The Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council along with Bharat Diamond Bourse organised a grand Felicitation Dinner at Mumbai’s plush five-star hotel Sofitel at Bandra-Kurla Complex to honour Savjibhai Dholakia for being conferred the prestigious Padma Shri Award. Planned at the spur of a moment dignitaries of the diamond fraternity united with much excitement and joy to celebrate and honour Savjibhai Dholakia’s Padma Shri. The Salon at Sofitel was brimming with good cheer, congratulatory greetings, handshakes, hugs, and happy chatter among attending dignitaries. Proud family members of Savjibhai Dholakia, diamond industry bigwigs, important members of the gems and jewellery industry and associations, well wishers and media, all thronged the revelry with much excitement.

Savjibhai Dholakia the Founder and Chairman of Dholakia Foundation and Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd., has been conferred the Padma Shri Award for his distinguished service in the field of Social Work in Gujarat. Padma Awards are the fourth highest civilian awards presented since 1954 to citizens of India in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the arts, education, industry, literature, science, acting, medicine, social service and public affairs.

Dignitaries gave heart rendering speeches, shared personal anecdotes and experiences with Savjibhai Dholakia on the dais. Speakers included Colin Shah, Chairman of GJEPC, Anup Mehta, President of BDB, Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman of GJEPC, Mehul Shah, Vice President of BDB and Sanjay Shah, Convenor of the Diamond Panel at GJEPC. Then , Govindbhai Dholakia shared his congratulatory message via a recorded video, Shantibhai and Naveenbhai from D. Naveen spoke with great intensity and fervor about their wonderful experiences with Savjibhai, Russel Mehta from Rosy Blue too shared some interesting stories and Dineshbhai, and Ghanshyambhai Dholakia too filled the hearts and minds of people with gratitude for Savjibhai with their impromptu speeches. All of them unanimously expressed pride and delight at this wonderful achievement.  Lastly, Savjibhai Dholakia himself took to the stage and expressed his thoughts with humble gratitude. He promised 50 percent aid to anyone from the industry who would want to join him in making reservoirs. The evening ended on an optimistic note.