(Utkarsh Patel)

Surat is the heart of the world's diamond industry. Here, a new story of development and innovation is being written in the textile and diamond industry, going beyond traditional work. One of its special centers is Greenlab Diamonds LLP, which is one of the largest lab-grown (CVD) diamond manufacturing companies in the world. Which can be said to be a matter of pride for Gujarat. The chairman and owner of this company, Mukeshbhai Patel, today holds a notable position not only as a businessman but also as a personality of business, patriotism and social service.

Mukeshbhai's journey begins with his father's legacy. 60 years ago, he came to Surat from a village in Saurashtra and started the diamond business. Today, Mukeshbhai, along with his entire family, is taking this legacy to the global level. With the establishment of GreenLab in 2018-19, they entered the field of lab-grown diamonds. Today, the company uses carbon-neutral energy through a 35 MW solar plant and windmills, making the harvested diamonds truly 'green'. These high-quality diamonds reach the US, Europe, UAE, Australia and Hong Kong. The company has achieved a leading position in the Indian lab-grown diamond sector by being honored with the IGJA Award from GJEPC in 2023.

Mukeshbhai's immense faith in PM Narendrabhai Modi is an integral part of his life. He believes that PM Narendrabhai Modi's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', 'Make in India' and 'Vikasit Bharat' is giving new heights to Gujarati industrialists. In 2023, PM Modi gifted a 7.5 carat green lab-grown diamond from GreenLab to US First Lady Jill Biden, which is a beautiful symbol of Mukeshbhai's loyalty and the PM's trust.

Along with this faith, his devotion to the Sanatan Dharma is unique. He offered a golden crown for the Ayodhya Shri Ram Temple - this crown weighing 6 kg is decorated with 3 kg of gold, 350 carats of high quality lab-grown diamonds, 450 carats of other gems and pearls. He went to Ayodhya with his family before his death and offered this gift. This is not just a donation of money but a symbol of pure devotion of the heart and dedication to religion.

Mukeshbhai's contribution is not limited to business and religion alone, he is a leading benefactor and contributing personality of the Patidar community. He actively participates in the social and cultural activities of the Patidar community. His participation in the programs of the global Patidar community under the guidance of organizations like Sardar Dham is significant. He contributes wholeheartedly to the education of the youth of the society, rural development and social works. Through his CSR efforts, works like medical camps, free dental implants have been carried out by the Greenlab Foundation, which benefit the entire community including the Patidar community. He believes that the hard work and unity of the Patidar community is the main reason for the development of Gujarat and that is why he is at the forefront of providing guidance, employment and respect to the youth of the community from time to time.

Mukeshbhai employs thousands of youth, does public welfare works in the society of Surat and upholds the values ​​of his family. His life is a wonderful combination of business, patriotism, spirituality and social service. Today, Greenlab Diamonds can be called a symbol of pride for India. His social activism is an inspiration to the youth and the Bhamashas of the Patidar community. It would be an ideal message for the youth to come forward with a sense of dedication to society, inspired by their lives.

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