By Dr. Subodh Agarwal
A land once called “barren” gave India the Birlas of Pilani, Piramals of Bagar, Oswals of Nagaur, Goenkas, Poddars, Somanys — families who carried little more than courage, conviction, and a ledger book from the sands of Rajasthan.
They built textile mills, cement empires, pharma giants, and billion-dollar corporations — turning grit into greatness.
From Kumar Mangalam Birla and Lakshmi Niwas Mittal to Ajay Piramal, Anil Agarwal, Motilal Oswal, Radhakishan Damani, and Benu Gopal Bangur – they built beyond borders but never beyond belonging.
And it's not just tycoons
Dr. Samin K Sharma, a renowned New York-based cardiologist and a native of Rajasthan, established Eternal Hospital in Jaipur. The hospital, co-founded with his wife Manju Sharma, showcases how non-resident Rajasthanis are contributing world-class healthcare to their home state, embodying a powerful philanthropic vision.
Rahis Bharti, from Rajasthan's Sikar district, founded the globally-renowned Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan in Paris. As a cultural ambassador, he makes international audiences clap to Kalbeliya rhythms, providing a world stage for local artists and preserving their traditional art forms.
Similarly, a network of Dubai-based entrepreneurs, many with Rajasthani roots, connects Barmer artisans to a global market. They bypass traditional supply chains, giving weavers direct access to international buyers and promoting their cultural heritage.
When Rajasthan called, the diaspora sent ₹32 crore, ventilators, and hope.
Today, through the Rajasthan Foundation's Five-C framework — Connect, Culture, Community, Care, Contribution — and the upcoming Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas (10 Dec 2025, Jaipur), this global network is being celebrated and strengthened.
As Hon'ble CM Bhajan Lal Sharma said during a recent roadshow:
“Wherever they go, Pravasi Rajasthanis spread their culture, ideas, and the fragrance of Rajasthani soil.”
Because whether in Bombay or Boston, Bahrain or Bengaluru, Rajasthanis continue to turn scarcity into strength — and tradition into timeless enterprise.
The writer is the senior most IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre, currently serving as Chairman and Managing Director of Rajasthan Financial Corporation (RFC). Views are his personal.
