Savji Dholakia: The Diamond Tycoon and Philanthropist

Savji Dholakia is a renowned Indian businessman, widely celebrated for his remarkable achievements in the diamond industry and his unparalleled generosity toward his employees. As the founder and chairman of Hari Krishna Exports, one of the world’s leading diamond manufacturers and exporters, he has played a pivotal role in transforming India’s diamond trade into a globally recognized industry. Through his unwavering dedication, innovative business strategies, and employee-centric policies, he has built a diamond empire that thrives on trust, quality, and ethical practices.

What sets Savji Dholakia apart is not just his business acumen, but his extraordinary generosity toward his workforce. Unlike conventional corporate leaders, he firmly believes that employees are the backbone of any successful organization. His unique approach to employee welfare, including gifting houses, cars, and jewelry as bonuses, has redefined the concept of corporate gratitude. This philosophy has earned him global recognition as a visionary entrepreneur who treats his workforce as an extended family.

Dholakia’s inspiring journey from a humble village in Gujarat to becoming a billionaire businessman is a testament to his resilience, perseverance, and ethical leadership. Coming from a modest background, he had no formal business education, yet he ventured into the highly competitive diamond industry and made an indelible mark. His story is one of hard work, self-belief, and an unshakable commitment to excellence, serving as an inspiration for countless aspiring entrepreneurs. Today, he continues to shape the diamond industry with his innovative ideas, philanthropic efforts, and a people-first approach, proving that true success lies in uplifting others while achieving personal and professional milestones.

Savji Dholakia was born in 1962 in the small village of Dudhala in Amreli district, Gujarat, India. Coming from a humble farmer’s family, he grew up in a household where financial constraints were a daily reality. His family primarily depended on agriculture for livelihood, which often posed challenges in meeting even basic necessities. The lack of financial stability meant that formal education took a backseat, and like many children from rural backgrounds, Savji had to step in early to support his family.

At the age of 13, he dropped out of school after completing 7th grade. Despite the hardships, young Savji was determined to carve a better future for himself and his family. He displayed an early entrepreneurial spirit, refusing to be limited by his circumstances. In the early 1980s, seeking opportunities beyond farming, he made the bold decision to leave his village and move to Surat, a city known as the diamond capital of India. Surat was rapidly emerging as a hub for diamond cutting and polishing, attracting traders and laborers from all over the country.

With no formal education or business background, Savji started his journey as an apprentice in a small diamond unit, working under his uncle. His initial days were filled with struggles—long working hours, minimal wages, and the daunting task of understanding the highly skilled craft of diamond cutting, polishing, and trading. However, his keen observational skills, relentless hard work, and strong business instincts helped him grasp the nuances of the industry. He started as a small-time trader, gradually building his network and reputation.

Despite facing multiple challenges, his perseverance and willingness to learn laid the foundation for what would eventually become Hari Krishna Exports, one of the world’s most reputed diamond firms. His humble beginnings and ability to turn obstacles into opportunities make his journey an inspiring tale of grit, ambition, and success.

After years of learning the intricacies of the diamond industry, Savji Dholakia took a bold step in 1992 by establishing Hari Krishna Exports in Surat, Gujarat. With limited resources but a clear vision, he started the company with just a few employees and focused on cutting and polishing diamonds. Unlike many businesses that prioritized profits above all, Dholakia built his company on the pillars of quality, trust, and ethical business practices—values that would later become the foundation of his success.

Early Growth and Expansion

In the initial years, Hari Krishna Exports faced challenges, including competition from well-established diamond firms. However, Savji Dholakia’s dedication to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering superior-quality diamonds helped the company carve out a niche in the industry. He believed that customer satisfaction and long-term relationships were more valuable than short-term profits. This approach gradually earned the company a reputation for reliability and excellence.

The real turning point came when Hari Krishna Exports expanded its operations beyond India. Recognizing the demand for high-quality, ethically sourced diamonds in international markets, the company began exporting diamonds to major hubs like Belgium, the USA, and the UAE. Over the years, it established a strong presence in over 50 countries, making it one of the leading diamond exporters in the world.

Key Factors Behind Success

Several factors contributed to the remarkable growth of Hari Krishna Exports:

1. Investment in Technology: The company adopted state-of-the-art machinery and advanced diamond-cutting techniques, ensuring precision and efficiency.
2. Ethical Business Practices: Unlike many firms that relied on questionable sourcing, Hari Krishna Exports ensured that its diamonds were ethically procured and conflict-free, gaining the trust of global buyers.
3. Strong Workforce: Dholakia valued his employees, fostering a positive and rewarding work culture that encouraged loyalty and excellence.
4. Customer-Centric Approach: The company focused on building long-term relationships with clients by providing high-quality diamonds and exceptional service.

Hari Krishna Exports Today

Today, Hari Krishna Exports is not just a leading diamond manufacturing and exporting company, but a benchmark for excellence in the industry. The company supplies polished diamonds to some of the world’s biggest jewelry brands and traders. With offices in major diamond hubs, including Mumbai, Antwerp, Dubai, and New York, it continues to expand its global footprint.

Despite its massive success, Savji Dholakia remains deeply involved in the company’s operations, ensuring that the core values of quality, integrity, and employee welfare remain intact. The rise of Hari Krishna Exports is a testament to his vision, determination, and ability to transform challenges into opportunities—a journey that continues to inspire entrepreneurs worldwide.

Savji Dholakia is not just known for his success in the diamond industry but also for his extraordinary generosity toward his employees. Unlike many corporate leaders who focus solely on maximizing profits, Dholakia firmly believes in sharing success with those who contribute to it. His employee-first approach has made him a visionary employer, earning him widespread admiration in the business world.

The Famous Diwali Bonus Scheme

One of his most well-known and revolutionary initiatives is the Diwali bonus scheme, where he rewards employees with extravagant gifts as a token of appreciation for their hard work. Instead of traditional cash bonuses, Dholakia surprises his employees with high-value rewards such as:

• Luxury cars (such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz)
• Apartments and houses
• Gold and diamond jewelry

The scheme first gained massive media attention in 2016, when he gifted:
✅ 400 apartments
✅ 1,260 cars
✅ Jewelry worth crores
to his employees as a festival bonus. This unprecedented act of generosity made global headlines and set a new benchmark for corporate appreciation programs.

Other Notable Employee Initiatives

Apart from Diwali bonuses, Dholakia has introduced several other welfare schemes to ensure his employees enjoy a comfortable and secure life:

1. Global Training Program – He sends young employees abroad for a month with all expenses covered, encouraging exposure to global markets and personal growth.
2. Financial Assistance for Personal Goals – Employees who show dedication are supported in buying homes, vehicles, and higher education for their children.
3. Long-Term Career Benefits – Employees who demonstrate loyalty and skill development are rewarded with equity stakes and promotions within the company.

Impact on Corporate Culture

Savji Dholakia’s unique employee rewards model is not just an act of generosity but a strategic investment in employee satisfaction and retention. This approach has:

• Boosted employee motivation and productivity
• Strengthened loyalty and reduced attrition rates
• Set a global example for corporate leadership

His philosophy is simple yet powerful: “If my employees are happy and financially secure, they will contribute more passionately to the company’s success.” By treating his employees like family, Savji Dholakia has redefined the concept of employee appreciation, proving that true leadership is about giving back.

Beyond his business empire, Savji Dholakia has made a significant impact on society through his extensive philanthropic initiatives. His deep-rooted belief in giving back to the community has led him to launch several social welfare programs that focus on education, healthcare, and rural development. Unlike many business tycoons who primarily donate through charities, Dholakia is personally involved in his philanthropic efforts, ensuring they create long-lasting change.

1. Educational Support – Empowering the Future Generation

Dholakia strongly believes that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. To ensure that underprivileged children get access to quality education, he has initiated multiple projects, including:
✅ Establishing schools – He has set up educational institutions in rural Gujarat, providing free or affordable schooling for economically weaker students.
✅ Scholarship programs – His company funds higher education scholarships for bright but financially struggling students.
✅ Vocational training centers – These centers help young individuals develop skills in diamond cutting, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship, creating job opportunities.

Through these initiatives, Dholakia has helped thousands of students pursue education, equipping them with better career opportunities and a brighter future.

2. Healthcare Initiatives – Ensuring Medical Support for the Needy

Recognizing the challenges of affordable healthcare, especially in rural areas, Dholakia has invested in medical infrastructure and financial assistance programs to help the underprivileged. His key healthcare initiatives include:
🏥 Funding hospitals and healthcare centers – He has contributed significantly to the construction and development of hospitals in Gujarat.
🏥 Free medical treatment and surgeries – Many individuals suffering from critical illnesses receive financial aid for treatments such as heart surgeries and cancer care.
🏥 Health camps and awareness programs – His company regularly organizes medical check-up camps, eye camps, and vaccination drives to improve healthcare accessibility in rural areas.

By making healthcare more accessible and affordable, Dholakia has saved countless lives and improved the overall well-being of communities.

3. Community Development – Uplifting Rural Gujarat

Savji Dholakia’s love for his native land is evident in his commitment to rural development projects. His major contributions in this field include:
🏡 Housing programs – He has built homes for the homeless, ensuring that financially weak families get a safe and secure place to live.
💧 Water conservation projects – Recognizing the importance of water in agriculture, he has funded rainwater harvesting projects, pond construction, and irrigation systems to support farmers.
🌱 Employment and self-reliance initiatives – Through self-employment training programs, he has helped thousands of villagers gain financial independence.

These projects have transformed entire communities, improving living conditions, employment rates, and access to basic necessities.

4. The “Work as a Laborer” Program – Teaching Humility and Hard Work

One of Savji Dholakia’s most unique and inspiring initiatives is his “Work as a Laborer” program. As part of this program, he sends:

• His son, Dravya Dholakia
• His nephews and other young relatives

to work as common laborers for a month, without access to family money or influence. The objective is to teach them the value of hard work, humility, and real-life struggles. His son, Dravya, famously worked as a waiter, shop assistant, and factory worker in different cities without revealing his identity.

Dholakia believes that true leadership is built on humility, and this experience helps his family members:
✅ Understand the struggles of common workers
✅ Develop resilience and financial independence
✅ Appreciate the value of money and hard work

This unconventional yet powerful lesson has set an example for wealthy families worldwide, proving that real education goes beyond books.

A Legacy of Giving

Savji Dholakia’s philanthropic efforts have touched thousands of lives and continue to inspire corporate leaders to focus on social responsibility. Whether through education, healthcare, rural development, or unique life lessons, his generosity has transformed communities and created a lasting impact. His story proves that true success is not just about wealth, but about the positive difference one makes in the lives of others.