Savji Dholakia, who grew up in Dudhala, a small village in Gujarat, had a difficult childhood, where his education ended not by choice but by difficult circumstances. Yet, what followed would become one of India’s most powerful entrepreneurial stories. At just 13, Savji had to stop going to school because his family could not afford it. Years later, in 1977, he boarded a bus to Surat carrying little more than determination, and exactly 12 rupees and 50 paise, enough for the journey.
In Surat, Savji found work at a diamond polishing unit, earning only 179 rupees a month. Life was hard, but his mindset was strong. Even on that meagre income, he set aside 39 rupees every month. The habit of saving mattered more than the amount, as it reflected a discipline that later defined his business journey.
Years of persistence eventually led to a turning point. In 1984, Savji and his brothers laid the foundation of Hari Krishna Exporters, a small diamond enterprise born in an industry known for fierce competition and high risk. Growth did not come easily, but Savji believed success depended on people, not just profits.
A Workplace Built On Family Values
What truly set Savji apart was how he treated those who worked with him. Employees were never just staff members; they were extended family. His belief was simple and unwavering: “When my family prospers, my business prospers.”
This philosophy became nationally visible through his extraordinary Diwali gestures. Instead of routine bonuses, he rewarded loyalty with life-changing gifts, homes, scooters, and luxury cars, turning appreciation into action and setting a new benchmark for corporate generosity.
Savji Dholakia’s Gift For Loyalty
Even decades later, Savji’s approach remains unchanged. In 2025, he once again drew attention by gifting three Mercedes-Benz GLS SUVs, valued at over Rs 3 crore, to senior team members who had joined the company as teenagers 25 years earlier. For him, these gestures symbolise shared journeys, not extravagance.
This people-first culture helped transform a modest setup into a global diamond enterprise. Media reports value his business at over Rs 12,000 crore, while his jewellery brand, KISNA, has a presence in thousands of retail outlets across India.
In 2022, Savji Dholakia received the Padma Shri for his contributions to social work in Gujarat. Through the Dholakia Foundation, he channels resources into environmental conservation, water preservation, and large-scale tree plantation initiatives.
