An eminent personality and diamond tycoon, GovindDholakia is the epitome of generosity, kindness and full of life. Founder & Chairman of Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. (SRK) is fondly addressed as ‘Kaka’ by all. From a monthly salary of INR 103 to INR 500 Cr turnover of his company, GovindDholakia has come a long way! And all this has been possible because of his ethical values, honesty, hard work, and vision to build his dream into reality!
GovindDholakia, born on November 7, 1947, in the remote village of Dudhala, Gujarat, comes from a poor agricultural family of 7 brothers and sisters. He grew up just like any other child with no special treatment, privileges, or better education. Dholakia’s family lived a simple life with limited resources. After coming from school, Govindbhai used to help his parents in farming. He had done every agriculture work by the time he was 13.
Dholakia had a humble and rooted beginning. Since childhood, he had desired to do something great in life. His journey commenced in 1964 as he set out towards Surat, Gujarat, not only to support his family but also with an ambition to outperform. He began working at a diamond cutting and polishing factory and used to get Rs.103 from his first job.
“I came to Surat in 1964, and it was April 2. I was tired of agriculture work, which made me work under the sun. Diamond work in Surat required sitting under the shade, and it attracted me like a sun-stricken person getting lured to cool water. My first salary was Rs. 103. I was so happy. In agriculture back home, such an amount can be one day’s wage for 5-6 labourers.”
After many years of hard work and struggle and with trust in his friendship, belief in god, and faith in his abilities, he finally converted his dream into reality in 1970 with “Shree Ram Krishna Exports (SRK)”, now a leading diamond and jewellery manufacturing company. Over more than five decades, SRK Exports has grown to become a globally trusted and respected player in the diamond industry. SRK specialises in the manufacturing and supply of polished diamonds, as well as high-end diamond jewellery, which includes rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. Over the years, SRK has built a reputation for its commitment to quality, innovation, and ethical business practices.
‘Knowledge is the way to progress’, Dholakia says this quote and undoubtedly lives by it. He always believes in acquiring knowledge no matter what your age is. He loves to share his wisdom and empower the upcoming generations. His youtube channel ‘Pure Talks by Govind Dholakia’ encourages many with an empathetic range of topics such as ‘How to succeed by helping others’, ‘The importance of knowing yourself’, ‘Ethical Entrepreneurship’ and many more. Many reputed organisations throughout the country also invited him to share insights from his life experiences that can drive value to the future of India.
“I have always believed in living in the present and making the most of it. If you put in enough effort to make the present better than yesterday without regretting your past and worrying about your future, you will continue to grow. It is possible that everything may not work out as you wish, but do not let such disappointments get over you and lead you to anger, greed, or dishonesty because money and luxury items are only instruments to live life; they are not life. Your real wealth is your family and friends.”
Recently, Govind Dholakia’s autobiography book ‘Diamonds are forever, so are morals’ was launched. One of his inspiring saying states in the book, “When I look back at my life, three things stand out of the mundane and routine that fills all lives: 1) The validity and efficacy of the straight of honesty and ethics in achieving success in the world 2) Faith in God as an invisible force that runs this world and whatever lies beyond it 3) The essential role of the family system for the growth of individuals, communities and society. I just played out the drama scripted on these three themes. Moved as if a puppet manipulated by the three strings in the agile fingers of the Master Puppeteer, who seemed to have a special fondness for this puppet, me – it was not without reason. I am indeed a special puppet- more a person of the heart than the brain”.
Govind Dholakia’s past is an open book on how he lived his village life and migrated to Surat to become a diamond worker and rose as a diamond magnate – a gem of a person whose life galvanises a lot in real life and will continue to do so in the coming years.
