GJEPC presents 50thIndia Gem & Jewellery Awards (IGJA) to the Brightest Jewels in India’s Exports’ Crown

Maharashtra’s Governor Shri Ramesh Bais & Shri Mukesh Ambani (CMD, Reliance Group) grace GJEPC’s 50th IGJ Awards

Shri Russell Mehta (Rosy Blue) bestowed with Lifetime Achievement Award

24 IGJ Awards included Women Entrepreneur of the Year & Best Bank

Bengaluru, 1^st April 2024: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) presented the coveted 50^th India Gem & Jewellery Awards (IGJA), to the brightest jewels in India’s exports crown. GJEPC presented a total of 24 IGJ Awards: 14 – Industry Performance Awards; 7 – Special Recognition Awards; 2 – Felicitation Awards; and 1- Bank supporting the Gems & Jewellery Industry Awards.

Since its inception in 1974, the IGJA has been an emblem of excellence in the gem and jewellery industry, recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that propel the industry forward. Every year, IGJA honours the best of the best, showcasing the pinnacle of achievement in the gem and jewellery sector.

Shri Ramesh Bais, Hon. Governor, Maharashtra State, was the chief guest for the magnificent awards ceremony and Business tycoon Shri Mukesh Ambani (Chairman & MD, Reliance Industries Ltd) graced GJEPC’s 50^th edition of the IGJ Awards as Guest of Honour. Representing GJEPC were: Shri Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Anoop Mehta, President, Bharat Diamond Bourse; Shri Milan Chokshi, Convener, Promotions & Marketing, GJEPC; and Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.

Shri Russell Mehta, MD, Rosy Blue (India), was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his exemplary/ impeccable contribution and serving as an inspirational model in the world of Gems & Jewellery. Shri Ramesh Bais, Hon. Governor, Maharashtra State, gave the award in the presence of Shri Mukesh Ambani (Chairman & MD, Reliance Industries Ltd).

Shri 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.

While addressing a packed hall of diamond, gem and jewellery trade, Shri 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.

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.

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.

I am confident that, with the GJEPC continuing to provide strategic guidance and encourage innovation, the talent and passion of our entrepreneurs and professionals will propel the Indian gems and jewellery industry to greater heights.

On this occasion, Shri Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Today, India stands tall as a global leader in the gem and jewellery sector. Our exports continue to rise, our domestic market flourishes, and our artisans inspire the world with their intricate creations. This progress is a direct reflection of the hard work, dedication, and collective vision of the industry stakeholders. GJEPC’s dedication in championing and advancing this dynamic industry has been pivotal in solidifying India’s stature as a key player in the global gem and jewellery market. The global marketplace is dynamic, and the Indian gem and jewellery industry must embrace innovation, sustainability, and responsible sourcing to maintain its competitive edge. 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.

Shri 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 has come a long way, growing stronger with each passing year. Today, India is the preferred sourcing destination for gems and jewellery for the world.

Shri Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director of GIA India said, “I am honoured 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 jewellery sector is truly commendable.

The 50^th Edition IGJA recognised every sector contributing to the Gems & Jewellery Industry in their way while felicitating, recognizing & nurturing talent and mentorship in the industry (large players as well as M/SMEs) – winners included names such as Renaissance Global Ltd., Vaibhav Global Ltd., Emerald Jewel Industry India Ltd.

Mrs. Heena Vimal Dhorda from M/s Shree Aavad Kruppa Jewellery and Mrs. Foram Mehul Dhakan from M/s Shree Aavad Kruppa Jewellery won the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

IndusInd Bank Ltd. won the Best Bank Financing the Gem & Jewellery Industry (Highest growth of limit sanctioned with a minimum base of Rs. 500 crore).   

About The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GoI) in 1966, is one of several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) launched by the Indian Government, to boost the country’s export thrust, when India’s post-Independence economy began making forays in the international markets.