AFS Intercultural Programs · India
Gandhinagar
Chapter
From one family's open door in 2008 to an award-winning chapter of 100+ volunteers — a journey of belonging, courage and service.
2008 — 2026 · The Journey
scroll ↓
From one family's open door in 2008 to an award-winning chapter of 100+ volunteers — a journey of belonging, courage and service.
In 2008, Janak Gajjar won the prestigious Kennedy-Lugar YES scholarship to the USA — Gandhinagar's first student abroad. Watching him welcomed into a stranger's family inspired the Gajjars to open their own home.
That year they hosted Jessica La Porta from Italy — "the daughter we never had." Under the Ahmedabad chapter's wing, a movement had begun. By 2012, Gandhinagar stood as its own chapter.
Janak Gajjar → USA (KL-YES). The Gajjar family hosts Jessica La Porta (Italy), under the Ahmedabad chapter.
Gandhinagar becomes an independent AFS chapter, with AFS India & the Ahmedabad chapter.
Shelter-home visits and the chapter's first-ever blood-donation camp (25 donors, Red Cross).
A pioneering group exchange — a first for the chapter.
Hosted with the Baroda chapter — sport meets cross-culture.
Recognised among AFS India's very best.
Most Popular Chapter (online vote) & a Special Mention; hosts National Community Service (50+ volunteers).
22–27 Feb, Gandhinagar — 50+ volunteers from across India, second year running.
One of only two chapters in India to host an exchange student during COVID-19.
The chapter pioneers AFS India's 18+ internship hosting.
A joyful day-trip — smiles, snacks and belonging.
New zeal, new hope — the next chapter of the Chapter.
The chapter's first international group class exchange.
Pioneered AFS India's 18+ internship hosting.
25 donors with the Red Cross, during GYSD.
1 of only 2 chapters in India to do so.
"Jessica quickly became an integral part of our family. She became the daughter we never had."
For 14+ years, the Jigna Gajjar family has been the heart of the Gandhinagar chapter — hosting exchange students and volunteers year after year, through multiple hostings, dietary needs, and every challenge in between.
The bond runs so deep that three former students have returned to India just to revisit the family that became their own.
Gandhinagar was one of only two chapters in all of India to host an exchange student through the COVID-19 pandemic — a feat achieved by volunteers, host family, host school and AFS India, together.
From shelter homes to blood banks, the Gandhinagar chapter has run community service every single year since 2012. These are the kinds of service we're known for:
Certificate of Appreciation — Indian Red Cross Society, Gandhinagar · 25 units · 13 Apr 2014
For so many exchange students, Gandhinagar became a second home — they've returned to India again and again, just to be with the family they found here.
🇮🇹
🇨🇭
🇮🇹
🇮🇹
🇩🇪
🇫🇷
🇯🇵
🇳🇱Into a new year — with new zeal, new hope, and renewed enthusiasm. The story of the Gandhinagar chapter is still being written.