STORY CREDITS
Writer/Editor: Shivangi Vasudev Bhatt
Photo: Media and Communication, IIT Gandhinagar
Shri Govind Dholakia, Founder of Shree Ramkrishna Exports, a globally renowned and trusted diamond crafting company, visited the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) on October 17, 2022. Shri Dholakia, also fondly known as “Govindkaka”, talked about his life journey that started with hardships-laden days in rural Gujarat to building a 2-billion-dollar diamond manufacturing behemoth in Surat with a starting capital of less than Rs 1000, which ultimately shifted the epicentre of diamond trade out of Belgium and into India.
During the lively and interactive talk titled ‘From Nothing to Everything’, Shri Dholakia shared some of the most inspiring gems from his life story, experiences, and principles that play a pivotal role in leading to success. Underlining the potential of an egoless yet confident personality, Shri Govindbhai Dholakia shared a motto and said, “Always remind yourself that ‘I am nothing, but I can do anything’, wherein the first line signifies to be egoless and the second line encourages you to be confident to achieve anything. Despite having studied only up to the seventh grade, with self-confidence, I have travelled to more than 100 countries for our business.”
Sharing his philosophical outlook and quoting some of his takeaways from the teachings of Dongareji Maharaj and Moraraji Bapu, Shri Govindbhai said, “Skill and honesty are of paramount importance in building one’s life. If you follow the path of truth and honesty and develop your strengths and skills, you will definitely succeed in your endeavours. A person should be full of truth and honesty for self, mutual love and respect, and kindness for others. The universe always gives us back what we give to others. Hence, always give respect to each and every human being regardless of their age or socio-economic status, and you will automatically get love and respect from others.”
I have always believed in living in the present and making the most of it. If you put in enough effort to make your present better than yesterday, without regretting your past and worrying about your future, you will continue to grow in life. It is possible that everything may not work out as per your wish but do not let such disappointments get over you and lead you to anger, greed, or dishonesty because money and luxury items are only instruments to live life; they are not life. Your real wealth is your family and friends.
Shri Govind DholakiaAbout Shri Govindbhai Dholakia:
Shri Govind Dholakia was born in Dudhala village (Gujarat) into a poor agricultural family of 7 brothers and sisters. He had a “simple”, and at the same time, a “hard” childhood. “Simple” because the Dholakia family lived with limited resources and needed to feed several mouths; “Hard” because of the constraints of those times. His journey commenced in 1964 as he set out towards Surat at the age of 13 to support his family, but with a dream to always outperform. In 1970 he founded Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK), which over the past five decades, has grown to become a globally trusted and respected player in the diamond industry. Shri Dholakia’s life epitomises the dauntless entrepreneurial spirit of a visionary, always on the march to change destiny. His success story has fired the imagination of a generation of diamond entrepreneurs, business leaders and progressive companies. For many, he is an icon, a role model to be emulated. His affection for his family members, including his thousands of employees, holds them close together in a cordial bond of trust, compassion and harmony.
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