The Story Behind BAPU:
A Legacy of Love and Care
Behind every meaningful cause lies a story — and ours begins with a couple whose lives were shaped by resilience, compassion, and the quiet power of service.
Established in 2024, the BAPU Foundation honors the lives of Mr. Surendra Hathibhai Patel and his late wife Mrs. Pushpa Surendra Patel, whose values and life experiences continue to inspire our work to reimagine a community-driven approach to elder care.
In Indian culture, Bapu is a term of deep respect, often used for elders and father figures who embody wisdom and humility. Most famously, Mahatma Gandhi was affectionately known as Bapu — the Father of the Nation, who led India to independence through non-violence and moral strength.
For us, Bapu represents more than reverence for age — it stands for leadership and change through love, dignity, and quiet strength. At the BAPU Foundation, the name symbolizes our cultural responsibility to care for the elders, honoring their contributions and ensuring their well-being with compassion. Our name represents the core values of Surendra, now known as ‘Bapu’.
Born in Uganda in 1937, Bapu dreamed of becoming a cricketer, but life led him down a different path. He began working in his family’s bakery in Kisumu, Kenya, helping support a large household. His journey was marked by perseverance and a deep belief in family. After marrying Pushpa, they built a lifelong partnership rooted in love, values, and ambition—raising three children together and supporting countless families to re-establish themselves.
“Bapu is not just a name. It’s leadership through love, dignity, and quiet strength.”
Surendra and Pushpa’s story is one of courage, dedication, and service. They shared what little they had, always offering kindness to those in need. Their entrepreneurial spirit and compassion helped lay the foundation for what the BAPU Foundation stands for today. In 1976, political unrest forced the family to flee Kenya, eventually resettling in the United Kingdom.
Arriving with no money, no belongings, and no savings, Surendra faced enormous challenges—but never lost hope. In 1979, he opened a small corner shop in South Croydon, working tirelessly alongside Pushpa to build a new life for their family. Through their determination, hard work and unity, they went on to run multiple shops across London, staffing them with family members from India to give them a new opportunity and hope.
Their legacy is one of profound inspiration. Together, they touched countless lives, offering hope, warmth, and unwavering support. After Pushpa’s passing, Surendra continued to be lovingly supported by his family, surrounded by care, connection and new purpose — a living example of the values the BAPU Foundation now champions: intergenerational care, dignity, and the importance of keeping elders close, respected, and supported with a higher purpose.
In 2022, Bapu returned to Kisumu–more than 45 years after being forced to leave.
There, he discovered that the home he once lived in had become a local mental health hospital — a powerful symbol of healing and hope for the very community he once called home — also known as the ‘Circle of Life’.
Now affectionately known as Bapu, Surendra embodies the very spirit of the Foundation: compassion, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to others. His and Pushpa’s story continues to inspire our work every day.
Join us in carrying their legacy forward — creating a world where every elder is not only cared for, but truly cherished.
Ways to Get Involved:
• Become a Partner – Collaborate to scale meaningful programs.
• Volunteer with Us – Offer companionship, care, or expertise.