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New Delhi: In a recent episode of the popular podcast The Candid Talk, Govind Bhai Dholakia, widely known as the “Diamond King,” shared his inspiring journey. Speaking with Dynamite News Editor-in-Chief Manoj Tibrewal Aakash, Dholakia opened up about how he rose from a small village background to become one of the most successful names in the diamond industry. He also spoke in detail about the struggles and challenges he faced during his journey.
Govind Bhai Dholakia said, 'We kept moving forward and slowly our business grew. I come from a small village of just 700 people, where the school only went up to seventh grade. I studied till sixth grade and then, before my final exams, I left Dudhala village with my brother and moved to Surat.'
Govind Bhai Dholakia said, 'When I came to Surat, there were around 200 people working in diamond cutting and polishing, including me. Today, there are approximately 1 million people working in this industry. I worked in a factory for 14 years, 14 hours a day. The factory would open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Even after working such long hours, I felt happy because in my village, a day’s work earned just ₹1, while diamond cutting paid ₹4. Earning four times more brought great satisfaction.'
Manoj Tibrewal Aakash then asked, “When you started Ramakrishna Export Company, did you have money or trust?”
Govind Bhai Dholakia explained, 'I have never addressed anyone using the word ‘tu’ (informal ‘you’). When I was 18, I heard a story from a Maharaj who said, ‘Whatever you give to others, you receive in return. If you give respect, you get respect.’ From that day, I decided to address everyone politely using ‘aap’ (formal ‘you’). That is why people at my workplace began calling me ‘Govind Bhai’.'
He further said, 'Dongri Ji Maharaj advised that before starting any work, one should keep God in mind. That is why I named my company ‘Ramakrishna Export.’ I also added ‘Shri’ to my name to invite prosperity (Lakshmi).'
Govind Bhai Dholakia said, 'Three of us friends came to Surat for work with a total of ₹15,000. At that time, we had only two workers. Today, our company employs 9,000 people. Our exports are worth ₹12,000 crore, and we export diamonds to over 100 countries.'
He also spoke about the 2008 economic recession. 'In 2007, our company ranked 25th in India, but by 2009, it had reached the top five. This was possible because of our employees. Even when the diamond market declined by 30%, we did not lay off any workers. Their trust and hard work helped us grow. That is why I say the world can be conquered with truth and trust.'
He added, 'Whatever you do, do it with complete honesty. Even a small amount of dishonesty can lead to difficult times.'
Comparing diamonds and gold, he said, 'Everyone knows diamonds are expensive, but people still prefer buying gold. Diamonds cannot be sold everywhere, while gold is easily tradable. Also, gold is common, whereas diamonds are considered high-end.'
Govind Bhai shared that he read the entire Bhagavad Gita at the age of 16. 'It may sound easy, but it is not. I believe it is due to experiences from a past life. Even today, I remember the entire Bhagavad Gita by heart.'
He advised that hard work, honesty, and dedication are essential. 'If you want to grow, you must be willing to leave your job and start your own business. Work hard and stay committed, even on weekends.'
In the podcast with Manoj Tibrewal Aakash, he shared, 'I never wanted to enter politics. I received a call from Amit Shah, who said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had decided to send me to the Rajya Sabha. After discussing it with my family, I agreed to enter only at the Prime Minister’s request. Today, I am a Rajya Sabha MP, though I initially declined the offer.'
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Govind Bhai believes, 'Poverty pushes a person forward. Without struggle, growth is difficult. It is through hard work and perseverance that one achieves success.'
He further said, 'If you want to make a name for yourself, work honestly and learn to be content with what you have.'
Recalling a difficult phase, he said, 'When my kidneys failed, I wrote to eight people, including PM Modi, saying, ‘I don’t know how long I will live, but at 72, I feel I have lived 300 years. If I die, I will have no regrets. I am satisfied with whatever God has given me.'
