About Us
About Us bhartiya mandal foundation
Bhartiya Mandal Foundation (BMF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization built on the pillars of cultural awareness and community service. Our goal is to create an institution to preserve our Gujarati heritage through various cultural events while also giving back to the local San Francisco Bay Area community.
BMF aims to deepen our understanding of our history and culture as Gujaratis and recognize our responsibility to support each other, our community, and the larger society.
Bhartiya Mandal Foundation takes its inspiration from India Club which was founded in 1973 when they acquired the Bhartiya Mandal Indian Community Hall located on 440 Ellis Street in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. This hall has been a sanctuary for San Francisco Gujaratis for decades offering a cultural events center which has hosted countless cultural events such as Raas Garbas, weddings, Diwali and Holi Celebrations plus much more.
Many of our Board members have grown up and built lifelong relationships attending cultural activities at the Bhartiya Mandal Hall.
BMF was established with many of the same goals as India Club and we want to carry on this vision while protecting their legacy as the first Gujarati cultural organization in the United States.
Bhartiya Mandal Foundation is led by a talented and well-accomplished Board of Directors, many of whom come from the local Gujarati community in The San Francisco Bay Area. Most members are second generation Indian-Americans and all have a deep sense of responsibility to community and they believe in the essence of sharing the richness and beauty of the Indian culture with future generations and all citizens of our great land. We invite you to connect with us!
Satish Patel has had the privilege to grow up in a culture that has show him the meaning of unity, respect and heritage.
Satish Patel has had the privilege to grow up in a culture that has show him the meaning of unity, respect and heritage. His passion to spread the experiences he had to the next generation is why he is a founding member of The Bhartiya Mandal Foundation. He strives give back to his community, that has given him so much and has made him the person he is today. His family has been in the Hospitality Industry for over 40 years, which Satish has followed. Giving back to the community is an honor, which he hopes to pass down to the next and future generations.
Shailendra has been involved with community in many different ways through the Bhartiya Mandal Hall of San Francisco.
Shailendra has been involved with community in many different ways through the Bhartiya Mandal Hall of San Francisco, one of the first Indian community center in the United States. As a member of several charitable organizations Shailendra has helped in forming Diwali, Navratri, Holi and many other cultural events over the years. Additionally, Shailendra has had great success in organizing many charity fundraisers through his involvement with Kindle Life Inc and Brighter Vision Foundation to benefit “No Kid Hungry”, Oakland Children Hospital, Universal Welfare Trust-India, Sardar Smark Hospital, India and have supported many other causes over the years.
Shailendra brings his diverse talents and motivation to the board of BMF as a way to give back to his community. He is focused on helping fundraise, creating attention and giving aid to many causes that are important to him and his family.
Shailendra Devdhara has been in the hospitality business since 1994. He served on the board of Asian American Hotel Owners Association “AAHOA” for six years from 2006-2012. He has owned and managed properties of all sizes and is now owner of 20 hotel properties in the Bay Area. Shailendra received his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from AIT Institute, Bangalore, India and an Associate Degree in Accounting from Heald Business College - San Francisco, CA.
Sunil joined BMF to continue the efforts of many before him who were so crucial to maintaining a close-knit, vibrant community over the years.
Sunil joined BMF to continue the efforts of many before him who were so crucial to maintaining a close-knit, vibrant community over the years. Sunil was fortunate to be a part of this community and it has helped shape his identity. With two young children of his own, it is important to carry on this legacy of promoting cultural awareness while understanding the importance of helping others through community service.
Sunil was born and raised in San Francisco and received his undergraduate degree in business from Santa Clara University. He is currently involved in the hospitality business as owner/operator of multiple properties. Sunil continues to reside in San Francisco along with his wife and two daughters.
Our families have been a part of the Bhartiya Mandal Hall since the 1970’s. We enjoyed and participated in many events- Navratri being our favorite.
My name is Devendra Patel. I am the proud son of my father, Manubhai T Patel and mother, Manjuben M Patel, married to my sweet, caring wife, Chaitaliben D Patel, raising four amazing children who are a joy to be with it, Sai, Shiv, Manu and Khushi, and surrounded by the love and support of my siblings and their families – Vikrambhai Patel, Kalpana Mehta, Devyani Jay, Hina Patel, and Amisha Patel.
Our families have been a part of the Bhartiya Mandal Hall since the 1970’s. We enjoyed and participated in many marriages, birthdays, cultural shows, and religious events- Navratri being our favorite. It was a 2nd home for us. We have made lifelong friends and built partnerships in this community that our parents have forged with love, ethics, and character. Today, I am privileged to continue the traditions that were handed down to us, bring togetherness to our community, and hopefully make Bhartiya Mandal Hall a home for our next generation.
The BMF Board is filled with quality leadership and members who have brought a new insurgence of youthful enthusiasm to this community. They are my friends, I am honored to be learning from them and working with them.
As a founding BMF board member, Vyomesh wants to help continue delivering our message to the community about our rich history and culture to future generations.
As a founding BMF board member, Vyomesh wants to help continue delivering our message to the community about our rich history and culture to future generations. His family started in the hospitality industry when they immigrated to the US in the 1960’s. After attending San Francisco State University, he followed in his family’s footsteps in the Hospitality Industry.
Vyomesh says, "As a Board Member of BMF, I want to expand our culture in the San Francisco bay area and beyond. The possibility is endless"
After volunteering in other organizations, he is excited to be working with a group that share in his vision of our mission statement.
Amit is 1st generation born and raised in San Francisco. Amit graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Finance.
Amit is 1st generation born and raised in San Francisco. His parents immigrated from India in the 1980’s and currently his family own and operate mixed used buildings in the hospitality industry in San Francisco. Amit graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Finance.
Amit joined BMF to give back to a community he has been a part of his entire life. He has always had a passion for volunteering and helping others. Amit is very excited to be part of BMF to bring to raise awareness of his culture while giving back to not only his own community but to other charitable organizations as well.
Dipak is a Native San Franciscan and has always had a close connection to the Hindu culture. He is always looking for opportunities to help and give back to the community.
Dipak is a Native San Franciscan and has always had a close connection to the Hindu culture. He is a father of 3 young children whom he hopes to help and inspire with his work and input into BMF. He is always looking for opportunities to help and give back to the community. Being part of BMF, he hopes to bring different cultures together while preserving his Gujarati heritage. He is a successful hotelier with over 20 years in the industry.
Dipak has also been very active in other San Francisco based Boards and non-profit organizations such as the San Francisco SRO Task force, the SOMA Project Area Committee, India Club and the Uptown Tenderloin Historic Committee.
For 44 years now, Bakula Patel has been an active participant and voice within the Bharatiya Mandal Hall (BMH) community.
For 44 years now, Bakula Patel has been an active participant and voice within the Bharatiya Mandal Hall (BMH) community. Inspired by the goals of BMH, Bakula has dedicated her life in order to preserve the cultures and customs she had grown up with, so that the future generations to come could understand the importance of this community.
Throughout the years, struggling with the loss of her mother to breast cancer and bearing three children of her own, Bakula realized the importance of the Indian Woman and how they have helped so much within the community, with little to no representation. Bakula wants to give these women the voice they deserve.
With her children all grown up, Bakula now has the opportunity to begin a new journey, that being Bharatiya Mandal Foundation (BMF). Bakula strives to bridge the gap between the older and younger generation, giving a voice to both, but remembering what’s most important, and that is the children.
Our actions are what our children see, so let us always make good ones.
Sonali joined BMF to give back to the community, especially to the new generation of the kids to instill cultural values and respect that her parents taught her growing up.
Sonali joined BMF to give back to the community, especially to the new generation of the kids to instill cultural values and respect that her parents taught her growing up. She feels the language we speak the etiquette and customs, the beliefs of our country both religiously and historically are very important to recognize and appreciate for her daughter and this new generation.
Sonali Waland is a RN at the California Pacific Medical center in the Cardiology department in San Francisco, California for nine years. She is married to Rakesh Waland-for 15 years. Together they have one amazing bubbly daughter Shivani.
Sonali is a graduate from Dominican University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Upon graduating, she took her board exam for her RN license. She is a full time working mom and a student, who is passionate about what she likes to do and goal oriented. Just recently, she decided to go back to school in getting her Master’s in nursing to pursue her ultimate goal as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Kamlesh was born in India and now call San Francisco his home. Kamlesh joined BMF as a way to give back to a community and an industry that has helped shape his cooking expertise.
Kamlesh was born in India and now call San Francisco his home. Kamlesh joined BMF as a way to give back to a community and an industry that has helped shape his cooking expertise. Kamlesh has been fortunate to be involved with community service since a young age and sees BMF as a vehicle to continue this personal passion and to make strategic decisions to advance the mission of the organization and to continue to preserve our heritage and culture for our current & future generations to come.
Jackie joined BMF as member of the Board of Directors. Primary focus for her role is to be a Youth Program Coordinator.
Jackie joined BMF as member of the Board of Directors. Primary focus for her role is to be a Youth Program Coordinator. The goal is to provide youth with healthy social interactions which give them knowledge, awareness, and sense of their culture; thus empowering them to share their knowledge with others. By engaging the youth they will feel confident in proactively reaching out to their communities to assess how they may serve. Her vision is to connect BMF with the community on an intergenerational level and to ultimately give back to society as a whole.
Jackie is a graduate San Francisco State University where she obtained her BA in Marketing and Business Administration. During this time she was a member of the International Business Society, Peer Health Association, and Indian Students Association.
Sangita Patel was born and raised in Navsari, Gujurat India. She was only 18 when she came to America. Her passion is giving back and taking care of friends and family.
Sangita Patel was born and raised in Navsari, Gujurat India. She was only 18 when she came to America. She immigrated to San Francisco in 1990 through marriage and called the City by the Bay her home ever since. With limited knowledge of the English Language she went to school to learn English as well as Computers. She used this experience and applied it to work. She has been fortunate enough to stay at home to raise her three children while working full time in the family business, for the past 28 years.
Her passion is giving back and taking care of friends and family. Living in a joint family rewarded her to foster both of her passions. Now that her children are all grown up, she uses the extra time by being involved in her local community. She is not new to the Bhartiya Mandal Hall as her family has been members since 1967. So when they created the non profit Foundation in 2016, it was just natural to commit to joining the board so she could use her talents of cooking and organizing fun events for all ages, so all members could celebrate cultural events through out the year.
Her passion could be summarized with the following quote, “Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress, Working together is success.”
Hiten joined BMF as a way to continue the culture and history that his ancestors started. Hiten is the CEO of Stay Cal Hotels and is very passionate about the industry.
Hiten joined BMF as a way to continue the culture and history that his ancestors started. Hiten’s parents immigrated to this country 50 years ago and this organization was key in helping them find a sense of community and family. His goals for this organization are to continue to teach tradition to his children and allow them to have a place where they feel a sense of belonging, just as he did when growing up.
Hiten is the CEO of Stay Cal Hotels and is very passionate about the industry. He enjoys finding solutions to everyday challenges that this industry faces. In addition he enjoys building a team with a strong culture as well as empowering his team to help them grow. With over 20 years of development, management and consulting experience; Hiten continues to learn and teach new approaches everyday.
Vijay Patel is a 2nd generation hotelier and has been in the Bay Area for over 45 year. Vijay has been instrumental in working with various nonprofit organizations.
Vijay Patel is a 2nd generation hotelier and has been in the Bay Area for over 45 year. Vijay has been instrumental in working with various nonprofit organizations that have helped with community and religious activities for over 20 plus years. He is married and has two sons in College and has been an active development company that has builds in 4 states.
Chirag Patel is a second generation native San Franciscan who has grown up in The City. Chirag is an avid golfer and continues to root for his hometown Giants, Niners and Warriors.
Chirag Patel is a second generation native San Franciscan who has grown up in The City. An alumni of Lowell High School, Chirag went on to The University of California Santa Cruz to earn his Bachelors in Science. Chirag is a Hotelier in The City owning and operating multiple tourist hotels and is a key member of BMF. Chirag is an avid golfer and continues to root for his hometown Giants, Niners and Warriors. As a father of two young children, Chirag aims to connect them to the wider Indian American community and teach them about their culture.
Kiran joined BMF as he shares the same values and goals that is the core of BMF’s mission statement. He believes in making a difference and giving back and is honored to serve on its board.
Kiran joined BMF as he shares the same values and goals that is the core of BMF’s mission statement. He believes in making a difference and giving back and is honored to serve on its board.
Kiran is born and raised in San Francisco having studied hospitality management at San Francisco State University. He started off his career at a young age of 18 helping his parents manage small hotels in San Francisco. Over time he gradually expanded his role in the business and today oversees multiple residential and tourist hotels located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. During his spare time, Kiran enjoys playing golf and spending time with friends and family. He is a lifelong diehard fan of both the San Francisco Giants and 49ers.
Peter joined BMF as a way to give back to a community and an industry that has helped shape his real estate career. Peter has been fortunate to be involved with community service since a young age.
Peter joined BMF as a way to give back to a community and an industry that has helped shape his real estate career. Peter has been fortunate to be involved with community service since a young age and sees BMF as a vehicle to continue this personal passion.
Peter is a graduate of the University of Colorado and Golden Gate University School of Law. During this time, he served consecutive terms as Vice President of the Delta Sigma Pi Professional Fraternity, President of the Sports and Entertainment Law Club, Class Representative for the Student Bar Association and is a current member of the Bar Association of San Francisco, the California State Bar and a member of the California Bureau of Real Estate.
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Community Service
BMF values giving back to our local San Francisco Bay Area community. We coordinate events and activities such as donation drives, community clean up activities, and charitable events for those in our local community who are less fortunate. BMF looks to create innovative approaches to impart social change for the advancement of all peoples while also looking to affirm a sense of Indian-American identity and cultural values.
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Cultural Awareness
One of the primary pillars of BMF is to build upon a foundation of Indian cultural awareness. We aim to cultivate and continue to perpetuate the values, ceremony, cuisine, rituals, religion, and culture of the diaspora of India so future generations can carry forth traditions and a sense of community. We perform this crucial function by education and events such as Diwali, Holi, Gaarba and more.
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Our Events
Bhartiya Mandal Foundation is built open a decades old credence begun by the establishment of Bhartiya Mandal Hall, an Indian Cultural Center in Downtown San Francisco. Established by next generation Indian-Americans who have grown up attending events at The Hall, BMF is poised to carry forward a deep heritage of Indian culture to the next generation of Indian-Americans and the wider Bay Area community.
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Our Heritage
BMF holds a variety of events from a large and colorful Holi Celebration to ring in the beginning of Spring to an annual charitable golf tournament plus many more educational events and fun activities for children and networking events for adults. Check out our calendar of events and stay engaged with Bhartiya Mandal Foundation.