Surat: The global diamond capital and one of India’s fastest-growing industrial cities, has once again made its mark on the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025. This year, 9 entrepreneurs from Surat feature in the rankings, representing industries as diverse as green energy, chemicals, financial services, textiles, and jewellery.
Leading the pack is Dr. Farukbhai Gulambhai Patel of KPI Green Energy, who has emerged as the wealthiest individual from Surat with a fortune of ₹11,930 crore. Last year’s Surat topper, Ashwin Desai of Aether Industries, has taken the second position locally. Together, these ten names highlight Surat’s evolution beyond diamonds into new-age sectors like renewable energy and finance.
- Dr. Farukbhai Gulambhai Patel – KP Group
- Surat Rank: 1
- Hurun Rank: 265
- Wealth: ₹11,930 crore
The Chairman and MD of KP Green Energy, Dr. Faruk Patel, has built the company into one of India’s leading solar and hybrid renewable power developers. His success underlines Surat’s growing importance in India’s green energy transition.
- Ashwin Desai & Family – Aether Industries
- Surat Rank: 2
- Hurun Rank: 346
- Wealth: ₹9,000 crore
Founder of Aether Industries, Ashwin Desai continues to be a powerhouse in the specialty chemicals sector. With a strong global client base in pharma and agrochemicals, his company reinforces Surat’s strength in high-value chemical manufacturing.
- Nirajbhai Choksi – NJ Group
- Surat Rank: 3
- Hurun Rank: 368
- Wealth: ₹8,220 crore
A pioneer in financial services, Niraj Choksi co-founded NJ India Invest, one of India’s largest mutual fund distributors. Headquartered in Surat, NJ’s scale reflects how the city is diversifying beyond its traditional industries.
- Jayantilal Jariwala – Colortex Industries
- Surat Rank: 4
- Hurun Rank: 411
- Wealth: ₹7,180 crore
Jayantilal Jariwala’s Colortex Industries is a significant player in dyes and intermediates manufacturing. His inclusion highlights the central role chemicals continue to play in Surat’s industrial ecosystem.
- Govindbhai Lajibhai Dholakia & Family – Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK)
- Surat Rank: 5
- Hurun Rank: 486
- Wealth: ₹5,980 crore
A veteran of the diamond trade, Govindbhai Dholakia is the force behind SRK Exports, one of the world’s top diamond crafting companies. His life journey from humble beginnings to global recognition epitomizes Surat’s rise as the world’s diamond hub.
- Babu Lakhani & Family – Kiran Gems
- Surat Rank: 6
- Hurun Rank: 564
- Wealth: ₹5,200 crore
Kiran Gems, led by Babu Lakhani, is among the largest exporters of polished diamonds. The company’s global footprint demonstrates Surat’s continued leadership in the diamond pipeline.
7. Hardik Kothiya & Family – Rayzon Solar
- Surat Rank: 8
- Hurun Rank: 686
- Wealth: ₹3,970 crore
As co-leader of Rayzon Solar, Hardik Kothiya has taken bold strides in India’s solar industry. His efforts mark a generational shift, with Surat entrepreneurs driving clean energy solutions.
8. Chirag Nagarani & Family – Rayzon Solar
- Surat Rank: 9
- Hurun Rank: 686
- Wealth: ₹3,970 crore
Working alongside Hardik Kothiya, Chirag Nagarani has helped Rayzon Solar become one of India’s fastest-growing solar firms. His inclusion shows how Surat is now competing in renewable energy at a national scale.
9. Anand Sureshbhai Desai – Anupam Rasayan India
- Surat Rank: 10
- Hurun Rank: 737
- Wealth: ₹3,550 crore
Anand Desai’s Anupam Rasayan India supplies specialty chemicals to global pharma and agrochemical clients. His success reinforces Surat’s stature as a chemicals hub of India.
Surat’s Growing Footprint
The 2025 rankings reveal that Surat is no longer confined to its reputation as the world’s diamond polishing center. While diamonds and jewellery still account for major fortunes, industries like renewable energy, specialty chemicals, and financial services are shaping the city’s new identity together, these ten entrepreneurs hold a combined wealth of over ₹63,000 crore, reflecting Surat’s growing economic influence on the national stage.
