Dhyey Sojitra is the CEO of Luxury at Mani Export Private Limited, a leading name in the diamond industry, renowned for its focus on quality and sustainability. As a third-generation entrepreneur, Dhyey continues to build on the legacy of his grandfather, Mathur Sojitra, the Founder-Chairman of MANI. Guided by his family’s values of integrity and responsibility, Dhyey has played a key role in enhancing the company’s global presence while ensuring ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship.
Under his leadership, Mani Export has strengthened its commitment to transparency, traceability, and sustainable practices. Dhyey’s vision goes beyond business success, as he strives to make a lasting positive impact on both the industry and the community through responsible initiatives.
What inspired Mani Exports to join the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)?
At MANI, our decision to join the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) was inspired by our commitment to upholding the highest standards in ethical and sustainable practices across the diamond and jewellery industry. The RJC stands as the global authority in responsible standards for the jewellery supply chain, and its mission aligns perfectly with our values of accountability, confidence, and integrity.
As a long-standing player in this industry, we recognised that partnering with RJC would enable us to solidify and expand our sustainability initiatives, while also providing assurance to our stakeholders. The RJC membership offers us a robust framework to integrate responsible practices into every aspect of our operations, from sourcing to manufacturing. Additionally, it allows us to collaborate with other industry leaders dedicated to ethical growth, enabling us to collectively shape the future of responsible luxury.
Tell us about how Mani Exports was created?
Mani Export was founded with a vision to bring exceptional quality and integrity to the diamond industry. The company was established over 58 years ago by my grandfather and his brothers, who began as diamond traders, with a deep passion for craftsmanship and ethical business practices. As demand for quality diamonds grew, Mani Export evolved from a small trading business into a trusted diamond and jewellery manufacturer, eventually expanding our portfolio to include Mani Jewel, our specialized jewellery division. Our focus has always been on delivering excellence through every facet of our operations. This commitment to quality, alongside our dedication to responsible sourcing, has been at the core of Mani Export’s growth over the decades. Today, we’re proud to be a multi-generational company that combines traditional values with modern innovations, and our journey continues as we uphold the legacy that both Mani Export and Mani Jewel were built upon.
How do you implement responsible business practices into your daily operations?
At Mani Export, responsible business practices are deeply embedded in our daily operations, guiding every decision we make. We start with ethical sourcing, ensuring that all our diamonds are obtained from reputable suppliers who meet rigorous standards of traceability and transparency. This allows us to offer products that align with our commitment to integrity and responsible practices. In our manufacturing processes, we prioritise environmental stewardship by focusing on resource efficiency and waste reduction.
Our investment in advanced technology and sustainable methods not only reduces our ecological footprint but also enables us to maintain the highest standards of quality. Through Mani Jewel, our jewellery division, we extend these same principles, ensuring that every piece reflects our values of responsible luxury. Employee well-being is fundamental to our operations. We are dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive workplace, as we believe our team is integral to Mani Export’s success. Regular training on responsible practices empowers our employees to uphold the standards we set and reinforces our collective commitment to ethical growth. By integrating these responsible practices across all facets of our business, we contribute positively to the supply chain and exemplify our commitment to a more sustainable and responsible diamond industry.
Do you have any exciting initiatives/projects that you’d like to highlight?
At Mani Export, we are committed to making a meaningful impact through various initiatives and projects, all of which are driven by our vision for a more sustainable and socially responsible future. Many of these efforts are managed through the Mani World Foundation, which serves as a platform for our charitable and environmental programs. One of our most recent initiatives was the planting of 5,800 trees to celebrate our 58 years in the industry. This project was not only a significant milestone for us but also a step toward enhancing our environmental sustainability. It represents our commitment to preserving the planet for future generations, reinforcing our belief in the importance of giving back to nature.
In line with our commitment to sustainability, we are proud to share that 80% of our manufacturing units now operate using renewable energy sources. This transition to green energy is part of our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental footprint and ensure that our business practices align with global sustainability goals. We are continuously exploring new ways to improve energy efficiency across our operations. Beyond environmental initiatives, the Mani World Foundation also focuses on social development, particularly in underserved communities. One of our most impactful projects has been the construction of a school in a rural area, dedicated to fostering female education and empowerment. This school is designed to provide young girls with the education and resources they need to build successful futures and break the cycle of poverty. It is our belief that empowering young women is one of the most effective ways to drive sustainable development in these communities.
What specific actions does Mani Exports take to work towards achieving the UN SDGs?
At Mani Export, we are committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and have aligned ourselves with 13 of the 17 goals. Our approach integrates social responsibility and environmental sustainability into our daily operations. We support fair wages, equal opportunities, and economic growth, while also providing health benefits, vaccination support, and organising blood donation drives. Additionally, we contribute to local communities through food donations and educational initiatives, including the Matrushri Muktaben Mathurbhai Sojitra School for girls in rural Gujarat. We actively promote gender equality and increase women’s employment in the diamond industry. Our facilities operate with renewable energy, and we focus on sustainable production practices as part of the Responsible Jewellery Council. We also restore biodiversity by planting over 15,000 trees and collaborate with industry leaders to advance ethical sourcing and transparency. Through these efforts, we aim to create a positive and lasting impact on both our industry and the broader community.
What is the most exciting thing about working in the diamond industry?
The most exciting thing about working in the diamond industry is the unique combination of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation that defines our work. Diamonds have always symbolised timeless beauty, and being part of a process that brings these natural wonders to life is incredibly fulfilling. For us, diamonds are almost sacred – as my grandfather often says, “If diamonds weren’t there, we wouldn’t have been there.” They hold a deep significance in our family, representing both our heritage and our future. What makes the industry even more exciting is its constant evolution, from advancements in technology to new approaches in sustainability and ethical sourcing. Additionally, the opportunity to create something so precious while contributing to responsible practices makes every day in the diamond industry both rewarding and meaningful. Working with diamonds not only connects us to a rich history but also allows us to shape the future of the industry for generations to come.