Dharmanandan Diamond Surat, one of India’s most renowned diamond companies, has once again made headlines. The company’s Managing Director, Hitesh Patel, recently purchased a sleek DA-42 four-seater private jet, marking yet another milestone for the Patel family that has already made history in both business and philanthropy.
Surat, known as the diamond city of India, is home to many self-made entrepreneurs who started from humble beginnings. Among them, the Patel family of Dharmanandan Diamond Surat stands out for turning dreams into reality — from polishing small diamonds to flying their own plane worth crores of rupees.
A New Private Jet Lands in Surat
During the Navratri festival, Surat witnessed the arrival of a brand-new DA-42 aircraft owned by Hitesh Patel, the Managing Director of Dharmanandan Diamond Surat. The luxurious four-seater private jet landed at Surat Airport, attracting the attention of the city’s business and aviation enthusiasts.
The DA-42 model, estimated at around ₹18–20 crore, is a sophisticated aircraft built for efficiency, comfort, and performance. However, the jet purchased by Hitesh Patel is a three-year-old model, acquired at a cost of approximately ₹11 crore. This marks the second DA-42 aircraft to land in Surat, reflecting how local entrepreneurs are embracing private aviation.
The Legacy Behind Dharmanandan Diamond Surat
Dharmanandan Diamond is not just a company — it is a story of struggle, dedication, and perseverance. Founded by Laljibhai Tulsibhai Patel, a visionary entrepreneur born in a small village called Ugamedi in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, the company today ranks among the top diamond firms in the world.
From a Modest Beginning to a Global Empire
Born on 28 November 1955, Laljibhai Patel’s early life was marked by poverty. His father was a farmer, and the family could barely afford basic necessities. Laljibhai studied up to the 10th standard — first in Ugamedi village, then in Rajkot Gurukul — before deciding to enter the diamond polishing business.
In 1973, Laljibhai arrived in Surat, which at that time had only a few small diamond workshops in areas like Sayedpura, Mahidharpura, and Haripura. He began as a worker, polishing diamonds in a small workshop at Boradi Sheri. Within months, his passion, speed, and precision set him apart from others.
He soon opened his own small workshop and gradually expanded operations. By 1985, his company was named Shreeji Gems, and later in 1992, it was renamed Dharmanandan Diamond — a name now known globally for its excellence in diamond cutting, polishing, and exports.
The Rise of a Diamond Empire in Surat
With unwavering hard work and vision, Dharmanandan Diamond Surat became one of the world’s most trusted diamond manufacturers. In 2004, the company established a state-of-the-art diamond factory in the Katargam industrial area of Surat — equipped with advanced international technology.
Today, Dharmanandan Diamond is not only a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship but also a source of inspiration for thousands of young entrepreneurs across Gujarat.
The PM Modi Suit That Made Headlines
Interestingly, Dharmanandan Diamond Surat had earlier gained global attention when its founder, Laljibhai Patel, bought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s famous suit in a charity auction.
In 2015, this navy-blue suit — embroidered with the words “Narendra Damodardas Modi” in fine golden thread — became the talk of the nation when Modi wore it during his meeting with then U.S. President Barack Obama.
When the suit was later auctioned for charity, Laljibhai Patel bid ₹4.31 crore to acquire it. The proceeds from the auction were donated to the Clean Ganga Mission, a cause close to the Prime Minister’s heart. The sale earned a Guinness World Record for being the most expensive suit ever sold in history.
The Suit That Shines Brighter Than Diamonds
Unlike most expensive items stored in vaults, Laljibhai Patel chose to display PM Modi’s iconic suit at the Dharmanandan Diamond Surat office in Katargam. The suit is preserved inside a special bulletproof glass case, symbolizing pride, respect, and inspiration.
To this day, the suit remains as bright and well-preserved as it was ten years ago. For Laljibhai Patel and his team, it represents not just material value but emotional significance — a reminder of India’s progress and the success born out of honesty and hard work.
Key Facts About Dharmanandan Diamond Surat
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Dharmanandan Diamond Pvt. Ltd. |
| Headquarters | Katargam, Surat, Gujarat |
| Founder | Laljibhai Tulsibhai Patel |
| Current Managing Director | Hitesh Patel |
| Industry | Diamond Cutting, Polishing & Export |
| Founded | 1992 (as Dharmanandan Diamond) |
| Notable Achievement | Purchased PM Modi’s suit for ₹4.31 crore (Guinness World Record) |
| Latest News | Purchased DA-42 Four-Seater Private Jet worth ₹11 crore |
| Social Contribution | Supports Patidar community welfare & women empowerment initiatives |
Social Commitment and Leadership
Apart from being a successful businessman, Laljibhai Patel is deeply respected for his social service. He served as the founding president of Surat Samast Patidar Samaj for 18 years, providing financial assistance and small loans to help families start new lives.
In 2006, Laljibhai initiated a powerful campaign to stop female foeticide within the Patidar community. On January 1, 2006, he organized a massive event attended by over 400,000 Patidars, where all participants took an oath never to engage in this practice. This historic step remains one of the most significant social movements in Gujarat’s history.
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The Next Generation: Hitesh Patel Takes Flight
The new generation of Dharmanandan Diamond Surat, led by Hitesh Patel, continues to combine business innovation with the family’s values of simplicity and dedication.
By purchasing the DA-42 private jet, Hitesh not only embraced modern luxury but also demonstrated how Gujarati entrepreneurs are scaling new heights — both figuratively and literally. The aircraft represents ambition, global vision, and the success of Surat’s diamond industry.
A Journey from a Bicycle to a Private Jet
The story of Dharmanandan Diamond Surat is nothing short of inspirational. From Laljibhai’s early days riding a bicycle to work, to owning a world-class company and now seeing his son fly his own private jet, the journey reflects how determination can overcome any limitation.
Their rise is proof that dreams backed by hard work can lead to unimaginable success — a message that continues to inspire millions across India.
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Conclusion: A Symbol of India’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
The story of Dharmanandan Diamond Surat is not just about diamonds or wealth — it’s about vision, values, and victory. What began in a small workshop in Surat has now touched international skies.
As Hitesh Patel’s DA-42 aircraft flies over the diamond city, it symbolizes a new chapter of ambition for Gujarat’s entrepreneurs. With honesty as their foundation and innovation as their wings, the Patel family continues to shine — much like the diamonds they create.
