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, BAPU Foundation honours the lives of Mr Surendra Hathibhai Patel and his late wife, Mrs Pushpa Surendra Patel. Their values, experiences and belief in caring for others continue to inspire our work for vulnerable and often overlooked older adults.
In Indian culture, Bapu is a term of deep respect, often used for father, elder or figure of wisdom. For our family, the name reflects Surendra’s humility, quiet strength and belief in caring for others — values that now guide the Foundation.
At BAPU Foundation, the name symbolises our cultural responsibility to care for older adults, honour their contributions and support their well-being with compassion. It also reflects the values embodied by Surendra, affectionately known to our family 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 many relatives and families rebuild their lives.
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.
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.
Bapu is more than a name.
It represents leadership through love, dignity and quiet strength.
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 surrounded by family, connection and purpose — a lived reminder of the importance of keeping older adults close, included and valued.
In 2022, Bapu returned to Kisumu — more than 45 years after being forced to leave.
There, he discovered that his former home had become a local mental health hospital — a powerful symbol of continuity, healing and the circle of life.
Surendra embodies the spirit of the Foundation: compassion, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to others. His and Pushpa’s story continues to inspire our work every day.
Their story continues to shape our commitment: to help older adults feel seen, supported and valued, and to translate family values into practical, dignity-led action.