A Vision of Togetherness
Diamond mogul Savji Dholakia has unveiled his magnificent 50-acre estate in Surat, a testament to his life's work and a unique living arrangement. This
sprawling property is not merely a residence but a 'temple,' as Dholakia describes it, built to house an astounding 64 family members across multiple generations. The core of this estate's design is the principle of joint family living, fostering unity and shared growth. Dholakia, who started with a modest ₹12, envisioned a space where his four brothers, their children, and their parents could thrive together, eliminating any need for division. This philosophy permeates the estate's architecture, with individual villas complemented by central meeting hubs, a large communal living area, and shared dining spaces designed to continuously bring everyone back together, embodying his belief that people are more valuable than possessions.
Nature's Embrace, Grand Scale
The estate's living areas are a masterful integration of indoor comfort and outdoor splendor. Designed with open sides, the main gathering space invites nature in, offering panoramic views of the lush surroundings. Greenery is a constant presence, blurring the lines between the built environment and the expansive natural landscape. This profound connection to nature is underscored by the staggering presence of 1.5 lakh trees cultivated across the property, earning the estate the moniker 'Dholakia means forest.' Dholakia's dedication extends to a specialized Ayurvedic garden, meticulously maintained to supply fresh herbs and plants for the family's daily culinary and medicinal needs. Remarkably, 15,000 of these trees were imported from China, necessitating 11 shipping containers, due to their unavailability in India, though Dholakia emphasizes that all other plant life originates from Indian seeds. His personal involvement is evident daily, as he spends his mornings from 7 am to 11 am supervising and planning on the grounds.
Leisure, Spirituality, and Nostalgia
Beyond its natural beauty and communal living spaces, the estate is equipped with extensive facilities for recreation and personal well-being. A comprehensive sports complex offers amenities for pickleball, volleyball, and tennis, alongside a fully equipped gymnasium. For shared entertainment, a dedicated home theatre serves as a gathering spot for the entire family, especially for watching cricket matches. Despite his demanding 18-hour workdays, which he likens to a labourer's, Dholakia himself doesn't frequent the gym, stating his work provides sufficient physical exertion. At the heart of the estate lies a serene meditation temple, housing an idol of Lord Krishna, where the family convenes for morning and evening prayers, followed by a communal dinner. This spiritual sanctuary is Dholakia's refuge during challenging times, a place for introspection and idea generation. The estate also showcases Dholakia's personal journey, featuring cherished items like his first Luna and one of the original cars he gifted to employees in 1995 for ₹52,000, each adorned with India's flag. His personal number plate, '007,' a nod to James Bond, was a thoughtful gift from his son.
A Philosophy Realized
The true significance of Savji Dholakia's Surat estate lies not in its sheer scale or material luxury, but in the deeply ingrained values it represents. Originally conceived as a temporary dwelling, the family found such profound joy and connection within its walls that the idea of leaving was unthinkable. Dholakia's lifelong dream of living and celebrating for three to four generations together has materialized in this remarkable space. His commitment extends beyond his immediate family; he is renowned for his philanthropic efforts, including providing housing and education for his staff. This estate tour offers a rare insight into the life of a man who has achieved immense success in the diamond industry while nurturing a strong, united family and demonstrating a profound dedication to community and shared prosperity, proving that grandeur can coexist with grounded values.
