Thiruvananthapuram
Padma Shri awardee Savji Dholakia — celebrated Indian businessman, philanthropist, and chairman of the global diamond firm Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. — is driving an ambitious movement for environmental restoration and sustainable development through the Dholakia Foundation, the philanthropic arm of his company.
Internationally recognised for his contributions to the diamond industry, Dholakia has also earned widespread respect for his social initiatives. His foundation, established in 1996 by Savji Dholakia along with Himmat, Tulsi and Ghanshyam Dholakia, has evolved into a leading institution advocating for ecosystem conservation.
At the heart of the foundation’s work is a commitment to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Its focus is firmly anchored on restoring India’s natural ecosystems — particularly lakes, rivers, and forest landscapes. The foundation is recognised as an official actor in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, echoing its global relevance and credibility.
Over the years, the foundation has rolled out a series of innovative and high-impact programmes. Among its cornerstone initiatives is Mission 100 Sarovars, a campaign that successfully revived water bodies in drought-prone regions, creating lasting community and agricultural benefits. Building on this success, the foundation launched Mission 100x, an ambitious plan to deploy 100 excavator machines to accelerate lake development and water conservation.
The current flagship programme — Mission River — marks a bold leap to rejuvenate rivers, restore hydrological cycles and address water scarcity in a holistic manner. Complementing these efforts is Mission 102030, which targets the plantation of 10 million trees by 2030. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance biodiversity, expand green cover and counter the effects of climate change.
Beyond environmental conservation, the foundation places strong emphasis on community empowerment and social inclusion. Its human-centred approach ensures that local populations are partners and beneficiaries in development rather than passive recipients.
Savji Dholakia’s leadership continues to inspire a generation of entrepreneurs and social reformers. His Padma Shri honour in 2022 reflects not only his business achievements but his commitment to giving back to society.
With multiple large-scale initiatives underway and a clear vision for sustainability, the Dholakia Foundation stands today as a transformative force — combining climate resilience, water security, and ecological restoration with the broader goal of an equitable and sustainable future.
