Cars are lined at bonus presentation ceremony to staff at Hari Krishna Exports in Surat, India. Right: Company Chairman Savjibhai Dholakia.

SURAT, India: An unusually generous boss in the western city of Surat has attracted attention across the country for lavishing expensive pre-Diwali gifts on staff at his diamond polishing company.

Cars, apartments and diamond jewelry are among the unusual loyalty bonuses handed to employees of Hari Krishna Exports by its chairman, Savjibhai Dholakia.

Of the 1,268 employees rewarded for loyalty and performance, almost 500 opted for Fiat Punto cars, while 207 went for apartments and 570 employees chose jewelry.

Dholakia’s “rough-to-retail” diamond company has long been a trendsetter. Eight years ago it was the first in Surat to build an on-site kitchen for its nearly 6,000-strong staff, and was also the first to distribute helmets to employees who ride to work on motorbikes. “Kaka”, as the chairman is known to staff, has also insured 280 employees who have been with the company for more than a decade and ensures that employees’ families get to go on pilgrimages at company cost.

Dholakia has been dubbed on social media as “best boss ever.”

Savjibhai Dholakia

 
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