Gujaratis are truly entrepreneurial. There exist many business sayings in their culture that trump ideas of business Gurus and modern management schools.
The Gujarati community, originating from the western state of Gujarat in India, is renowned worldwide for its entrepreneurial spirit. This attribute is deeply ingrained in their culture, history, and daily practices. There are several reasons why Gujaratis have excelled in business, along with common sayings that motivate their approach, examples of their success, and the family values that set them apart from other Indian communities.
Entrepreneurial Spirit Rooted in Gujarati Culture and History
Gujarat has been a trade hub for centuries, with its coastline serving as a gateway for international trade. This historical background has fostered a culture of entrepreneurship and trade among Gujaratis. The community’s entrepreneurial approach is not just about making money; it’s about creating value, taking calculated risks, and innovating.
Gujarati Family Business Success
The success stories of Gujarati family businesses are numerous and varied, spanning industries from diamonds to textiles and spices. Gujaratis, particularly the Patel community, dominate the global trade. Reliance Industries, founded by Dhirubhai Ambani and now led by Mukesh Ambani has become one of the largest conglomerates in the world. The Adani group led by Gautam Adani is of the recent success making them one of the largest business houses in India. These Gujarati successes are attributed to a mix of risk-taking, innovation, and a strong sense of community and support among Gujarati businessmen.
Family Values That Fuel Success
Several key family values contribute to the Gujaratis’ success in business. First is the emphasis on education, particularly in commerce and business management, from a young age. Gujarati families also practice frugality and reinvestment of profits into the business, which helps in sustainable growth.
Moreover, there’s a strong sense of unity and support within the family, where all members often contribute to the family business in some capacity.
Distinction from Other Indian Communities
Compared to families in North and South India, Gujarati families might place a stronger emphasis on entrepreneurship as a viable and respected career path. While business ventures are common across India, the Gujarati community’s approach is often characterized by a higher tolerance for risk, early introduction to business concepts, and a global outlook, which have collectively contributed to their notable success.
Gujarati’s approach to business is a fascinating blend of cultural heritage, inspirational sayings, successful family businesses, and deeply ingrained family values. Their success stories serve not only as a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit but also as an inspiration to other communities in India and around the world.
Common Gujarati Business Sayings That Inspire Business Ventures
The Gujarati entrepreneurial spirit is full of sayings of business wisdom, which offer invaluable lessons for any business student. These sayings not only reflect the community’s business acumen but also provide timeless guidance on ethics, perseverance, and strategic thinking.
Gujaratis have several sayings that reflect their business mindset. One popular saying is “Dhandho karo” which literally means “Do business,” encouraging even the younger generation to pursue entrepreneurship
Navu karyu nathi, nathi karyu navu
If you haven’t tried something new, you haven’t done anything. This saying underscores the importance of innovation and the willingness to venture into unexplored territories in business. It teaches business students the value of innovation and the constant pursuit of improvement.
Swavalamban saru che swabhiman thi
Self-reliance is better than pride. This saying valorizes the virtue of being self-reliant and independent, a core principle of entrepreneurship. It suggests that starting and running your own business is a more dignified and fulfilling path than relying on employment under someone else.
Aapna hath jagannath
One’s own hand is one’s god. This saying champions self-reliance and the power of personal effort. In a business context, it encourages entrepreneurs to trust in their abilities, take initiative, and rely on their hard work rather than waiting for external assistance.
Vepaar ma vahivat, tevi jivan ma rahivat
As in business, so in life. This Gujarati proverb highlights the importance of organization and management in business as essential skills that are also applicable to personal life. It subtly encourages the pursuit of entrepreneurship, valuing the skills and disciplines it instills in individuals.
Jokham vina jitu nahi
Without risk, there is no victory. This saying underlines the essential nature of risk in achieving success. For businesses, it underscores the importance of taking calculated risks, such as venturing into new markets or innovating products, to stay ahead in a competitive landscape.
Parishrami nu kai nathi atku
Nothing stops the hardworking. The virtues of diligence and persistence, this saying reflects a fundamental business principle: consistent hard work and resilience are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success, whether in starting a new venture or steering an existing one in a new direction.
Vepaar ma vadhu vichar, ocha vyavhar
Meaning more thought, less transaction in business, emphasizes the importance of strategic planning over mere transactional activities. This saying suggests that success in business comes from thoughtful planning and strategy rather than just the number of transactions or immediate gains.
Ghar ni lakshmi, ghar ma rakho
Literally translating to keep the wealth of the house within the house, this saying highlights the importance of reinvesting profits back into the business. It’s a lesson in financial prudence and the significance of building and sustaining long-term value over short-term gain.
Sambhlo chho to sambhadho chho.
This translates as If you are listening, you are learning. It emphasizes the importance of being open to advice and feedback. For business students, it’s a reminder that learning is a continuous process and that listening to mentors, customers, and even competitors can provide valuable insights.
Dhanda no dharma, dharma no dhando
Meaning business is duty, and duty is business. This Gujarati business saying highlights the ethical dimension of business. It teaches that business is not just about making profits but also about fulfilling one’s duties ethically and responsibly towards society, customers, and oneself.
Rokda nathi to dhokda nathi
Translates to No cash, no fraud. It stresses financial prudence and honesty in transactions. It implies that cash transactions are straightforward and reduce the chances of deceit. For modern businesses, this can be interpreted as the need for transparency and integrity in financial dealings.
Khotu karya bina motu koi nathi
Meaning without doing wrong, no one becomes great. This proverb could be seen as controversial, but it traditionally means that challenges and mistakes are part of the journey to success. It encourages resilience and learning from one’s mistakes rather than fearing failure.
Ek panth ne do kaj
Accomplish two tasks with a single effort. This saying is akin to the concept of efficiency and multitasking in business. It suggests that smart work involves leveraging a single action to achieve multiple objectives, promoting efficiency and strategic thinking in business operations.
Uttam kheti, madhyam vyapar, kanistha naukri
Meaning farming is the best, business is medium, and service is the least. Historically valuing agriculture (in today’s terms it relates to product or manufacturing business) as the noblest profession, this saying also places business in high regard, above employment. It reflects the cultural esteem for entrepreneurship and the independence it brings, suggesting that creating and nurturing something (be it crops or businesses) is highly valued.
Ghar nu ghar ma vasavu, bahar nu bahar
Keep domestic issues at home and external affairs outside. This saying underscores the importance of compartmentalization in business and personal life. It advises keeping business matters professional and not letting personal issues interfere with business decisions and vice versa.
Jem tem, tem jem
As is the effort, so is the reward. It underscores the direct correlation between the effort put into a venture and the success that comes out of it. It teaches the importance of dedication and hard work, reminding entrepreneurs that shortcuts rarely lead to lasting success.
Bhagwan bhajiye bajar ma
Meaning God is in the market. This saying highlights the belief in divine providence and the importance of fair trade. It suggests that ethical business practices and trust in the natural flow of commerce can lead to prosperity and success. It teaches business students the value of ethics and faith in their entrepreneurial journey.
Ghar vakhri, bazaar ek
Homes are different, but the market is one. This Gujarati business saying speaks to the universality of the marketplace, emphasizing that despite individual differences, businesses operate in a shared economic environment. It suggests the importance of understanding market dynamics and the need for collaboration and competition within the same space.
Veni vechi ne vavetar joyu
Sold the comb and observed the buyer’s hair. This Gujarati saying is used to describe a situation where someone sells a product without understanding the customer’s needs. It highlights the importance of market research and knowing your customer before offering a product or service, emphasizing customer-centric approaches in business.
Savaj ni saar vache, savaj vade
In the company of lions, one becomes a lion. It stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with successful and motivated individuals. It teaches that the company one keeps can significantly influence one’s success and growth in the business world.
Ante amrut nu
In the end, there is nectar.This saying is a reminder that despite the challenges and hardships faced in the journey, success is sweet. It encourages perseverance and long-term vision in business, assuring that the end result is worth the struggles along the way.
Jya nathi vadharo, tya nathi gadharo
Where there is no progress, there is decline. This Gujarati business saying underscores the importance of continual growth and innovation in business. It warns against complacency and highlights the need for businesses to constantly evolve to stay ahead.
Ek bija ne kaheta sikho, tamara varta bija kaheshe
Learn to praise others, and others will speak of your deeds. This emphasizes the importance of building positive relationships and a good reputation in business. Recognizing the achievements of others can foster goodwill and in turn, enhance your own reputation in the business community.
Sachi vaat chhe, pan khara nu khotu nathi
The truth is true, but the bitter truth is not false. This Gujarati saying underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in business. While the truth may sometimes be uncomfortable or unwelcome, facing it directly is crucial for long-term success and trust-building.
Veni gaya pachhi, lakshmi aave chhe
After the efforts are made, wealth follows. This Gujarati business saying highlights the principle that success and wealth are the results of hard work and perseverance. It teaches that rewards come after the effort has been invested, encouraging patience and diligence.
Moti moti machhli, mota jal ma
Big fish are found in big waters. This Gujarati business saying encourages businesses to aim high and venture into larger markets or take on bigger challenges to achieve greater success. It speaks to the idea that greater risks can lead to greater rewards.
Gheno kharo, to vepaar saaro
If the purchase is good, then the business is good. This saying highlights the importance of making wise purchasing decisions. In business, this can be interpreted as the foundation of profitability often lies in the quality and cost of your inputs. It underlines the importance of due diligence and strategic buying in business operations.
Bhagya saune saathe, naseeb darwaje ditha
Fortune favors everyone, but luck knocks only at the door of the hardworking. This Gujarati business saying reinforces the idea that while opportunities might be available to all, only those who are prepared and willing to work hard will be able to capitalize on them effectively.
These Gujarati sayings serve as guiding principles, offering wisdom that transcends cultural boundaries and applies universally to the world of business. They encapsulate the essence of entrepreneurship—hard work, ethics, market understanding, customer focus, self-reliance, the influence of peers, and perseverance—teaching invaluable business lessons.
They remind us that the principles of good business are universal, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.
Abhishek Sareen is a sales & marketing professional with over 16 years of experience. He started his career as a management consultant at Kurt Salmon Associates and has worked in marketing & brand management, international business in sectors like precision steel tubes for automotive industry, consumer goods and retail.
He’s is a passionate cyclist and participated in several endurance competitive events. His interests are in behavioral psychology, economics and chess. He is a graduate in Computer Science and an MBA in Marketing. He completed his executive education from IIM-A in 2016 focusing on business strategy.