About half a century ago, people affected with leprosy had to stay in a slum like dwelling outside Panigate, Vadodara. They were ostracized by the society. At a time when it was believed that even by touching a Leprosy patient, one could be afflicted by the dreaded disease. The Late Shri Chhotabhai Bahilalbhai Patel, the founder of “Sayaji Iron” and the father of the Late Shri Indubhai Patel, called doctors from South Gujarat and arranged for the treatment of these people. He took care of the entire expense of travel of doctors, medicines, dressings and other relevant expenditure.
At the time of his demise, he had planned to distribute his wealth amongst his sons. Always concerned and worried about leprosy patients he asked Indubhai to take up his work, whereas it was difficult to undertake the work of leprosy patients in those times, Indubhai respected his father’s wishes and a new chapter was written in the care of leprosy patients.