A Four-Generation Legacy of Credibility and Six Decades of Cementing Relationship
In this article, we will talk about Shamji Kanji & Sons, a legendary firm in Savarkundla that has been in business for over 120 years. There have been changes in the name of the firm over the years but the family values of the firm have remained the same. The business values of the company have also endured, as evident by their longstanding relationship with Hathi Cement. Chimanbhai Ambaliya, the grandson of Shamji Kanji Ambaliya (Mistry), shares the details of this relationship.
Cement is a fundamental building material required to construct a house and members like the Ambaliya family are essential in building a home. Chimanbhai explains that Shamji Kanji & Sons was established about 120 years ago and is now being run by its fourth generation.
The officials from Hathi Cement had gone to Savarkundla to offer dealership; and locals immediately suggested them to go to Shamji Kanji & Sons. Shamji Kanji Latiwala family, as they were previously known, had a strong reputation in the lumber business, and their name was synonymous with reliability throughout Savarkundla.
As they were suppliers of building materials, it was a practical decision to provide them a dealership for cement. An essential factor in this decision was the ethical business practices of Saurashtra Cement Limited, the producers of Hathi Cement. And, this is how, S. K. Sales started dealing in Hathi Cement.
The Ambaliya History
The Ambaliya family has a long-standing reputation in Savarkundla taluka, spanning over 100 villages. Their family has been a follower of the Swaminarayan sect for generations. They were known for supplying high-quality timber, and their reputation extended beyond their hometown. Their wood has been sent to temples like Dwarka, Badrinath, and Kedarnath, and it has been highly sought after.
Chimanbhai recalls his grandfather’s motto: “If you cannot afford it in business, charge a little higher price, but don’t cheat the customers.” The family has adopted a practice of double-checking the accounts to ensure that there were no discrepancies. In the past, many people did not know how to measure area and calculate accurate price, and sometimes there were mistakes in the calculation. If someone paid more than the required amount, Ambaliyas would go to the customer and return them the extra money. Sometimes they would write letters to the customers asking them to collect their money.
The Forging of the Relationship
The relationship between Shamji Kanji & Sons and Hathi Cement has been strong ever since the company offered them a dealership. They have been supplying Hathi Cement all across Savarkundla ever since. Although many other companies have come into the market, they have remained loyal to Hathi Cement. According to Chimanbhai, the reason behind this is that the elephant symbolizes strength, and it is the vehicle (vahana) of Lakshmi Mata and is synonimous with Ganapati. The combined credibility of their firm and Saurashtra Cement has yielded success.
Shamji Kanji & Sons is a well-respected firm, and people made way for their carts loaded with goods. Even during cement shortages, their supplies were never stopped by the dacoits in that period. Saurashtra Cement supported them equally, when there was more demand, more goods were sent to them.
The Family Legacy
The family’s legacy of following strict principles and values has been maintained over the years. Today, Chimanbhai’s son, Mounishbhai, works in the field of computer technology and has many international clients due to his high-quality work.
Shamjibhai, Chimanbhai’s grandfather, had also provided financial support during India’s freedom struggle. Members of the Ambaliya family have served as trustees in 7-8 institutions, and Shamjibhai had established a boarding school to promote education.
Kalpeshbhai, a member of this family, has contributed to the Swaminarayan temples and Dharamshala projects, currently manages this legacy cement agency in the name of Durlabhji Shamji.
Vijaybhai, the son of Shamjibhai’s third son Devarajbhai, works as a chemical wholesaler in Mumbai.
Several branch managers of Hathi Cement closely collaborated with Durlabhji Shamji’s business, from the days of S. K. Sales to the present day.
When Chimanbhai began his venture in 1964, the price of a 50 kg cement bag was approximately four rupees. Despite the many changes in the industry, Hathi Cement’s strength and the values of Shamji Kanji’s family remain steadfast. Chimanbhai expresses his gratitude to the officials of Saurashtra Cement for their cooperation over the years and expresses his desire to acknowledge their support in this publication.