Finding Gattu is the real life story of Pannalal Patel. Gattu was born in a poor farming family in Gujarat. His life story is a patchwork of tough situations from losing his parents in childhood to having to leave school, from facing financial hardships to doing physically laborious work, to contracting tuberculosis and eventually turning deaf. Through it all, he tried to remain open to new influences and experiences, and took the problems that life threw at him, time and again, on his chin.

A particularly poignant part of his story is when after all his efforts to rise above debt and poverty he still ends up as a lowly servant and his master says, “Gattu, here is the broom to sweep the room with…”

Six years later he reaches his lowest point when he contemplates suicide.

“God takes care of the one who has nobody on his side.”

Here comes a turning point in his life. An old classmate and now acclaimed writer encourages Gattu to try his hand at writing. And who could foresee that at the age of 63, Gattu, now Pannalal would win the Jnanpith Award - the oldest and highest literary award for ‘outstanding contribution towards Indian literature.’

The book cover artistically portrays the journey of simple Gattu who transforms into the legendary Pannalal Patel.

Written by Pannalal’s granddaughter Natasha Patel Nema, the book was launched by Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel (Hon’ble Chief Minister, Gujarat) on February 12, 2023.