From Diamonds to Education: Manhar Kakadia's 30-Year Journey of Success

Manhar Kakadia

With a business journey and a successful track record of more than 30 years, Manhar Kakadia has emerged as a name to be reckoned with in Surat. From humble beginnings by running a cement agency, to achieving success in the diamond industry and real estate sectors, Manhar Kakadia has established himself as a visionary business leader. His initiatives as a philanthropist and a strong advocate for education have further cemented his enduring legacy.

Beyond businesses, Manhar Kakadia's philanthropic efforts are extensive, covering diverse areas of societal well-being. From blood donation camps to scholarship programmes and multiple initiatives supporting underprivileged communities, his contributions underscore a deep-rooted commitment to social causes and the betterment of the communities.

Education holds a special place in Manhar Kakadia's philanthropic endeavours. He believes that education is a fundamental right that should not be limited by financial constraints. The adoption of Bharthana Vesu Primary School and the institution of scholarships reflect his commitment to ensuring quality education for all children.

The Ashirwad Kelavani Public Charitable Trust, founded by him and his wife Varsha Kakadia, actively contributes to societal growth and development. One of the trust's key ventures is the GD Goenka International School, which has become a symbol of compassion and made a name for itself for ensuring the holistic development of children. Under his leadership, the trust is playing a crucial role in shaping the future by providing quality education.

The GD Goenka International School's Scholarship Programme, now in its sixth year, exemplifies Manhar Kakadia's commitment to recognising and supporting exceptional students. The programme is designed to encourage academic achievement, leadership, and community service, and reflects his dedication to empowering the next generation. The programme ensures every child has equal access to quality education.

He has also established the LP Kakadia Vidhyabhavan and ML Kakadia National School in Bhavnagar, Vasantben Muljibhai Kakadia School, Palitana, demonstrating his commitment to rural education. These institutions have not only brought education to rural children but also generated employment opportunities for their families. Similarly, Shree ML Kakadia MCA Mahila College in Amreli reflects his focus on women's education and empowerment. Beyond academics, the college, under his directorship, emphasises research, innovation, and a holistic approach to empowering women for diverse career paths.

Speaking about his philanthropic works, Manhar Kakadia said, "In my journey, I have learned that success is sweeter when we share it. For me, giving back to society is not an obligation but a duty for anyone and everyone who can contribute. Uplifting others is what makes life truly fulfilling and that is the philosophy that drives me."

Under his leadership, Kakadia Builders has constructed a dedicated training centre for IAS/IPS and other competitive examinations at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, underscoring his commitment to providing a conducive environment for students preparing for competitive exams.

Manhar Kakadia's advocacy for blood donation spans over two decades, as evidenced by the highly successful Blood Donation Camp organised by GD Goenka International School. The camp not only resulted in scores of blood units being collected but more importantly it raised awareness about the importance of regular blood donation and its positive impact on public health. The school also organised donation drive aimed at supporting underprivileged communities.

Caring for the elderly is another dimension of Manhar Kakadia's philanthropy, as seen in the successful donation drive to collect essential items and support residents of a local old age home. The initiative aimed to bring warmth and joy to the lives of the inmates.

His philanthropy also extends to healthcare, His active role as a trustee in Kiran Hospital through the Samast Patidar Arogya Trust highlights his commitment to bridging qualitative gaps in medical services and ensuring access to state-of-the-art healthcare facilities.

Manhar Kakadia's contributions to the Prayosha Pratishthan, an institute working to promote education, employment, and health in Dangs district, showcase his commitment to community development. Manhar Kakadia is also involved in running trusts dedicated to the welfare of mentally retired individuals. These trusts include the "Manav Mandir Seva Trust" located in Dhoran Pardi Village and the "Mangalmurti Viklang Trust" situated in Junagadh. He also actively participated in the Surat CCTV project aimed at enhancing public safety and empowering law enforcement agencies. He also lent his support to the construction of the traffic brigade room, a key milestone in enhancing traffic safety and streaming traffic management in Surat.

Manhar Kakadia's inspiring journey showcases his legacy of vision and compassion. His belief in giving back to society, coupled with a commitment to education and healthcare, and his commitment to shaping a better tomorrow, has left an enduring impact on communities and individuals alike