Savjibhai Dhanjibhai Dholakia’s life reads like a quiet but powerful lesson in perseverance. He did not attend business school. He did not inherit wealth. He did not grow up with connections in high places. Yet he went on to build one of India’s most respected diamond export companies and earned the Padma Shri in 2022. His story is not just about money or diamonds. It is about patience, ethics, and giving back.
Early Life in Gujarat
Savjibhai Dhanjibhai Dholakia was born on 12 April 1962 in Dudhala village, in the Amreli district of Gujarat. He belongs to a Leva Patel family, where farming, discipline, and community responsibility were central to everyday life.
Due to financial constraints, his education ended early. He studied only up to the 4th standard and dropped out of school at the age of 13. For many, this would have been a setback. For Savjibhai, it became the starting point of a different kind of education—learning through work, observation, and experience.
At a very young age, he left his village and moved to Surat, India’s diamond capital, to work with his paternal uncle in the diamond trade.
Learning the Diamond Trade From the Ground Up
In Surat, Savjibhai began with basic work in diamond processing. The industry is unforgiving. Precision matters. Trust matters even more. Diamonds pass through many hands, and reputations are built slowly.
He spent years learning every detail—sorting rough stones, understanding quality, polishing techniques, and pricing. There were no shortcuts. Long hours and low pay were common in those early days. But he gained something more valuable than money: deep knowledge of the trade and strong relationships.
Soon, his brothers Himmat and Tulsi joined him. The business slowly took shape as a family-driven effort built on shared responsibility.
Starting the Business and Early Struggles
In 1984, Savjibhai and his brothers formally started their own diamond business. These were not glamorous years. Capital was limited, risks were high, and margins were thin. Growth came slowly, one client at a time.
A major milestone came in 1992, when their youngest brother Ghanshyam joined the business and opened a diamond export office in Mumbai. This move gave the family direct access to international buyers and marked their serious entry into the global market.
That same year, they founded Hari Krishna Exports, which would later become one of India’s most respected diamond manufacturing and exporting companies.
Growth of Hari Krishna Exports
Hari Krishna Exports operates across the full diamond value chain—procurement of rough diamonds, cutting, polishing, and exporting finished stones to international markets.
What distinguished the company was not aggressive expansion, but stability and trust. Savjibhai focused on:
● Consistent quality
● Ethical sourcing and operations
● Long-term customer relationships
● Employee loyalty
By 2014, the company employed over 9,000 people, many from modest backgrounds. Even during downturns in the diamond industry, the company avoided large-scale layoffs, earning respect across the sector.
Hari Krishna Exports built a strong reputation in markets such as the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, becoming a reliable name in the global diamond trade.
Leadership Style and Personal Values
Savjibhai Dholakia’s leadership style is simple but firm. He believes discipline creates freedom, and values create sustainability. Employees often describe him as approachable yet strict about ethics.
He frequently addresses workers directly, speaking about honesty, hard work, and gratitude. Unlike many industrialists, he does not separate business success from social responsibility. For him, the two are inseparable.
Despite immense wealth, he is known for maintaining a simple personal lifestyle, avoiding unnecessary luxury.
Net Worth and Wealth (Well-Researched)
Savjibhai Dhanjibhai Dholakia’s estimated net worth is believed to be between ₹6,000 crore and ₹8,000 crore (approximately $750 million to $1 billion). This wealth has been built almost entirely through the long-term growth of Hari Krishna Exports, rather than through speculative investments or diversified conglomerates. (we are not confirming it)
Industry observers note that his fortune is closely tied to operational strength—manufacturing capacity, export relationships, and workforce scale—rather than market hype. Unlike many high-net-worth individuals, his wealth is not publicly flaunted. A significant portion of his earnings is reinvested into business stability and large-scale philanthropic initiatives. His financial philosophy is clear: wealth has meaning only when it improves lives beyond one’s own household.
Philanthropy and Water Conservation
Savjibhai’s social work is where his legacy truly expands beyond business. He is especially known for his efforts in water conservation.
Through personal initiatives and charitable efforts, he has played a major role in the creation of around 75 lakes, primarily in drought-prone regions of Gujarat. These lakes help:
● Recharge groundwater
● Support agriculture
● Provide drinking water
● Improve rural livelihoods
His philanthropic activities also include:
● Financial assistance to farmers
● Educational support
● Community development
● Relief work during natural disasters
He often says that unused wealth is wasted wealth.
Padma Shri Award in 2022
In 2022, the Government of India honored Savjibhai Dholakia with the Padma Shri, recognizing:
● His contribution to India’s diamond industry
● His ethical and people-focused business practices
● His large-scale philanthropic work, especially in water conservation
The award was widely appreciated as recognition of a businessman who combined commercial success with social responsibility.
Legacy and Inspiration
From a school dropout in a small Gujarati village to the chairman of a global diamond exporter, Savjibhai Dholakia’s journey is deeply inspiring. His life proves that:
● Formal education is helpful, but not the only path
● Discipline and ethics create lasting success
● Business can grow without losing humanity
Today, he stands as a role model for entrepreneurs across India, especially those from rural backgrounds who dream big but start small.
Conclusion
Padma Shri Savjibhai Dhanjibhai Dholakia represents a rare blend of success and simplicity. He built wealth patiently, led with values, and gave back quietly but powerfully. His story is not just about diamonds—it is about resilience, responsibility, and the belief that true success shines brightest when it benefits others.
