Champaben Vadgama was born in Amreli, Gujarat, in 1909. Her farther and ancestors were silver and goldsmiths to the nobility in Gujarat especially the Gaekwad of Baroda.

In 1923 at the age of 14 Champaben was married to Maganlal Vadgama who had newly returned from studying in England. They went to live in Nairobi (Kenya). The experience of living in a joint family taught Champaben duty, service and tolerance which became the hallmark of her life.

Champaben was a member of Bhagini Samaj, one of the most influential women’s associations in Nairobi, where she was a librarian. One of the early feminists who worked for women’s equality, she also championed the cause of Indian Independence. During these years in Africa Champaben became a legend for her tireless social work and generosity of spirit.

In 1955 she came to London, and immediately started to learn English at evening classes. It was during this period that her home was full of students, hungry for Indian food and affection, which Champben gave regularly in full measure. A generation of students have so much to be thankful for.

Champaben and her husband went on to establish two educational institutes in Jamnagar. Vadgama Vidya Pracharak Mandal providing text books, school and college fees for more than 700 girls and boys annually, while Champaben Vikas Grah trains women for a three-year diploma course in dress-making.  Most recently, Champaben has generously funded students at the ASHA Centre from African and India. Her bigness of heart has helped transform their lives.

In 1963, her husband Maganlal, died while on a holiday in Kenya and she returned to England to continue her life caring for the needs of others and bringing joy to all those she met.

The secret of Champben’s life was her radiance. She loved to read, work in the garden, practiced yoga and drank a concoction of hot water, honey, lemon and ginger powder every morning.

She celebrated her 100th Birthday, surrounded by all those who adored her, on 28th June 2009 and was delighted to receive a card from the Queen congratulating and sending best wishes to her on such a special occasion.

Those that were fortunate enough to meet Champaben knew they were in the presence of a Great Soul.

Stephen Crisp, the designer of the Champaben Vadgama Herb Garden, said he was delighted to be given the opportunity to enrich the landscape at the ASHA Centre with this culinary expression of Mrs Vadgama’s rich and varied life. The new garden on the southern side of the valley at the ASHA Centre is an organic expression of the landscape found in the folds of the surrounding hills. The planting was set out in layered waves following the contours of the land. The diverse plant materials used were chosen for their colour, variety and seasonal interest.