Haridas Kotahwala is a visionary and pioneer from the beginning of his career. He was amongst the first Indians in the Diamond and Colorstone Gem Industry to travel the world for business opportunities. In 1964, He travelled to the Middle East, Europe and finally to New York to attend the World Fair. He decided that the United States offered the greatest business opportunity for him and his family and in 1968 he opened one of the first Indian–owned Gem Stone and Diamond offices in the New York.

He is the oldest of four brothers and one sister, who are fourth generation Jewelers from Jaipur Rajasthan the Colored Gem Stone Capital of the world. The family originally was an Emerald manufacturing and wholesale company, but with hard work, dedication, vision and determination they grew it into a multinational organization spanning three continents and many offices throughout the world dealing in complete spectrum of gemstones and diamonds.

Currently, Haridas is the guiding light to the next generation. His two sons, Alok and Vishal manage a diversified Jewelry, Diamond and Colored Stone Company – ROYAL INDIA USA INC, NEW YORK with manufacturing units in three countries with their products being sold in over 40 countries.

Haridas Kotahwala believes in philanthropic activities as well as service to the Community. He has generously donated to many charitable organizations in the Medical, Educational and Religious fields. Some of the causes which he has generously supported are – Mahaveer Cancer Hospital, Jaipur, Akshay Patra Midday free meal scheme to School Children, Viklang Sahayata Samiti at Jaipur and Udaipur amongst others.

Haridas has brought an equal amount of passion and dedication to serving his community. As on original migrant from Jaipur Jewelry community, he has always viewed it as his responsibility to act as a leader. In 1984, he was one of the founding members and First Vice President of INDIAN DIAMOND AND COLORSTONES ASSOCIATION (IDCA) and subsequently he has served as a PRESIDENT for five terms. He is also a founding member of INTERNATIONAL COLORSTONE ASSOCIATION (ICA). At present he has been elected as Vice President of IDCA and the President of RAJASTHAN ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA ( RANA).

He has received many accolades throughout his career. In 2001 RANA honored him for his social achievements. In 2004, he was honored by the World Business Forum with Proclamations from New York State Assembly and US Congress for his dedication to his community. In 2008 he received the PIONEER AWARD from IDCA for leading the Indian Jewelry Community in the USA. In 2011 INDIA ASSOCIATION OF LONG ISLAND, NY honored him with Lifetime Achievement Award for his social endeavors.

Always on the lookout to pursue new avenues and business interests, presently Haridas is the Chairman of Navika Capital Group LLC, a real estate and hospitality enterprise with assets of over 600 million in Hotels throughout USA. This company is wholly-owned and managed by Indians in the US.

His loving wife Sharda has always inspired him and always stood by him at every step of the way to encourage him in all his social activities. He is a grandfather of seven grandchildren and continues to be proud of his family and his extended family, the Indian Diamond and Colorstone community, Rajasthani community and his Navika family.