Kashyap “Kash” Patel’s story is deeply interlaced with the journey of his parents, Anjana and Pramod Patel, who shaped his values and identity long before he made headlines as the first Hindu and Indian-American to lead the FBI. Their story begins in Gujarat, India, in the small village of Bhadran, located in the Anand district, a place with a long history of migration. The Patel family had lived there for generations before deciding to move to Uganda, a decision that would define their future in ways they never could have predicted.
In the mid-20th century, like many other Gujaratis, Kash’s ancestors sought better opportunities abroad. Seventy to eighty years ago, the family migrated to Uganda, then a British colony, where they established themselves as part of the thriving Indian community. Kash’s father, Pramod Patel, grew up in Uganda during a time of economic growth but also increasing political instability.
Everything changed in 1971 when Idi Amin seized power through a military coup, ushering in a brutal dictatorship. By 1972, Amin had ordered the expulsion of over 80,000 Indians, giving them just 90 days to leave. This genocidal purge resulted in the deaths of over 300,000 people, and Pramod Patel was among those forced to flee. The Patel family briefly returned to India before seeking asylum abroad.
Who Is Kash Patel’s Mother, Anjana Patel?
Kash Patel’s mother, Anjana, was born in Tanzania, another East African nation with a sizable Indian diaspora. She studied in India before marrying Pramod, and together, they began a new chapter. They initially moved to Canada, joining many other Indian immigrants displaced from Uganda. After some time, they relocated to the United States, where Pramod found work as a financial officer at an aviation firm. They settled in New York, specifically in Garden City, where Kash was born in 1980.
Growing up in a traditional Indian household in Queens, Kash Patel was surrounded by his extended family. His father’s seven siblings, their spouses, and at least half a dozen children all lived together, a reflection of their close-knit culture. In the 1970s and 1980s, adapting to life in America wasn’t easy, but the Patels worked hard to instill Indian values while embracing the opportunities their new country provided. His parents emphasized education, discipline, and perseverance, values that guided Kash throughout his life.
Despite their hardships, Pramod and Anjana Patel ensured their children understood their Indian roots. Kash, a devout Hindu, grew up worshipping Lord Shiva, Ganesha, and Hanuman. Even after rising to the highest levels of U.S. law enforcement, he maintained a temple space in his Washington, D.C. apartment. He regularly visited India and remained connected to his Patidar community, whose organization in Anand, Chh Gam Patidar Mandal, kept an 18-generation-long ‘vanshavali’ (family tree) that included Kash’s lineage.
When Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his FBI confirmation hearing, his parents made the long journey from India to be there. His mother, Anjana, and father, Pramod, sat in the audience, along with his sister, Nisha, who traveled from London. The moment was emotional. Before addressing the committee, Kash turned to them and said, “Jai Shri Krishna,” a traditional Hindu greeting, before bowing to touch their feet. This simple but powerful act went viral, reinforcing the importance he placed on his upbringing.
Kash Patel touches his parents feet in a most Common Gesture in India of Showing Love and Respect to Elders pic.twitter.com/rypdRjHjz7
— JustJamie (@OYourNameHereO) February 20, 2025
During the hearing, Kash Patel acknowledged the racism he had faced in his career. Senator Lindsey Graham asked him if he had ever experienced discrimination, and Kash, visibly moved, recounted an incident where he was called a “detestable sand n**ger” and told to “go back to where he came from.” He refused to dwell on it, stating that it was nothing compared to what law enforcement officers endure daily. Still, it was a reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants and their children, no matter how successful they become.
His mother and father’s struggles were never far from his mind. Kash often spoke about how they fled Uganda’s atrocities and stood in line for a chance at the American Dream. He credited them with his success, stating, “They chose America because freedom was worth everything.” That sentiment carried over into his career. After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond and earning his law degree from Pace University, Kash pursued a certificate in International Law from University College London. He then embarked on a career in law, working as a public defender in Florida before transitioning to national security roles.
Even as he became a high-profile figure, first as a prosecutor, then as a Trump loyalist, and finally as FBI Director, Kash Patel never forgot his roots. His parents remained an integral part of his journey, celebrating his achievements but also keeping him grounded. He was deeply aware of the sacrifices they made—how his father had escaped a dictator’s wrath, how his mother had built a new life from scratch, and how they had worked tirelessly to ensure he had every opportunity in America.
Kash Patel’s Mom Anjana’s Legacy: Family, Heritage, and the American Dream
Anjana Patel, despite her private nature, found herself in the public eye when Kash Patel was confirmed as FBI Director. His swearing-in ceremony took place on February 21, 2025, in the Indian Treaty Room at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. His girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, held the Bhagavad Gita as Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath. His family stood nearby, witnessing the historic moment. Kash declared, “I am living the American Dream,” a reflection of his parents’ perseverance.
Today, Pramod and Anjana Patel continue to live between India and the United States. They visit Gujarat regularly, maintaining ties with their extended family. Meanwhile, Kash’s sister, Nisha, resides in London but remains close to her brother. Despite his demanding role as FBI Director, Kash Patel frequently acknowledges his family’s influence, knowing that their sacrifices paved the way for his success. His story, at its core, is their story—an embodiment of perseverance, heritage, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
