Ganpat Iswarbhai Patel (Pat Patel) is the Founder, President and Patron-in-Chief of Ganpat University located in Mehsana district of North Gujarat, India. Mr Patel is globally recognized professionally for his contributions in the field of electrical engineering and personally for his philanthropy, especially relating to his endeavours in higher education. He firmly believes in “वि द्याया समाजोत्कर्ष” which means ‘Social Upliftment through Education’.

Ganpat Patel is the son of Mr Iswarbhai Patel and Smt Menaben Patel from the Patidar community. He was born in the village of Bhunav in North Gujarat, India on 12th January, 1945. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics/ Electrical Engineering from California Polytechnic University, Pomona, USA in 1969.

In 1978, Mr Patel, with the help of his wife Manju, founded Cherokee International, Inc., a power supply company on the kitchen table in Mission Viejo, California. Under Mr Patel’s leadership and guidance, Cherokee grew to be a force in the power supply industry, securing relationships with business giants like IBM, CISCO, Motorola, and Hewlett Packard and opening manufacturing facilities in the United States, India, Belgium, and Mexico.

Mr Patel retired from his professional career in 2004 to dedicate more time to his philanthropic endeavors. He has been honored with several achievement awards namely Excellence Award, Outstanding Achievement Award, Patidar Ratna Award, Patidar Padma Shri and Shiromani Award, Jewels of India, Jewels of Gujarat, Salute NRI India Award, Los Angeles Ratna, Lifetime achievement award, and Patidar Udyog Ratna Award. Mr Patel has been honored by his alma mater California Polytechnic University, Pomona, as a distinguished alumni and has been inducted into the Engineering School’s Hall of Fame 2015.

On March 11, 2019, the Govt. of India recognized Mr Patel’s selfless contribution and distinguished service in the field of education and the Hon’ble President of India Mr Ram Nath Kovind honoured him with ‘Padma Shri’ award, which is one of the highest civilian honours in India.

Looking at his significant contribution in his professional field and phylentrophic work done by him in the field of education, Ganpat University President Ganpatbhai Patel, was conferred the honorary degree of ‘Doctor of Science’ (PhD) on May 21, 2021 by California State Polytechnic University.

He has generously donated over 175 crores Indian rupees across the world to support education. He is also a member of the advisory boards and councils of several prestigious educational institutions across the globe. He is committed towards creating opportunities for millions of young lives through his visionary leadership, active involvement and his contributions leading to creating significant impact.