Govindbhai Dholakia - A businessman by profession, A philanthropist by Heart
From a diamond cutter to a business tycoon, Govind Bhai Dholakia has under gone a long journey ahead. He is recently in news due to release of his autobiography 'Diamonds Are Forever, so are morals.' But above all ,he is at present famous, due to his ambitious philanthropic project of installing solar systems in 750 martyr family all over the country. 
Childhood Days
In a remote village of Dudhala located in Gujarat, Govind Bhai was born in a poor agricultural family of seven sisters and brothers. His upbringing was very simple and the childhood days were struggling in the absence of proper education and basic facilities like other poor children. As belonging to a poor family, Govind Bhai was working for 14 hours in fields in terrific summer. He has little formal education and is just literate. At the age of 13,he came to Surat in 1964 to support his family and started working in a diamond company as a labour. He worked for 14 hours a day just like other workers in the company.
Triggering of an Idea
While polishing diamond in early days, only 28% of the stone was convertible into diamond and rest part wasted as ashes . Working with dedication and scientific technique, Govind Bhai increased the polished part of the stone from 28% to 34% there by reducing the waste which increased the value of diamond greatly. When he reported this to his owner ,instead of becoming happy he instructed Govind Bhai to cut it more and convert it into a smaller diamond. Govind Bhai denied to do so. At this point ,he realised that if he can get 6% more diamond from stone, he can start his own business instead of doing job. This laid the foundation of SRK Diamonds in 1970 along with his two partners.
Establishing an Unbeatable Empire
When Govind Bhai came to Surat in 1964 to meet the needs of his family, he was resonating with a higher purpose to do something different and big. His eyes were shining with bigger dreams! As per Govind Bhai" utilizing the full potential of diamond was not only an art but it was a proper and skilled science also. To be a skilled Diamond cutter and polisher ,it took years of training however this part is still a puzzle for most of the caftsman. " At present, SRK diamonds is one of the world's leading diamond cutting and polishing company. Around 6000 people are working in the firm which is increasing day by day. In year 2021 -23, companies turnover reached to 16000 crore. Company has direct contracts with companies like Rio Tinto, D Bears, Tanishq and Arctic Canadian Diamond Company Limited for processing of rough diamonds. Due to his immense growth mind set and dream of establishing an advanced Research Institute for imparting knowledge about diamonds, he setup SRK Institute of Diamonds(SRKID) in 2014. Moreover to impart training in various diamond and the skills related to it, SRK Institute of skills (SRKIS)was also launched on 15th August 2021 under SRK knowledge Foundation.
Giving Back to Society
Govind Bhai is a man of morals. He has a deep sense of social responsibility and great inclination towards spirituality and religion. In Business School circuits also, Govind Bhai is much popular and influential however his speech is mainly focussed on growth and values. A part of company's income is regularly contributed to hospitals, schools, colleges and relief centres. Apart from this ,he is much concerned about the welfare of company workers. Recently Govind Bhai is in limeLight as he has installed solar panels in 750 martyr families throughout the country. So far till August 2023,data of 3000 families is fetched but due to non availability of contact sources ,the work is going slow. One solar panel is costing between 80000 to 1 lakh rupees. Govind Bhai says that it will save their electricity bill by 15000 to 20000 rupees per year. The foundation aims at helping needy martyr families on priority basis.
Govind Bhai has been awarded with 'Hurun Most Respected Family of the Year ' by Hurun Global at Mumbai in February 2023.
The greatness of such personalities doesn't lies in their achievements but the legacy they leave behind for incoming generations . Salute to such leaders!
