A Tribute to Professor Jayanti Patel: A Guiding Light of Humanism in Gujarat- Bipin Shroff ( Atalanta-USA)
Gujarat has lost a stalwart of rationalism and humanism with the passing of Professor Jayanti Patel (1933-2025). Known affectionately as Sir J.K., Professor Patel dedicated over half a century to nurturing and strengthening the Radical Humanist movement in Gujarat, working alongside contemporaries like Professor Raojibhai Patel, Chandrakant Daru, P. Patwari, Dashrathlal Thakar, Durga Prasad Trivedi, and Ramesh Korde.
Professor Patel's influence extended beyond his role as a Professor of Political Science at Gujarat University. He was a prolific writer and publisher, authoring numerous books on humanism and rationalism in both English and Gujarati. His contributions to the field include co-editing "Crisis of Civilization, Humanism and Renaissance" with the late V.M. Tarkunde and Indumati Parekh, published in 1987 to commemorate M.N. Roy's centenary. He also edited and wrote the preface for "M.N. Roy, Bertrand Russell & New Renaissance" with the late Ramesh Korde. Furthermore, he translated M.N. Roy's seminal works, "New Humanism" and "Politics without Power," into Gujarati, making these important philosophical texts accessible to a wider audience.
Professor Patel's leadership within the Radical Humanist movement was significant. He served as the president of The Indian Radical Humanist Association, working alongside General Secretary Innaiah Narisetti. For a decade, he edited the Gujarati monthly "Vaishvik Manavvad" (वैश्विक मानववाद), a torch he then passed on, continuing to inspire readers for another two decades. His writings often challenged superstitions and blind faith. His popular Gujarati book on the concept of God, ईश्वर एक हानिकारक कपोल कल्पना (God Delusion), sold over 12,000 copies across multiple editions, demonstrating his ability to connect with a broad readership. He also shared his personal journey and insights in his autobiography.
Professor Patel's home in Ahmedabad served as a gathering place for senior rationalists under the coordination of social activists Manishi Jani, Lankesh, and Piyush. These monthly meetings fostered intellectual discourse and camaraderie. Despite his family residing in the USA, Professor Patel chose to remain in his Ahmedabad residence, 10, Kadambari Society, Ambavadi, demonstrating his commitment to the community he served.
In accordance with his wishes, Professor Patel's body was donated to the city medical college on February 12, 2025. His son, Naishiad, and daughter, Pragna, were present to honor their father's final act of generosity.
The loss of Professor Jayanti Patel is deeply felt by the Indian and especially the Gujarati humanist and rationalist communities. He was a constant source of inspiration, and his absence leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. However, those whose lives he touched remain committed to carrying forward his legacy, ensuring that his tireless efforts to promote humanism and rationalism will not be in vain.
