Zorba the Buddha – The reason behind the coffee revolution in Ahmedabad
Today’s article features an individual who led the coffee revolution in Gujarat. Yes! We’re talking about Amit Patel, AKA Amit Zorba. His journey is nothing short of extraordinary. While discussing launching his own band to building a Social Impact Enterprise, he’s won hearts. His ideology of ‘How to build a business’ has inspired several entrepreneurs from Gujarat.
His educational background would never define the exceptional experience he gained in Osho International Meditation Resort. This is also the place that gave him the name ‘Amit Zorba’. There, he learnt and has made this quote his life mantra.
A Philosophy Rooted in Celebration and Consciousness
“उत्सव आमार जाति , आनंद आमार गोत्र”
This simply translates to transcending societal divisions and finding your own essence in the universal celebration and inner bliss. One must think, why mention this? But this is the actual reason why he’s on Gujpreneur today. Sometimes it’s not only the education that takes you somewhere; It’s the values you learn with experience, consistency, and right intentions that make you a true entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurship as Contribution, Not Competition
His entrepreneurial journey started when he started his entertainment company. Later, as his interest in coffee evolved, he thought of building something of his own. That’s when Kokoro was born. Sourcing aromatic coffee from the hills of Araku and helping the tribal community through the project, Sharda and Barista School. This, in the language of Gujpreneur, is a phenomenal win.
He views entrepreneurship not as competition, but as contribution. Whether it’s empowering tribal communities through ethical sourcing or mentoring young coffee enthusiasts, his approach reflects a larger purpose. For him, success isn’t measured by scale alone, but by impact. How many lives are touched, how many mindsets are shifted, and how authentically a brand stays rooted in its values.
While Zen Philosophy inspired him to do something that could ring a bell in the heart, mind, body, and soul, the Zorba in him acted like a fuel to the fire. His knowledge of coffee is incredible and diverse. And, this doesn’t stop there, he’s evolving with palates that accept coffee with different combinations.
Observing Trends Before They Become Movements
Talking about evolution, he happened to mention in the podcast how Mumbai is a different ‘ઉપગ્રહ / world’. They are the trailblazers. They made Matcha ‘A thing,’ and that’s something that’s still hooked in the minds of people. Because of this, among all business ideas, a lot of startups chose matcha as their business in Gujarat.
Amongst this, ‘Hojicha’ has also caught the eyes of young entrepreneurs. It’s the next trend. It is the roasted form of matcha beans. (You’re welcome for suggesting a new business idea). This is what truly sets him apart is his ability to foresee shifts before they become mainstream. This comes from an in-depth observation of global coffee cultures.
Brewing a Coffee Culture in a Tea-First State
In Gujarat, where tea has traditionally dominated the beverage culture, bringing a coffee revolution was never going to be easy. Yet Amit saw the opportunity where others saw resistance. Through Kokoro, he introduced people to the origin of coffee and its brewing methods. Running a business, for him, was never just about profitability. It was about building something meaningful and sustainable.
His experience provides priceless insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and young companies. It serves as a reminder that being an entrepreneur requires perseverance, consistency, and adaptability throughout time. Kokoro’s development exemplifies a startup’s journey, where ideals, community impact, and product quality all evolve together.
A New Wave of Conscious Entrepreneurship
In a landscape filled with startup stories and trending entrepreneurs, Amit’s approach stands apart. He represents a new wave of self-made business ideas—rooted in awareness, ethics, and experience. His work also serves as a guide for those learning about entrepreneurship, proving that formal education alone doesn’t define success; lived experiences and strong values do.
For anyone exploring all business ideas or setting up their business, this story offers clarity. It quietly answers many of the 10 things to know before starting a business—from understanding your “why” to building with intention and giving back to society. Ultimately, it’s all about entrepreneurship that creates impact beyond balance sheets.
Discover more journeys shaping Gujarat’s entrepreneurial future on Gujpreneur.
