Patidar Govind Dholakia... A Triveni Confluence of Business, Patriotism and Politics

(Utkarsh Patel)

Born on 1 November 1949 in Dudhala village of Amreli district of Gujarat, Govindbhai Laljibhai Dholakia is fondly called 'Kaka', His life is an inspiring journey. This personality, who came from a farming family, came to Surat in 1964 as a child and started polishing diamonds. This journey, which started with just Rs 500 in his pocket, has today reached one of the leading firms in the world's diamond industry. He is the founder and chairman emeritus of 'Shri Ramakrishna Exports' (SRK). His company today employs thousands of employees and brightens the name of the Indian diamond industry at the global level with a turnover of billions of dollars.

Govindbhai's personality is extremely simple, humble. He believes that "I am nothing, but I can do anything." This sentence explains his mindset in life. He firmly believes in honesty, morality and friendship. In his autobiography "Diamonds are Forever, so are Morals", he shares his experiences and gives a message to the youth that "any height can be reached with sincerity and hard work." He looks at his employees like family members and has been giving them courage even in times of recession in the industry.

Along with business, Govindbhai's patriotism is amazing. He has been associated with charitable organizations for a long time and has been constantly striving for the development of the nation. His most commendable action is the donation of Rs 11 crore for the construction of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2021. This donation is a symbol of his faith and sense of national pride. Lord Shri Ram and Krishna are his deities, due to which he has also named the company 'Shri Ramakrishna'. This donation has become a symbol of not only economic but also cultural and spiritual awareness. He has also made environmental efforts like running his village on solar energy, which can be said to be an important contribution to the development of the country.

Govindbhai's dedication and respect for Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi is very deep. His family honors PM Narendrabhai as the 'Rashtra Nu Ratna'. Which shows his patriotism and dedication to leadership.

Govindbhai has also represented in politics in a balanced and positive way. Since April 2024, he has been a member of the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Despite having a business background, he prioritizes social service, religion and the development of the nation. He gives a message of social unity by considering the Kadva and Leuva Patidar community as one. In the Rajya Sabha, he prioritizes national interest by raising issues like welfare of diamond workers and the demand for giving the Bharat Ratna to Ratan Tata. His politics is focused on the welfare of the country and society rather than personal gain.

Govindbhai Dholakia is a unique combination of business success, deep sense of patriotism and balanced contribution in politics. His life gives the message that with hard work, morality and patriotism, any person can scale the desired heights. He is still a source of inspiration for the youth and is making an important contribution to the development of India. Such great personalities take the country forward. Govindbhai Dholakia can be said to be a proud personality for Gujaratis living in Gujarat and around the world.

(The writer is a prominent businessman, social worker and founder of khabarchhe.com)