In the Diamond Mind: Govind Laljibhai Dholakia

Some individuals leave a lasting legacy on the world, and in doing so, impart invaluable lessons of honesty, hard work, and humility. Such is the remarkable journey of Shri Govind Laljibhai Dholakia, Founder & Chairman of Emeritus Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. (SRK). Fondly known as ‘Govind Kaka’ by his work family, he was originally a farmer from a small village called Dudhala in Gujarat before setting up a natural diamond crafting unit in Surat in 1964. Today, SRK, is amongst one of the mightiest global empires in the natural diamond industry also pioneering sustainability for over six decades. The family-run, legacy business has achieved net zero status* for both its diamond crafting facilities and is amongst the world’s first to do so.

The Natural Diamond Council had the privilege of speaking with the visionary, and, here is what the diamantaire had to say about his love for natural diamonds, his advice to the younger generations and his thoughts on the future of natural diamonds.

What inspired you to pursue a career in  diamonds?

I came to Surat with my elder brother to support my family. And I started my first job as a diamond worker and used to work 14 hours a day for 6 years but never felt tired or fatigued. In fact, I felt extremely privileged with good infrastructure as originally, I was supposed to work in a farm as a labourer under tough conditions but ended up working in a diamond facility that had good infrastructure. The natural diamond industry deeply impacted my life and all the challenges I faced here have shaped my journey. It is here that I learnt the value of positive thinking.

What excites you most at the moment?

In my life, I have learned to live fully in the present, without worrying too much about the future. It’s like I have packed in 300 years’ worth of experiences into my 75 years on this Earth.

With God’s grace, I can find joy in both the extravagant and the simple. I have had lavish lunches at some of the finest restaurants and enjoyed peaceful meals on the farm. Despite being surrounded by multiple  cars, there’s something very satisfying  about pedalling along on a bicycle.

To me, success isn’t about the number of cars I own or the size of my bank account; it is about finding fulfilment in everything I do. When I am content and fulfilled, that is when I feel truly successful.

What’s your greatest indulgence?

I often say that my life feels good and complete. Some might be surprised by this because I have a lot of family and work responsibilities. Even though I am blessed with have a huge family and a business that operates all around the world, you might think I will be stressed out. But by being honest in everything I do, I find more energy and feel relaxed with the satisfaction.

When we grow and become better people, we naturally make the world a better place too. This reminds us that real change starts from within.

What moment still blows your mind?

When I was around 10 or 11 years old, my older brother got a new bicycle. I was too small to have one, and I didn’t even know how to ride. But I really wanted to learn, so I asked my brother if he could teach me. He agreed, but he had a condition: we had to finish some work on the farm first.

Early one morning, we went to the farm and worked hard until noon. When we finished, we excitedly told my brother, who then gave us the bicycle. I was thrilled! Our school was a few blocks away, so I tried to sit on the seat but couldn’t reach. Instead, I started pedalling while standing, and I loved it! That moment of riding a bicycle for the first time was pure joy and success for me.

Years later, when I was asked about the happiest moment of my life, I recalled that first ride on the bicycle. It was a simple moment, but it brought me immense happiness and remains a cherished memory.

What advice would you give to younger diamantaires who aspire to build a legacy like yours?

In today’s fast-paced world, it seems like ethical values are getting lost. However, I still have hope for the future. Even though several decades have passed, the next 20 years can make a real difference. I see this hope in the younger generation, who are entering fields like textiles, steel, silks, diamonds, and others. They don’t want to compromise on their values or beat around the bush. They believe in honesty and straightforwardness.

I believe that if these young people come together, they can bring about positive change in India’s future. I pray that my hopes for a better future come true.

What’s next for natural diamonds?

As an industry, diamonds are a symbol of love and happiness so it’s an extremely beautiful industry to be in. I have elaborated this in my autobiography, Diamonds Are Forever So Are Morals, which further breakdowns the working on the diamond industry.

Running a diamond business is unlike other industries. It requires a lot of hands-on experience and direct involvement from the bosses. The diamond business is considered one of the top industries globally, alongside hotels, construction, banking, and software.

However, entering the diamond industry is not easy. It demands at least 3 to 5 years of rigorous training. Nowadays, many young people are used to staying in their comfort zones and dedicated little to no time in order to pick up the skilful training. When they encounter challenges in business, they often give up and conclude that the diamond business isn’t suitable for them. If someone wants to succeed in the diamond industry, they must be willing to invest at least 5 years in gaining valuable experience.

What is your intention for the year ahead?

I am here to serve and guide others, finding comfort in the belief that helping someone is akin to receiving blessings from a higher power.

When considering the essence of life, one cannot overlook the theme of upliftment. Upliftment is more than mere monetary contributions; it includes the enrichment of thoughts and the provision of service. Our existence holds meaning in the contributions we make to the world. Whether through education, utilizing our skills, or any other means, it is our duty to make the best use of our God-gifted abilities for the betterment of others.

SRK has achieved Net Zero Status in 2024, how important is sustainability to you?

To me, the world is like a diamond – it’s tough but also beautiful. To uncover its beauty, we need to work steadily, responsibly, and with goodwill.

Last year, we had organized SRK’s first sustainability conclave. I hoped it would bring together prominent leaders to discuss how to balance decarbonization while maintaining urgency. What happened in Surat exceeded my expectations. It renewed my optimism and made me believe we can achieve net zero in India by 2050.

Decarbonization is crucial to me because it’s our duty to each other and to future generations. At SRK, we are committed to sustainability, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals and achieving LEED Platinum certification for our facilities.

Now, we have become net zero in 2024. This isn’t just about us; it’s about ensuring a better future for India’s children and the world’s children.

*SRK’s net-zero mission includes a multifaceted approach to sustainability includes attention to waste, water, and nature, alongside their commitment to decarbonisation. These initiatives align with guidelines developed by the United Nations Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD).*