Dharmanandanbrand was established in 1985 as a partnership firm between Laljibhai Patel and Tulsibhai Patel and under the guidance and vision of the promoters, evolved into a colossal organisation and a leading name in diamond and jewellery world. Laljibhai and Tulsibhai were school friends in Rajkot Gurukul. Friends who shared dreams of a future that later went to become a sparkling and bright reality. With only a hazy idea of entering the diamond business, the two teenagers came to the diamond heartland of Gujarat, Surat. They faced obstacles together and they reveled in their success together. This strong friendship and trust in one another gave birth to marvelous organisation that is making waves across the world.
We asked Laljibhai what was the reason for his strong allure to diamond industry and pat comes the reply, “I was and still am extremely passionate about diamonds and realised at a very young age that no matter what, this is the field I will pursue. Once that decision was made in my mind I never looked back and I have been running my business with the same passion and diligence as I had in my young age.”
Everyone who knows Laljibhai describes him as the most positive person with a very calm temperament. He is the man who is supportive of even the gatekeeper of his headquarters. Treating every person with utmost respect and compassion, Laljibhai has won many hearts. “Being ethical, compassionate and honest is the key to live a happy life. No matter how much money you earn, it will never buy you happiness but people around you can shower you with joy. My Guruji, ShriShastrijiMaharaj has inculcated this values in me and these values are my guiding light,” shares Laljibhai.
Laljibhai Patel was born in Ugamedivillage of Bhavnagar district in 1955. Born in a farmer’s household, Laljibhai learnt at a very young age that there is no alternative to hard work. Laljibhai was transferred to a bigger school in the vibrant city of Rajkot when he was in the sixth grade and this where the two business honchos, Tulsibhai and Laljibhai first ever dreamed of being one of India’s foremost diamaintaires. “I started my business in the year of 1974 along with Tulsibhai. We were small time traders then but after relentless efforts and hardwork we launched our first diamond factory in early 80s in the name of Shreeji Gems. We later changed the name to Dharmanandan Diamonds as this name was imbibed from my apex Guruji, ShriDharmanandanMaharaj.”
It was quite evident from the conversation so far that Laljibhai is extremely spiritual and this is also depicted in his choice of music and books. Laljibhai’s car will never be found without a spiritual music CD. “Owing to my busy schedule and work commitments, I hardly get time to listen to music or read books, but whenever I can find some time you will find me listening to some spiritual or religious music,” he informs.
When quizzed if his work commitments take a toll on his family life, he says, “My family is my strength and I ensure that I spend quality time with my family members. My wife, Nirmalaben is my support system. She has always been by myside in every decision that I have made. A woman’s importance in a man’s life cannot be explained but it is one of the most essential things. I have two very-abled sons. My elder son Hitesh is the Managing Director of my company and is handling the company very well. Piyush, my younger son is also the director and looking after international operation of Dharmanandan Group. My daughter-in-laws are more like my daughters and my grandchildren are the most precious to me.”
While steering the conversation towards Laljibhai’s personal choices and hobbies, we talk about his favourite holiday destination and cuisines. As soon as we proceed with our conversation of holidays, Laljibhai has a very calm and peaceful look on his face and shares that Hrishikesh is his most favourite holiday destination. “It is a place of peace and spirituality. It is also one of the chaardhaams. I find myself engulfed in serenity when I am in Hrishikesh. I manage to go and visit the place twice in a year,” he says with a smile.
Laljibhai is a very simple man and has an even simpler taste when it comes to his palate. He loves his homemade Gujarati food, which his wife cooks for him. For a man who travels the world for business purposes he is not shy trying other cuisines as well.
In spite of him extremely busy schedule; it was a pleasant surprise to know that Laljibhai ensures he makes time to pursue his hobbies. While throwing light on this subject he explains, “I am a man of interest. I am lucky that my hobby since my young age is now my business – Diamonds. Apart from that I think whatever comes along my way; I make it as my hobby. I trust that I can fly a plane or repair my BMW. Hobby is an interest and nothing is impossible to master it if you give it your 100 per cent.”
One who goes to visitLaljibhai atDharmanandanHeadquarters is greeted with a horde of people who are waiting to meet Laljibhai. It is noteworthy to mention here, that 70 per cent of these people belong to some NGO or social activity centrethat come to take guidance from Laljibhai. Laljibhai is extremely involved in social work and betterment of the state of Gujarat. Apart from instilling the Dharmanandan Charitable Trust, he is also the president of SamastPatidarSamaj and is the member of SaurashtraJaldhara Trust. Under the abled leadership of Laljibhai, a state-of-the-art hospital is underway. This hospital will be dedicated diamond factory workers and their families that will be up and running in 2014.
When asked if he would spend his entire time in social work after his retirement, he completely agrees. “Social work and helping others gives me immense happiness. It not only helps better others lives but also gives you a sense of fulfillment of doing a good deed. I will definitely spend my entire team in social work and for the betterment of the lesser fortunate. There was a time when I had earned enough to live a good life, but I still continued with my hard work to reach this level. Whatever I have achieved is due to our society. I want to spread happiness in the society where I stand, especially diamond workers and their family. I have all the plans to do so,” he informs.
While sharing the story of his journey in the gleaming industry of gems and jewellery, he shares, “My journey has been excellent till now and when it comes to learning, I still consider myself as a student of this beautiful industry. I still posses the zeal to do something new andbring about innovations. I dream of taking the Dharmanandan brand on an international level.”
While stressing more upon his dreams for the entire Indian diamond industry, he updates, “The diamond industry is a pollution free industry and shares a notable amount in our GDP. It is a luxurious business and has a bright future. I hope the Indian Ministry facilitates the workers and their children with education and medical care to augment their interest and trust in the diamond business.”
While wrapping up the conversation he shares a very important point for the new generations entering the diamond business. “Diamond is a symbol of love and affection. I am proud to be in the business that spreads love. The beauty of it lies in each deal we sign for our business. But, I am afraid that the new generation is not as interested in the industry as much as my generation, which is not a good sign. The industry should take some initiatives to garner the younger generation’s interest in this business. In this regards, I have already started an institute to train and aware the youth about the gems and jewellery manufacturing,” he signs off.
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