Surat’s diamond industry has been flourishing for decades, and one name that stands out in this space is Savji Dholakia. Known for his empire worth crores and his incredible journey from a humble farmer’s son to one of India’s top diamond exporters, Savji has become a household name. However, despite his immense success and wealth, he holds onto deep-rooted values of simplicity and humility, which he has passed on to his children in an extraordinary way.
This story is not just about his empire but also how he chose to raise his son, Dravya Dholakia, in a way that would teach him the value of money and hard work.
The Humble Beginnings of Savji Dholakia
Born on April 12, 1962, in Dudhala village of Gujarat’s Amreli district, Savji’s childhood was far from glamorous. Coming from a poor farmer’s family, he left school at the young age of 14 due to financial constraints. His early education ended after the fourth standard, but his real education began when he started working with his uncle in the diamond trade.
Savji Dholakia, along with his three brothers, Tulsi, Himmat, and Ghanshyam, learned the ropes of the diamond business while working in their uncle’s company. They gained practical knowledge of diamond cutting, polishing, and selling, which later helped them venture out on their own.
The Rise of Hari Krishna Exports
In 1992, the Dholakia brothers established Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd., which today stands as one of India’s biggest diamond manufacturing and exporting companies. Starting with a small unit in Surat, they gradually expanded their business. They opened their diamond-cutting and polishing units in Surat and set up an export office in Mumbai.
The company’s big break came in the early 2000s, when a surge in demand for diamonds in the international market saw their exports grow exponentially. By 2014, Hari Krishna Exports had grown to a workforce of 6,500 employees, and it became a leading player in the diamond industry. The company now exports diamonds to 79 countries and has the capacity to manufacture 40,000 carats of diamonds every month.
To further expand the business, Savji launched KISNA, a diamond jewelry brand under his company, which is now sold in over 6,250 stores across India.
Teaching Humility: The Unique Tradition of the Dholakia Family
Despite his immense wealth and success, Savji Dholakia remains grounded in his values. This is most evident in the way he has chosen to raise his children. He believes that true success comes from experiencing life’s hardships and understanding the value of money. To instill this lesson in his son, Dravya, Savji sent him to live away from the comfort of his home and family wealth. His son was given strict instructions not to reveal his identity or use his family name while working.
Dravya was sent to live like any common man, where he worked various jobs, earning as little as ₹200 a day. He took up roles in a shoe store, worked at a McDonald’s outlet, and even joined a call center. At times, he struggled to afford a simple meal, which taught him the value of every rupee.
This tradition in the Dholakia family started 12 years ago, during a family dinner in London. A surprisingly high bill at a restaurant made Savji reflect on how easily money is spent and led him to adopt this practice of teaching life lessons through firsthand experience.
The Lessons Learned by Dravya Dholakia
Dravya’s experience of working for low wages in a city where no one knew his background was a powerful life lesson. He realized the struggles of everyday workers, the importance of hard work, and the value of money. During this time, he couldn’t even afford a meal costing ₹40, a far cry from the lavish lifestyle he could have led.
This journey of hardship eventually ended with Dravya getting a well-paying job in the bakery department of a hotel, where he learned new skills and further deepened his appreciation for the money and success his family had achieved. Having completed this “training,” he now works with his father in their diamond business, bringing with him a fresh perspective on wealth and humility.
The Dholakia Family’s Empire and Values
Savji Dholakia, despite being one of Surat’s wealthiest men with an estimated net worth of ₹12,000 crore, remains committed to simplicity and humility. This family’s story is not just about achieving great wealth but also about valuing hard work and teaching the next generation to respect the efforts that go into building such success.
Through his company, Hari Krishna Exports, and the valuable life lessons he has passed on to his children, Savji Dholakia continues to inspire both in business and personal life, proving that true wealth lies in one’s values, not just in material riches.
