Father Wallace Honoured with Landmark Named After Him in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, 29 May , 2025 - The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) town planning committee has approved the renaming of a city landmark to honour Padma Shri Father Wallace, a distinguished academic and prolific author whose contributions to Gujarati literature left an enduring legacy.

The circle near the passport office in the Gulbai Tekra area will now be officially known as Padma Shri Father Wallace Circle. The move comes in recognition of Father Wallace’s immense literary and educational influence in Gujarat. A former professor at St Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, he authored over 100 books in the Gujarati language, gaining deep respect within literary circles.

In 1980, Father Wallace received the Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak, one of the most prestigious literary awards in the state. Decades later, in 2022, the Government of India posthumously conferred upon him the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to education and regional literature.

By naming the circle after him, AMC seeks to memorialise his work and ensure his legacy continues to inspire future generations. Civic officials stated that the renaming is part of a broader initiative to recognise individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society.

In the same meeting, AMC also approved the naming of the historic stepwell between Juna Vadaj Circle and Bhimjipura Crossroads as Sati Ahilya Vav, highlighting the city’s ongoing efforts to preserve its cultural heritage.

While both decisions aim to celebrate Ahmedabad’s rich history and intellectual heritage, the naming of the circle after a Padma Shri awardee underlines the city's pride in its literary icons. Father Wallace’s contributions remain etched in the fabric of Gujarati literature, and this civic recognition ensures his name continues to resonate across generations.

By Catholic Connect Reporter