Vasantbhai and his brother Chandrakant are highly regarded in the diamond industry. They built their business—a DTC sightholder—to more than 10,000 employees from 15.
Born in 1946 in Deesa, Gujuarat, to a well-to-do family, Vasantbhai earned a bachelor of science in physics and chemistry from the Gujarat College in Ahmedabad. He then taught chemistry and mathematics before joining the construction industry.
Health problems forced him to change careers in 1977 when he went to work with his younger brothers, both of whom were diamond traders.
In 1985, Vasantbhai opened an office in Hong Kong, which was followed by others in places like South Korea, New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo.
“The Sanghavi Group grieves the demise of its pioneer,” the company said in a tribute statement. “We pray to God to give peace to his holy soul.”
Sanghavi Exports has been honoured numerous times over the years. Last month, Vasantbhai and his brother received lifetime achievement awards from the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association (IDCA).
