Milestones in Sparkle: GJEPC Presents 50th IGJA, Recognizing Gems & Jewellery Industry Leaders

GJEPC Lifetime Achievement Award Russell Mehta

GJEPC Award, GJEPC IGJA: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) recently held the 50th India Gem & Jewellery Awards (IGJA), recognizing the outstanding achievements within India’s vibrant exports sector. The ceremony featured the presentation of 24 prestigious awards by GJEPC, comprising 14 Industry Performance Awards, 7 Special Recognition Awards, 2 Felicitation Awards, and 1 Bank supporting the Gems & Jewellery Industry Award. IGJA is proudly supported by GIA – Gemological Institute of America, the global authority in gemology.

Since its establishment in 1974, IGJA has symbolized excellence in the gem and jewellery domain, celebrating the entrepreneurial drive and innovation that propel the industry forward. Each year, IGJA shines a spotlight on the finest achievements in the sector, acknowledging companies and partners whose contributions elevate India’s export prowess. Over time, IGJA has expanded its categories to encompass areas like social responsibility, innovation, and entrepreneurship, mirroring the dynamic landscape of the industry.

The awards ceremony, graced by Shri Ramesh Bais, Honorable Governor of Maharashtra State, as the chief guest, and business magnate Shri Mukesh Ambani, Chairman & MD of Reliance Industries Ltd, as the Guest of Honour, marked GJEPC’s 50th edition of IGJ Awards. Notable figures from GJEPC in attendance included Shri Vipul Shah, Chairman; Shri Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman; Shri Anoop Mehta, President of Bharat Diamond Bourse; Shri Milan Chokshi, Convener of Promotions & Marketing; and Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director. Also present were distinguished personalities from the gem & jewellery exports industry alongside Shri Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director of GIA India.

Russell Mehta, Managing Director of Rosy Blue (India), received the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions and inspirational leadership within the Gems & Jewellery sector.

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The award was presented by Shri Ramesh Bais in the presence of Shri Mukesh Ambani, acknowledging Mehta’s invaluable impact on the industry.

Ramesh Bais, Hon. Governor, Maharashtra State, said, “I am pleased to know that the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is organising the India Gem & Jewellery Awards function in Mumbai on 30″ March 2024. The Indian Gem and Jewellery industry accounts for 7 per cent of India’s GDP and employs more than 5 million skilled and semi-skilled workforce. It is heartening to note that Maharashtra is a major hub for gem and jewellery exports. The GJEPC is playing a significant role in promoting Brand India through its multifaceted work for the industry and its members. I am sure, members of the Council will make their maximum contribution in realizing India’s goal of achieving a 5 trillion dollar economy. I congratulate all the awardees who are being honoured at the GIEPC 50th India Gem & Jewellery Awards and wish the Council success in its future endeavours.”

While addressing a packed hall of diamond, gem and jewellery trade, Mukesh Ambani, CMD, Reliance Group, said, “I admire all that diamond exporters have achieved as you represent the true meaning of entrepreneurship and enterprise. I wish to extend my warm and heartfelt congratulations to all distinguished award winners in the 50th India Gem & Jewellery Awards. The golden jubilee of these prestigious awards not only signifies a proud milestone for the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), but it also highlights both the grand heritage and the dazzling future of the Indian gems and jewellery industry.

Evolving remarkably over the years, the industry has emerged as a leading player in the global luxury market, as well as a pivotal contributor to India’s export economy. It has also become a major generator of large-scale employment opportunities. Thanks to this industry’s unremitting focus on innovation-led growth, the world today stands in awe of the power of Indian design, the creativity of Indian designers, the quality of Indian materials, and the sheer range of India’s aesthetics in products that cater to diverse customers. As a result, the industry is poised to more than double its share in the global market in the coming years.

At the heart of this success lies GJEPC’s relentless efforts and visionary leadership that has propelled the industry to such lofty heights. The GJEPC has championed the cause of Indian gems and jewellery on the global stage, and has also played a crucial role in nurturing research, ensuring sustainable practices, and facilitating skill development within the sector. The jewellery industry’s remarkable resilience and adaptability, particularly during uncertain economic periods, is proof of the stellar role played by the GJEPC.

I am confident that, with the GJEPC continuing to provide strategic guidance and encourage innovation, the talent and the passion of our entrepreneurs and professionals will propel the Indian gems and jewellery industry to greater heights. I am confident that India’s gem & jewellery industry will touch the 100 billion dollar mark within the next few years.”

On this occasion Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Today, India stands tall as a global leader in the gem and jewellery sector. As we mark the 50th India Gem & Jewellery Awards (IGJA), we not only applaud the remarkable achievements of individual exporters but also acknowledge the collective endeavours of the industry at large. The 50th IGJA ceremony is a significant milestone, reflecting the Council’s remarkable dedication and leadership in nurturing the industry’s growth and success.

Moving forward, the industry’s trajectory aligns closely with our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a prosperous and sustainable India or Viksit Bharat. GJEPC has been wholeheartedly committed to this cause, actively undertaking initiatives to drive growth and sustainability. These efforts not only contribute to the industry’s expansion but also ensure its alignment with the principles of Viksit Bharat,” added Shri Shah.

Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, added, “A proud moment for all of us today as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the India Gem and Jewellery Awards. Over the past five decades, our industry had come a long way, growing stronger with each passing year. Today, India is the preferred sourcing destination for gems and jewellery for the world. The impressive annual exports of gem and jewellery industry, valued at USD 40 billion, showcase the dedication and ambition of every exporter who dared to dream big.”

Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director of GIA India said, “I am honored to extend my heartfelt congratulations to GJEPC on the Golden Jubilee of its India Gem & Jewellery Awards (IGJA). This is a significant milestone in our industry’s history, and the dedication and commitment shown by GJEPC in recognizing excellence within the gem and jewelry sector is truly commendable. We collaborate with GJEPC on several key initiatives that help in ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of the Indian gem and jewelry industry.”

The 50th Edition of IGJA comprehensively acknowledged every facet contributing to the Gems & Jewellery Industry, honoring and nurturing talent and mentorship across the spectrum, from major players to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (M/SMEs). Among the distinguished winners were renowned names such as Renaissance Global Ltd., Vaibhav Global Ltd., Emeral Jewel Industry India Ltd., Laxmi Diamond, Kiran Gems, Kiran Exports, Hasmukh Parekh Jewellers, Ashok Jewellers, Jewelex India, Kiran Jewellery, Shree Momai Krupa Jewellery, Dhanera Diamonds, Oopal Diamonds, Amrapalli Exports, Industrial Jewels, Green Lab Diamonds, and others.

Mrs. Heena Vimal Dhorda from M/s Shree Aavad Kruppa Jewellery was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her remarkable contributions to the industry. Additionally, Mrs. Foram Mehul Dhakan from M/s Shree Aavad Kruppa Jewellery was celebrated as the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, highlighting her outstanding leadership and achievements.

Indusind Bank Ltd. was lauded with the title of Best Bank Financing the Gem & Jewellery Industry, commended for achieving the highest growth of limit sanctioned with a minimum base of Rs. 500 crore, thus demonstrating their pivotal role in supporting the industry’s growth and development.

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