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Mahendra K. Doshi is a writer, journalist and historian from San Jose, California. Originally hailing from Vadia, Gujarat, Mahendra’s family moved to Calcutta, West Bengal, where he studied and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Presidency College and a Master’s Degree from the University of Calcutta.
He decided to further his studies, arriving in the United States in 1967 with no scholarship or sponsor and with only the proverbial eight dollars in his pocket, and he worked his way to earn a Master’s Degree in History from the University of Nevada, Reno. Mahendra later moved to New York, where he lived in Flushing, Queens, and wrote for various newspapers like the India Abroad, Trans India and India Times in the 1970s.
Mahendra moved to California in 1977 where he was involved in the blossoming Indian community, later serving as President of the Indian Cultural Association of the Bay Area. One of his community achievements was co-founding the Miss India California Beauty Pageant in the Bay Area and organizing the first ever pageants in San Jose. He also collaborated on and published two books – Who’s Who Among Indians in the U.S.A. in 1976 and Who’s Who Among Indians in the Western United States in 1981.
Retiring in 2013, Mahendra has since been actively working on his latest venture, Surat to San Francisco: How the Patels from Gujarat Established the Hotel Business in California 1942-1960. This is one of his proudest accomplishments – to bring out from marginalization the stories of a humble community of Patel risk-takers and avant-gardists and their origins in the hospitality business.
He spent eight years researching the Patel hotel history, interviewing over 150 Patels. He is proud to narrate the thus-far untold stories of the founding fathers of the Patel hospitality business. The project has been an inspiration for him as it has connected his two interests: meeting people and writing.
Outside of his writing, Mahendra loves sports, politics and spending time with friends and family. His favorite foods are Chinese and Indian and he enjoys talking about the current state of worldly affairs with everyone he meets. He and wife Bhairavi have two children and two grandchildren.
Kanji Manchhu Desai, 1900-1965, Digas, Gujarat. Kanjibhai, a courageous trailblazer, was the first Patel to venture into the American hotel industry. His journey began in the fall of 1942 when he took a bold step and leased the Hotel Ford in Sacramento, California, from a Japanese lady on her way to an internment camp ordered by President Franklin Roosevelt. This unique journey, from a small village in India to the heart of the American hospitality industry, is a testament to his pioneering spirit and a source of inspiration for all.
An undocumented immigrant, he came to America via Trinidad to earn money to help his extended family in Digas, Surat District mitigate farming debts. His hotel became a place where newcomers could find shelter, food, and mentoring. He encouraged Patels, who could not find a job, by saying, “There is nothing better here, so if you are Patel, lease a hotel.” He single-handedly created 30 Patel hoteliers in San Francisco from 1947 to 1955. Kanjibhai earned the accolade among early Patels as the “Indian Columbus,” a title that likened his pioneering spirit and impact on the Patel community to that of the famous explorer. But his fame rests as the most important Patel, who laid the foundation of the Patel hotel business; without him, what is now the Patel’s mammoth hospitality enterprise would not have come into being.
Nanalal Patel 1905-1992, Khara Butwada, Gujarat. He was the second most crucial hotelier in founding the Patel hospitality business. He arrived in America from Panama as a stowaway in a Banana Boat, found jobs in Punjabi farms in Yuba City, CA, and selflessly helped many undocumented Patel farm workers. His act of kindness then guided them to become hoteliers. His innovative “handshake loan,” which required no interest, no method of payment, and no time limit, was a game-changer for the Patel community, making the dream of hotel ownership a reality for many. His selfless actions are a testament to the community spirit and deserve our utmost appreciation.
Dhiraj Bhakta, a.k.a D. Lal 1905-1995, Orna, Gujarat Entrusted with the mantle of family responsibility on his father’s death, D. Lal faced numerous challenges. His unwavering determination to support his family led him on an arduous journey to reach America, covering four continents, eight countries, and thousands of miles on ships, cars, and on foot. His marathon trip took five long years to reach his Eldorado, America. He was forced to stay in Honduras for several years and eventually made the crossing to Southern California via Mexico. Despite these challenges, his never-give-up mantra earned him the sobriquet of Orna’s Odyssius. His life is a testament to perseverance, stoic resolve, and undying hope, and has inspired many with his resilience.
Dhanji Vakil Patel, Bhula Vanmali Patel, and Dahya Ratanji Patel, the leaders who succeeded Kanji Manchhu, played a pivotal role in expanding and consolidating the Indian hospitality business in California. Their efforts reached across the U.S. by the late 1970s and early 1980s, creating 1,000 new Patel moteliers in practically every state in America. Many others were instrumental in starting and expanding the hotel business in California in the 50s and 60s. Their details can be found in the book.
Bhulabhai came to America in 1949 as a “Lottery Visa Winner” and played a pivotal role in solidifying the fledgling SRO (Single Room Occupancy) business in San Francisco. He helped many Patels secure U.S. visas and provided financial assistance and mentorship. His career in California spanned over six decades.
Dahyabhai also had a long career in the hotel business in America, where he left a lasting impact as a mentor, financier, and honest broker. Following in the footsteps of his mentor, Kanji Manchhu, he assisted hundreds of Patels in acquiring new hotels and motels.
Known for his law degree, Dhanji was often referred to as “Vakil.” True to his profession, he arbitrated disputes and family conflicts. However, he was also a true leader who made significant contributions and was instrumental in advancing the Patel hotel business.
Who expanded and consolidated the hotel business in San Francisco.
