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.”
Towards the end of his interactive talk amidst an applauding audience, Shri Govindbhai said, “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.”
