Savji Dholakia: Profile, Family and Son

Savji Dholakia, a name synonymous with resilience, innovation, and philanthropy, stands as one of India’s most inspiring business magnates. Born into humble beginnings in a small village in Gujarat, he transformed his life through sheer determination and entrepreneurial spirit, eventually founding Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd., a global leader in diamond manufacturing and exporting. Known for his unconventional business strategies and generous employee welfare initiatives, Savji Dholakia’s journey from a school dropout to a billionaire is a testament to the power of hard work and vision.

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Savji Dhanji Dholakia was born on April 12, 1962, in Dudhala, a small village in Gujarat’s Amreli district. Raised in a Leva Patel farming family, his childhood was marked by financial struggles. His father, Dhanjibhai Dholakia, worked tirelessly as a farmer, while his mother supported the family by assisting in agricultural tasks. Savji grew up alongside his three brothers—Himmat, Tulsi, and Ghanshyam—in an environment where resources were scarce, and opportunities were limited. Education was a luxury the family could barely afford, and Savji attended school only until the 4th standard. At the age of 13, driven by a desire to support his family, he dropped out and joined his paternal uncle’s diamond business in Surat, Gujarat—the epicenter of India’s diamond industry.

This decision marked the beginning of Savji Dholakia’s remarkable journey. With no formal education beyond primary school, he relied on hands-on experience and an innate curiosity to master the craft of diamond cutting and polishing. His early years in Surat were defined by grit and perseverance, laying the foundation for his future success.

Rise in the Diamond Industry

Savji Dholakia’s entry into the diamond trade was not a solitary endeavor. After years of working under his uncle, he was joined by his brothers Himmat and Tulsi, and together they ventured into their own diamond business in 1984. This small enterprise thrived on their collective hard work and commitment to quality. In 1992, the youngest brother, Ghanshyam, joined the trio, and they established Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. in Surat, with an export office in Mumbai. What began as a modest operation soon grew into a powerhouse, fueled by Savji’s visionary leadership and the family’s collaborative efforts.

Hari Krishna Exports quickly gained recognition for its expertise in diamond procurement, cutting, polishing, and exporting. By 2014, the company employed over 6,500 people and achieved a turnover of USD 650 million, reflecting a staggering 104% growth from the previous year. Today, Hari Krishna Exports exports polished diamonds to over 75 countries, including the United States, China, Hong Kong, and the UAE, cementing its status as one of India’s top diamond firms. Savji’s ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern business strategies propelled the company to global prominence.

Entrepreneurial Vision and Innovations

Savji Dholakia’s success is not just a result of hard work—it’s a product of his innovative mindset. In 2005, he launched KISNA, a diamond jewelry brand under Hari Krishna Exports, which has since become India’s largest diamond jewelry brand, with over 6,250 outlets nationwide. From rings and earrings to necklaces and bangles, KISNA caters to a wide audience, blending affordability with elegance. This venture showcased Savji’s knack for identifying market gaps and capitalizing on them effectively.

Beyond jewelry, Savji embraced technology and quality control to maintain Hari Krishna Exports’ competitive edge. His focus on employee motivation, customer satisfaction, and social responsibility further distinguished him from his peers. His leadership philosophy revolves around the belief that a business thrives when its people thrive—a principle that has made him a celebrated figure in the corporate world.

Personal Life and Family

Despite his monumental success, Savji Dholakia remains grounded and values privacy in his personal life. He is married to Gauriben Dholakia, his pillar of strength, and together they have four children—Mena, Nimisha, Dravya, and Kisna. The couple prefers a low-key lifestyle, rarely stepping into the public spotlight outside of business or philanthropy.

Savji’s approach to parenting reflects his belief in hard work over entitlement. His son, Dravya Dholakia, is a notable example. After completing a Bachelor of Business Administration at Pace University in New York, Dravya returned to India, only to be sent by his father to Kochi with minimal resources—just three sets of clothes and Rs. 7,000 for emergencies. Savji instructed him to survive without using the family name, working odd jobs like serving at a bakery, a call center, and even McDonald’s. This month-long experiment, which garnered media attention, was designed to teach Dravya the value of money and resilience—qualities Savji deems essential for the next generation of leaders.

Philanthropy and Employee Welfare

Savji Dholakia’s generosity has earned him global acclaim, particularly for his extravagant employee welfare schemes. He is famously known for gifting cars, apartments, and jewelry as Diwali bonuses to his employees. In 2018 alone, he distributed 600 cars to workers at Hari Krishna Exports, a gesture that made headlines worldwide. These initiatives stem from his belief that motivated employees are the backbone of any successful enterprise.

Beyond his workforce, Savji is committed to societal good. He has spearheaded projects like the creation of 75 lakes in Gujarat to combat water scarcity, earning him the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2022 from the Government of India. His Hari Krishna Charitable Trust also supports education and healthcare initiatives, reflecting his dedication to uplifting communities.

Net Worth and Achievements

As of March 04, 2025, Savji Dholakia’s net worth is estimated to be around Rs. 12,000 crore (approximately USD 1.5 billion), though some reports suggest it could be higher given the exponential growth of Hari Krishna Exports. His wealth is a reflection of his business acumen and the company’s annual turnover, which exceeds USD 1 billion. Beyond financial success, Savji’s accolades include multiple Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council awards and the Padma Shri, recognizing his contributions to industry and society.

Legacy and Influence

Savji Dholakia’s journey is more than a rags-to-riches tale—it’s a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs. His emphasis on humility, innovation, and giving back has inspired countless individuals. As he continues to lead Hari Krishna Exports and mentor the next generation, including his son Dravya, Savji’s legacy is poised to endure, shaping the diamond industry and beyond.

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Top 10 Interesting Facts About Savji Dholakia

1. School Dropout Turned Billionaire: Savji left school after the 4th standard but built a billion-dollar empire through self-learning and determination.
2. Diwali Gift Giver: He gained global fame for gifting 600 cars to employees as a Diwali bonus in 2018.
3. Founder of KISNA: Launched India’s largest diamond jewelry brand, KISNA, with over 6,250 outlets.
4. Padma Shri Recipient: Honored in 2022 for his contributions to industry and philanthropy.
5. Lake Builder: Initiated the creation of 75 lakes in Gujarat to address water scarcity.
6. Family Business Roots: Founded Hari Krishna Exports with his three brothers in 1992.
7. Tough Love Parenting: Sent his son Dravya to Kochi with minimal resources to learn life’s hardships.
8. Global Reach: Exports diamonds to over 75 countries, making Hari Krishna Exports a world leader.
9. Employee-Centric Leader: Believes happy employees drive success, reflected in his generous bonuses.
10. Humble Beginnings: Born into a poor farming family, he started with no formal education or wealth.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Savji Dholakia

1. Who is Savji Dholakia?
Savji Dholakia is an Indian businessman and the founder of Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd., a leading diamond manufacturing and exporting company based in Surat, Gujarat.

2. What is Savji Dholakia’s net worth?
As of March 04, 2025, his net worth is estimated at Rs. 12,000 crore (around USD 1.5 billion).

3. What is Hari Krishna Exports known for?
The company specializes in diamond cutting, polishing, and exporting, supplying polished diamonds to over 75 countries.

4. Why is Savji Dholakia famous for gifting cars?
He is renowned for gifting hundreds of cars, apartments, and jewelry to employees as Diwali bonuses, showcasing his unique approach to employee welfare.

5. What is the KISNA brand?
KISNA is a diamond jewelry brand launched by Savji in 2005, now India’s largest with over 6,250 outlets.

6. Where was Savji Dholakia born?
He was born in Dudhala, Amreli district, Gujarat, on April 12, 1962.

7. How many children does Savji Dholakia have?
He has four children: Mena, Nimisha, Dravya, and Kisna.

8. What awards has Savji Dholakia received?
He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2022 and has received numerous Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council awards.

9. What inspired Savji Dholakia’s philanthropy?
His humble roots and belief in giving back to society drive his charitable efforts, including lake-building and employee welfare.

10. How did Savji Dholakia start his career?
He began working in his uncle’s diamond business in Surat at age 13 after dropping out of school.