The dream of Savjibhai Dholakia to form a diamond cutting and polishing unit materialised when Hari Krishna Exports came into existence in 1992. He began his career as a diamond cutter but his determination and devotion coupled with an ambition to achieve something in his life helped him in realising his dream. He was quick in learning the tricks of the trade and Hari Krishna Exports started growing by leaps and bounds year after year and today it is one of the foremost diamond companies in the industry. We tried to find out if he always wanted to be a part of the diamond trade or he had some other ambition? On this, he replies positively, “Yes! The diamond was my ambition and it is my ambition and will always be so.” Embarking on this road to fulfill his ambition, he ventured into the business in the year 1977. Who has been the inspiration of this veteran of the diamond industry -- both in life and business? “ Govindbhai Dholakia (fondly known as Govind kaka) of Shree Ram Krishna Exports has been my inspiration both in life and business,” he gladly says. He further adds, “I remember my mother telling me to be just like Govind kaka. He was the visionary of our family and now he is regarded one of the most renowned visionaries of the country. He is the only man that has helped his extended family members so much. He is the one who gave me INR 1 lakh to start with Hari Krishna Exports. He is the one who made us believe in our potential. He is the one who became our reference when we were just starting out in the industry. We started our work in Antwerp with his reference, too. He believed in us before any one did.”
In a span of 22 years, the company has travelled from being a small entrepreneurial outfit to the position of a group with interests in domestic and international business arenas. The vertical integration process transformed the company from a mere diamond polisher to one that processes, manufactures and markets polished diamonds and jewellery in the domestic and international markets with affiliates in New York, Hong Kong and Antwerp and Dubai participating in achieving the task. Talking about the roles played by his family members in shaping him as a person and his businessman, he earnestly says, “Primarily my mother, likewise all my family members have played a crucial role in shaping me to be the person and businessman I am today.”
When quizzed about his journey into the world of gem and jewellery, he proudly states, “My journey into the world of gem and jewellery has been golden and historical. It could not have been better, as it taught me to be a leader, understand the importance of social activities and social responsibilities. It has made me a motivator and trainer for developing leadership skills in others.” After gathering colossal experience in the industry, it is important to know his view on the industry. On this, he humbly opines, “I like the fact that the diamond industry has only given love, happiness, and business growth opportunities.”
Coming to his children, he thoughtfully says, “I would want my children to accomplish and realise THEIR dreams.” They happen to be involved in the same business. As the second generation from his family is being trained and have started taking active interest in the business, Savjibhai found time to divert his attention from business to social activities and is committed to offer his contribution towards education and medical assistance to the Surat citizens. During last quarter of 2013, he organised ‘The Bhagwad Gyan Saptah’ and also arranged marriages of more than 20 girls from poor background. It sure takes a lot of determination, willpower and spiritual strength to be a business czar and a benevolent social activist. Savjibhai is a believer of the simple life and has a deep inclination towards spirituality. One look at him and you are aware of this internal strength that has grown over the years due to his adherence to the deep philosophies of life.
To enhance his thinking process, he had adopted ‘Maun Vrat’ (no speaking) during the month of March in 2014. He is a family man at heart and a successful businessman as well. However, success has made him more modest and empathetic. He serves as a role model for the Hari Krishna family. When asked if given a choice, what would he like to change about his life, pat comes the reply, “If given a choice, I would like to dedicate my life to contribute to create a pollution free environment and create possibilities of producing organic food for all mankind. I would like to live in a setting as green as Sri Lanka.” Bharuch, Gujarat happens to be his favourite holiday destination as it is beautiful in its own way and offers him a peace of mind. When quizzed about his favourite cuisine, he shares, “I prefer simple, homemade food. My favorite home cooked dish is spinach, which is prepared by my wife for me.”
With a horde of social commitments and the business, we asked him if he regrets anything in life owing to his busy schedule, “I enjoy life and do all that pleases me. I do not miss anything owing to my busy schedule,” he contently says.
Being such a grounded and a simple man, his hobbies were a pleasant surprise to us as he shares that he enjoys jet skiing and horse riding. Sharing his future plans, he says with great amusement, “My future plans as an individual is to create a tourist place for entertainment.” He has a dream for his business as well. He shares with a glowing hope, “I want to create a centralised business operation wherein purchase, and sale and manufacturing all can be conducted under one roof.”
Talking about his hopes from the gem and jewellery industry of India, he says, “My hopes from the gem and jewellery industry in India is that educated people of India should now take over the industry and rule.” Concluding with sharing his vision for his baby – Hari Krishna, he confidently sums up, “I visualise Hari Krishna brand to be in the number one position in the next five years.”
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