Dr. Subodh Agarwal, IAS
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 manglam Birla and Lakshmi Niwas Mittal to Ajay Piramal, Anil Agarwal, Moti Lal Oswal, Radhakishan Damani, and Benu Gopal Bangur - they built beyond borders but never beyond belonging.
And it’s not just tycoons.
Dr. 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.
Today, through 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, 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.
Policy. People. Progress. #BySubodh
