Savji Dhanji Dholakia, widely recognized as the richest man in Surat, the diamond hub of India, is the Founder and Chairman of Hari Krishna Exports Private Limited, a leading diamond manufacturing and export company headquartered in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex within the iconic 19-storeyed building, The Capital.
The journey of Savji Dhanji, or Savji Dhanji Dholakia, as he is commonly known, is a testament to his entrepreneurial acumen and strategic decisions. Born on April 12, 1962, into a farmer’s family in Gujarat’s Dudhala, located in the Amreli district, Savji faced financial challenges early in life, prompting him to discontinue formal education after the 4th standard at the age of 14.
Embarking on his career, Savji joined his paternal uncle’s diamond business in Surat, where he was later joined by his brothers Himmat and Tulsi. The pivotal moment came in 1992 when Savji Dhanji, along with his brothers Ghanshyam Dholakia, Himmat Dholakia, and Tulsi Dholakia, laid the foundation of Hari Krishna Exports Private Limited. The company established its diamond-cutting and polishing unit in Surat and its export office in Mumbai.
By 2014, Hari Krishna Exports had become a significant player in the diamond manufacturing sector, boasting a workforce of 6500 employees. Savji Dhanji’s visionary approach became evident in 2005 with the launch of the jewelry brand “KISNA” under Hari Krishna Exports. Today, KISNA stands as India’s largest diamond jewelry brand, with a vast network of over 6,250 outlets across the country.
Beyond his business success, Savji Dhanji is renowned for his philanthropic initiatives and employee welfare practices. He is widely regarded as one of the nation’s best employers, known for his extravagant Diwali bonuses. These bonuses have included lavish gifts such as jewelry, cars, flats, and fixed deposits for his employees. In 2018, he made headlines by gifting 600 cars to deserving employees, adding to his previous feats of generosity, such as gifting 400 flats and 1,260 cars as Diwali bonuses in 2016.
Savji Dhanji’s personal life remains private, with him being happily married to Gauriben Dholakia. The couple has four children—Mena, Nimisha, Dravya, and Kisna. Notably, Savji Dhanji has encouraged his son, Dravya, to work independently without relying on the family name. Dravya’s journey included various jobs, from a shoe shop and McDonald’s to a call center. Despite facing financial struggles, Dravya acquired valuable life lessons, eventually securing a well-paying job in a hotel’s bakery department for around Rs 200 per day.
As of recent estimates, Savji Dhanji Dholakia’s reported net worth is around Rs 12,000 crore, solidifying his status as a business magnate and philanthropist shaping the diamond industry in India.
