From Humble Beginnings to Skyscrapers: How Paras Pandit and Sheetal Infrastructure Transformed Ahmedabad’s Real Estate

Ahmedabad was once characterized by its traditional, low-rise pols, which were tightly-knit residential clusters that defined the city’s heritage. Today, these historic neighborhoods are giving way to towering high-rise buildings, marking a significant transformation in the city’s real estate market. Ahmedabad now hosts world-class sporting events and international performances, and its infrastructure is steadily becoming comparable to that of developed countries.

In the 'Skyliners' series starting today in Divya Bhaskar, we will delve into the stories of Ahmedabad’s leading builders, exploring the challenges of the real estate sector, price trends across different parts of the city, and the journeys of those who are shaping Ahmedabad’s skyline.

The first episode of the series focuses on Paras Pandit, the owner of Sheetal Infrastructure. Over the past 20 years, Paras has delivered more than 15 projects, and for the first time, he is sharing his personal struggles and journey publicly. Born and raised in a 30-square-meter house, Paras Pandit now manages projects worth hundreds of crores.

Behind this success lie years of hardship, including the sudden loss of his father and a childhood shaped by his mother’s relentless hard work. Today, he develops premium and super-premium homes in Ahmedabad. Paras Pandit also reveals lesser-known realities of luxury housing, including how, in some apartments, a single bathroom can cost as much as ₹50 lakh.

Growing up in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, Paras Pandit’s family consisted of two sons and a daughter, Sheetal. Parasbhai, the middle child, recalls his early life by saying that anyone looking at his lifestyle today would find it difficult to believe that he was born in the Civil Hospital and grew up in a 30-square-meter house. He lived with his family on the third floor of Room No. 2446, Block No. 102, in Meghaninagar.

That fateful day of 1993 still haunts him. His father was a minor partner in Upasak Gayatri Society in Meghaninagar and had invested ₹50,000. On 23 August 1993, his father was sprinkling water at the construction site in the evening when the water supply suddenly stopped. He went to the basement to check the motor, where an electric current surged, leading to his immediate death.

Parasbhai describes this as the saddest day of his life. At just 14 years old, he was left with his mother and sister, struggling to comprehend life without a father. He recalls that there was no money, no support, and no one to check whether they had eaten or whether school and college fees were paid. The family struggled even to manage a single meal at times.

A Mother’s struggle through embroidery

Parasbhai explains that his mother was not highly educated, yet she raised the family through embroidery work and other small jobs. She worked tirelessly to manage household expenses and educate her children, never asking anyone for help. While many assume he was born with privilege, Parasbhai says only old neighbors and friends from Block 102 truly know his journey. He remains in touch with them even today.

Starting small, building slowly

Parasbhai passed his 10th, 11th, and 12th standards between 1993 and 1995. His mother worked day and night to pay for his bus pass and fees. During college, he became active in leadership roles and participated in Prabhat Feri, joining morning processions daily. By 1997, he began earning through small and large jobs, saving whatever he could.

He recalls a defining moment when he had no money even for bus fare and walked 13 kilometers home from the student council office. That day, he resolved to return only after achieving something meaningful in life.

Earthquake that changed his direction

The 2001 earthquake in Ahmedabad left a deep impact on Parasbhai. Witnessing widespread destruction and loss of life, he felt that construction quality had been compromised. This led him to consider entering real estate to build stronger, safer homes. At the time, he struggled even to afford food, yet he carried a firm resolve to fulfill his late father’s dream of becoming a builder.

Sheetal Infrastructure gradually took shape, initially focusing on plotting projects such as Vedika One. In 2008, the company launched Vedika Exotica in Gandhinagar—72 villas priced at ₹50 lakh each, then the most expensive on PDPU Road.

Story behind the name Sheetal

Parasbhai named the company after his sister Sheetal, stating that he founded Sheetal Infrastructure to fulfill her wishes. The company has operated without partners for over 23 years. He recalls that land was affordable in earlier years, allowing him to build gradually through savings and experience.

Being a builder today is extremely difficult

Parasbhai acknowledges that entering real estate today is challenging due to soaring land prices, regulatory hurdles, and the increasing cost of materials. However, he remains committed to delivering high-quality projects that stand the test of time. His journey from a small room in Meghaninagar to building some of Ahmedabad’s most prestigious high-rise buildings is a testament to resilience and determination.