In the glittering world of diamonds, few names shine as brightly as Govind Dholakia. Revered across India’s gem and jewelry industry, Dholakia’s life story is a masterclass in determination, humility, and purpose-driven success. Born into modest circumstances in a small village in Gujarat, he built one of the world’s most respected diamond enterprises — Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK) — from scratch.
Today, his company commands billions in revenue, employs thousands, and stands as a beacon of ethical entrepreneurship. But behind the sparkle of success lies a journey filled with faith, discipline, and relentless perseverance. This is the story of Govind Dholakia, the man who transformed a childhood dream into a global legacy.
Early Life: The Seeds of Faith and Hard Work
Govind Dholakia, also known as Govindbhai Laljibhai Dholakia, was born on November 1, 1949, in a small village in Gujarat, India. One of seven siblings, he grew up in a simple farming household that valued honesty, discipline, and compassion. His father was a farmer who tilled about 40 acres of land, while his mother, Santokbaa, instilled in him the values of kindness, resilience, and inner strength.
As a child, Govind was deeply spiritual. At just ten years old, he claimed to have been inspired by a divine calling to memorize all 700 verses of the Bhagavad Gita in Gujarati. This early spiritual connection would later shape his philosophy — one rooted in faith, ethics, and service to humanity.
The Struggles of a Young Dreamer
Formal education was not a luxury Govind could afford for long. He studied only up to the seventh grade before dropping out. Yet, as he often says, “Education is more than schools — it is life and values.”
From a young age, he showed entrepreneurial spark. During local fairs and small celebrations, he sold balloons and whistles, earning his first profit of just ₹3.50. Though small, this experience planted the first seeds of business curiosity in his mind.
His simplicity and resilience helped him navigate the financial hardships of his early years. What many saw as limitations, Govind Dholakia saw as opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow.
First Step into the Diamond Industry
At 15, fate called him to the city of Surat, the diamond capital of India. His elder brother had already entered the diamond trade and invited him to learn the ropes.
Govind started his career as a diamond polisher, working tirelessly for six months without pay. His dedication eventually earned him his first paycheck — ₹1,032 — a moment he would cherish for life. It was not just his first income but also the beginning of his lifelong relationship with the diamond industry.
He often recalls his favorite quote:
“હું કંઈ નથી, પણ હું કંઈ પણ કરી શકું છું.”
(“I am nothing, but I can do anything.”)
This philosophy became the driving force behind his monumental rise.
Building Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK)
In 1970, with a humble borrowed amount of ₹10,000 from close friends, Govind Dholakia founded Shree Ramkrishna Exports in Surat. What began as a small diamond-cutting unit soon grew into a global powerhouse.
Over the decades, SRK established a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ethical practices. Under Dholakia’s leadership, the company expanded its operations worldwide — employing more than 5,000 people and handling over 5 million carats of diamonds annually.
Today, SRK operates from a state-of-the-art 2 million square-foot complex, blending modern technology with traditional craftsmanship. The company’s annual revenue exceeds ₹20,000 crore, making it one of the most successful diamond exporters in India.
Govind Dholakia’s business philosophy remains grounded in morality. As he famously says,
“હીરા કાયમ છે, તેથી નૈતિક છે.”
(“Diamonds are forever, so are morals.”)
Govind Dholakia and Savji Dholakia: Shared Vision, Shared Values
Though not related by blood, Govind Dholakia and Savji Dholakia share a striking similarity in character, vision, and humility. Both hail from Gujarat, both rose from humble beginnings, and both have built multi-billion-dollar diamond businesses that prioritize ethics, humanity, and spiritual grounding.
Their mutual respect and shared commitment to community service have made them icons of modern Indian entrepreneurship — proving that true success is not measured by wealth alone, but by the values that guide one’s journey.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Beyond business, Govind Dholakia has devoted a large part of his life and wealth to philanthropy. Over the years, he has contributed more than ₹500 crore toward education, healthcare, and social causes.
One of his landmark projects is Kiran Hospital in Surat — a state-of-the-art medical facility established through his vision and leadership. Initially conceptualized as a ₹100 crore project, it eventually expanded to a massive ₹500 crore institution, offering affordable healthcare to thousands.
The idea for the hospital was encouraged by then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who advised him to “dream bigger for the greater good.” Today, Kiran Hospital stands as a testament to that vision — a symbol of compassionate capitalism and social responsibility.
Govind Dholakia also supports numerous schools, colleges, and faith-based organizations that promote moral and spiritual education. His life’s mission extends beyond profit — he believes in uplifting society through service and ethical action.
Spirituality at the Core of Success
For Govind Dholakia, spirituality is not separate from business — it is the foundation of it. He begins his day with prayer and meditation, often reciting verses from the Bhagavad Gita to maintain inner peace and clarity.
His speeches often include Sanskrit shlokas, emphasizing moral living and human connection. He believes spirituality nurtures a sense of duty, integrity, and gratitude — qualities essential for lasting success.
This spiritual discipline not only guides his personal life but also shapes SRK’s corporate culture. His employees describe him as a humble leader who inspires through action, empathy, and unwavering ethics.
Govind Dholakia’s Net Worth and Assets
While Govind Dholakia often says his true wealth lies in his family and values, his declared assets tell a story of hard-earned success.
According to official records filed during elections, his net worth is estimated at ₹279 crore+. This includes:
- ₹171 crore+ in movable assets (bank deposits, bonds, jewelry, etc.)
- ₹56 crore+ in immovable assets (land, houses, and commercial buildings)
But beyond the numbers, Dholakia’s real value lies in the thousands of livelihoods he sustains and the communities he uplifts through his philanthropic work.
Leadership Philosophy: Ethics Over Everything
What sets Govind Dholakia apart from other industrialists is his unwavering moral compass. He firmly believes that business should be conducted with transparency, fairness, and compassion.
He often mentors young entrepreneurs with one timeless principle:
“જ્ઞાન એ પ્રગતિનો માર્ગ છે.”
(“Knowledge is the path to progress.”)
To him, knowledge is not limited to academic achievement but includes life lessons learned through honesty, failure, and perseverance.
At SRK, he has cultivated a work culture based on trust and shared growth. Employees are treated as family, and loyalty is reciprocated with care and respect — a rare trait in the corporate world.
Lifestyle: Simplicity Behind the Success
Despite his immense wealth, Govind Dholakia leads a life of simplicity. His home in Surat reflects his values — elegant yet unpretentious.
While he owns cars and properties, material possessions never define his identity. For him, wealth is a tool for service, not display. He continues to live close to his roots, interacting warmly with employees, villagers, and students alike.
His humility has earned him admiration across industries. Whether speaking at business summits or spiritual gatherings, his presence commands respect without demanding it.
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Global Recognition and Influence
Today, Govind Dholakia is recognized not just as a businessman but as a thought leader. His approach — combining spirituality with entrepreneurship — has inspired countless individuals in India and abroad.
His company’s adherence to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and employee welfare has set new benchmarks in the global diamond trade. SRK’s facilities in Surat are often visited by international delegations eager to learn from its model of ethical capitalism.
Through decades of dedication, he has proven that values and profits can coexist — and when they do, the impact resonates beyond borders.
Govind Dholakia’s Life Lessons
Throughout his journey, Govind Dholakia has embodied timeless principles that aspiring entrepreneurs around the world can learn from:
- Start small, dream big. Every empire begins with a single step.
- Keep faith at the center. Spiritual grounding provides clarity during challenges.
- Prioritize ethics over greed. Integrity builds legacies that last generations.
- Serve society. True success is measured by how many lives you improve.
- Embrace humility. The higher you rise, the more grounded you must remain.
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Legacy: The Diamond That Shines Within
From a boy selling balloons in rural Gujarat to the founder of a global diamond empire, Govind Dholakia’s life is a rare gem in itself. His story transcends business — it is about faith, perseverance, and purpose.
He continues to inspire not only Indian entrepreneurs but dreamers across the world who dare to believe that integrity can coexist with ambition. His journey reminds us that even in the world of dazzling stones, the brightest diamond is a pure heart guided by wisdom.
As he once said with a gentle smile:
“I did not chase wealth; I chased good deeds. The wealth came running after me.”
Conclusion
In an era where success is often measured in numbers, Govind Dholakia stands as a symbol of value-driven entrepreneurship. His legacy proves that true brilliance lies not just in diamonds but in the ethics and compassion that shape them.
Through his company, philanthropy, and unshakable faith, he continues to remind the world that morality, spirituality, and hard work are the real jewels of life — forever shining, forever timeless.
