone,” says Vinod. “There is always someone to fall back on. Even in social functions, we stand together as one family. We however ensure that whatever decisions are made do include different voices.”At the end of the day, it is about understanding each other, respecting each other, and provide a nurturing environment for growth that keep the unit together, added Patels.
