Ruvin Dholakia, a grandnephew of Indian diamond billionaire, philanthropist, and Padma Shri awardee Savjibhai Dholakia, has recently concluded an extraordinary 30-day expedition in Chennai. After completing his Masters of Business Administration from the United States, Ruvin was sent by his renowned grandfather to Chennai to live the life of an anonymous commoner aimed to provide him lessons beyond what Business School would teach.
Ruvin left Surat for Chennai on the 30th of June. He was ordered not to disclose his identity, was deprived of using a phone, and was given a modest sum of ₹6,000 emergency cash. His first task was to find a job where he encountered a staggering 80 rejections. He also switched between 4 jobs, each presenting unique challenges and learning opportunities. His first job was as a salesperson at a Garment shop near High Court Metro. Here, he honed his sales skills over nine days. Next, he worked at an eatery for eight days, expertly managing plate settings and serving as a waiter. After waiting tables at the restaurant, he worked at a Watch Outlet for nine days as a salesperson while also assisting with watch repairs. Ruvin’s last job was at a Bag and luggage shop, where he worked as a labourer for two days.
Throughout his 30-day journey, Ruvin switched between four jobs, faced eighty rejections, lived off ₹200 daily, stayed in a lowly Dormitory in Chennai, and could often only afford one meal daily. Instead of seeing these as challenges, he saw them as opportunities to grow one’s character. His ordinary living experience allowed him to fully embrace the value of essential struggles in one’s journey to success. Ruvin also developed a deep sense of respect for hardworking individuals who toil hard to make ends meet. He was grateful for how God had blessed him regarding education and family. Despite the arduous journey, Ruvin's resilience paid off, and he was happy as he managed to earn ₹8,600 throughout his time in Chennai.
At the welcome gathering on July 30, celebrating his return from the challenging yet rewarding voyage, Ruvin stood before his family and the honourable Governor, Shri Acharya Devvrat, to share the profound output of his metamorphic journey. In statements encapsulating the lessons he learned about putting in extra effort and striving for more than what is expected, he said, “Throughout this experience, I realised that if our salary is ₹20,000, we should aspire to work for ₹40,000. It's the willingness to go above and beyond that yields remarkable results. Trusting in the divine providence, I learned that God will provide the remaining ₹20,000 when the time is right.”
In the realm of employment, he encountered hurdles during the initial 2-3 days of each job. However, he discovered, “If one perseveres and stays steadfast until the 4th day, a newfound sense of ease sets in, and the job becomes more manageable in the long run.” Through his initial struggles in each job, he realised the importance of perseverance and giving oneself time to adjust and grow. By pushing through the initial difficulties, he unlocked valuable learning opportunities and found stability in his roles.
Ruvin addressed the power of mindset in conquering self-doubt and embracing an optimistic attitude, remarking, "Our negative thinking can often hinder our progress and limit our potential. But by mastering our minds and cultivating a positive outlook, we can conquer any challenge that comes our way. Indeed, controlling our minds allows us to find solutions to all our problems."
Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat Ji, applauded the Dholakia family’s initiative of teaching their children the value of hard work. He talked about how our elders work hard to make their children happy, but as the children grow up, they barely think about anything. He also noted that this type of real-life education undoubtedly increases the sense of respect for elders and nurtures the next generation to be more resilient towards facing life’s obstacles. Shri Acharya Devvrat Ji further said he would share this inspiring story during monthly university visits.
Savjibhai Dholakia’s initiative of sending the second generation of his family to learn about the hardships of a common man’s life is worth emulating for many affluent families. The adventurous journey undertaken by his Son, Dravya Dholakia, went Viral in the Media in 2016, where he earned ₹7,000 in Kochi. This initiative by the Dholakia family shows how much they value the principle of hard work and gratitude.
Padma Shri Savjibhai Dholakia also said, "Both fallen and unfallen natures exist within us. Our behaviour defines everything about us; it is the essence of our being. There is nothing else that shapes us more profoundly. As we receive more, we should humble ourselves more." By exposing himself to the realities faced by common people, Ruvin has gained a deeper understanding of life's complexities and the strength required to endure and overcome them. Through this, Savjibhai emphasises the importance of humility as one journey throughout one’s life.
Aside from his success story in building one of the largest diamond manufacturing companies globally with a turnover of 1.5 billion dollars, Savjibhai Dholakia is known for his immense humility and generosity. Savjibhai Dholakia’s benevolence gained widespread recognition. He is globally famous for providing lavish Diwali bonuses to his employees through the company's tradition of gifting cars, flats, and jewellery during the festive season. This mere act became a celebrated example of philanthropy in the corporate world.
Savjibhai Dholakia has also well-earned the title ‘Lake Man of India’ by creating 125 lakes that have benefitted 2 Lacs plus farmers in more than 75 surrounding villages. He has planted more than 25 lac trees across different locations in India. His state-of-the-art Diamond Manufacturing Facility, known as"HK Hub,” was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India - Shri Narendra Modi.
No doubt, Ruvin’s 30-day journey living the life of a commoner in Chennai instilled in him life lessons and values that are taught beyond Business Schools. As the saying goes, ‘experience is the best teacher’; Ruvin’s story demonstrates that no matter your background, whether you are rich or poor, we all must value hard work, embody humility and generosity, and practice gratitude. The family hopes that Ruvin’s inspiring story of determination and resilience will inspire and touch the lives of many individuals, entrepreneurs, youth, etc.
For more Updates Do follow us on Social Media
Facebook Page https://bit.ly/3blw5Rg
Instagram https://bit.ly/3MsRHbP
YouTube https://bit.ly/3LjGj2L
Twitter https://bit.ly/3E9IO5U
Linkedin https://bit.ly/3M17Xlk
WhatsApp Group https://bit.ly/JEWELBUZZ
Comentarios