Savaji Bhai Dholakia

Savjibhai Dhanjibhai Dholakia built Hari Krishna Exports, which he still chairs, into one of the world’s largest makers of polished diamonds, and is also a philanthropist. He was named for the Padma Shri in 2022 in the field of social work, from Gujarat ^[1].

Twelve rupees and fifty paise

Dholakia was born on 12 April 1962 ^[2]. He left school at 12, and in 1977 arrived in Surat by state bus with 12.50 rupees in his pocket ^[2]. For ten years he worked as a diamond polisher in his uncle’s unit ^[2]. In 1992, to fulfil his mother’s dream, he and his three brothers founded Hari Krishna Exports ^[2]. At the time of the award the group had a turnover of 1.5 billion dollars, exported to 82 countries and owned the jewellery brand Kisna ^[2]. It has become known for rewarding employees with cars, jewellery and flats ^[2].

Trees and lakes

In 1996 he began social work through a trust now called the Dholakia Foundation ^[2]. It has planted more than 25 lakh trees and built 75 lakes for villagers and farmers under its “Mission 100 Sarovar” ^[2]. His group also organises mass weddings for needy couples, pilgrimages for employees’ parents and help with employees’ health care and children’s education ^[2].