Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Govindbhai Laljibhai Dholakia was born in Dudhala, Lathi taluka, in the Amreli district of Gujarat, into a humble farming family. Locally known as “Kaka,” Dholakia’s journey to success began when he moved to Surat in 1964 in search of a better livelihood to support his family. His early years were marked by determination and a strong work ethic, values that would define his future endeavors.
Founding of Shree Ramkrishna Exports
In 1970, Dholakia co-founded Shree Ramkrishna (SRK) Exports Private Limited, a diamond export enterprise that would grow to become one of the most prominent companies in the diamond industry. The foundation of SRK was laid with a small factory in Surat, backed by the faith and partnership of Virjibhai and Bhagwanbhai, two of his closest associates. Starting from humble beginnings, they secured a modest room for their factory and began polishing rough diamonds. Dholakia’s commitment to quality and honesty quickly earned him a reputation in the industry. While others sought shortcuts, he maintained integrity in every aspect of his work, choosing to operate with complete transparency.
The company’s success was built on Dholakia’s belief in god and hard work, as reflected in the company’s name, “Shree Ramkrishna,” a tribute to the divine and a reminder of the higher purpose behind his business pursuits.
Building a Diamond Empire
From the early days of polishing diamonds and achieving higher-than-expected yields, Govind Dholakia’s leadership steered SRK Exports to new heights. His keen sense of business, combined with his steadfast ethical principles, allowed the company to grow rapidly. SRK Exports became known for its precision, quality, and integrity, factors that helped it secure a strong foothold in the global diamond market. Under his leadership, the company expanded its operations, becoming one of the largest diamond processing companies in the world.
Philanthropy and Community Empowerment
Dholakia’s contributions went beyond the business world. A devout believer in giving back to society, he has been involved in numerous philanthropic activities. One of his notable contributions was the donation of ₹11 crore towards the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in 2021, a gesture that highlighted his commitment to religious and cultural causes.
In 2022, Dholakia turned his focus to his hometown of Dudhala, spearheading a project to convert the village to solar energy. This initiative, carried out through SRK Exports’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, aimed at empowering the community while promoting sustainable energy practices.
Awards and Recognition
Govind Dholakia’s leadership and contributions have been recognized globally. In 2017, he received the prestigious Leadership Award from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which honored his commitment to sustainability and green initiatives in the diamond industry. His leadership has been instrumental in promoting environmentally friendly practices within the business and broader community.
Political Career
In 2024, Dholakia’s influence extended into the political arena when he was elected as a Member of the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His entry into politics marked a new chapter in his life, where he sought to bring his business acumen and philanthropic mindset to the service of the nation.
A Life of Integrity and Vision
Throughout his journey, Govind Dholakia has remained true to his core values of honesty, hard work, and devotion to a higher purpose. From the early days of struggling to make ends meet, to building one of the world’s most successful diamond companies, his life story is a testament to the power of perseverance and ethical leadership. Today, Dholakia stands as an inspiring figure in both the business world and public life, known for his visionary leadership, community service, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right.
