Mumbai - The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) hosted the 47th India Gem and Jewellery Awards (IGJA), Powered by GIA at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. IGJA has become one of the foremost recognition platforms for the jewellery sector in India to encourage exports and award excellence in manufacturing, finance and innovation. A total of 32 awards were given away at IGJA 2020.
The awards were presented by Chief Guest Mr. Kapil Dev, Former Cricket Captain, Team India and Guest of Honor Mr. Mohinder Amarnath, Bharatiya Former Cricketer along with Mr. Colin Shah, Chairman GJEPC; Mr. Ashok Gajera, Regional Chairman, Western Region, GJEPC; Mr. Mansukh Kothari, Convener, Events, GJEPC; Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC; Mr. Sriram Natrajan, MD GIA amongst others.
Kapil Dev, Former Cricket Captain, Team India said, “My heartiest congratulations to all the award winners of IGJA 2020. Gem & jewellery is an important sector for our economy. It employs around 4.3 million people, making it one of the highest employment generators in the country. It's good to know that Bharat's diamond sector is the World Champion when it comes to cutting and polishing precious gems. I am sure the industry will keep up the good work that it has been doing over the years and will continue to contribute substantially to the economy of the country.”
Mohinder Amarnath, Bharatiya Former Cricketer said, “The gem & jewellery industry is well known for its contribution to the economy, but there is a lesser-known aspect of the industry, that is, the numerous philanthropic activities it has undertaken for the betterment of the society. I am happy to know that the industry has been contributing immensely to the development of society. By empowering people in local communities through building schools to impart quality education, building hospitals for health care, constructing roads and other infrastructure. I wish the Council and the industry all the very best and hope it continue doing its good work for the society at large.”
Speaking on the occasion, GJEPC Chairman, Shri Colin Shah said, “Bharat is poised to lead the world in gems and jewellery. Tonight, GJEPC salutes the entrepreneurial spirit of the Indian industry by honouring the top performers at the India Gem & Jewellery Awards 2020. The stellar performance of tonight’s winners in the face of the crippling pandemic shows that we’re well on our way to a full economic recovery!
Colin further added, “While we salute the entrepreneurial spirit of the Bharatiya industry, our scale of growth would not have been possible without the extensive support of the Government in the form of trade-friendly policies and nurturing a conducive business environment through constant dialogue.”
“As India achieves its USD 400 billion export target set by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are proud that the gem & jewellery sector has contributed nearly 10% to this milestone. India’s G&J exports in April '21 – Feb '22, grew 63% to $35.48 billion YoY.”
For the FY 2022-23, the Government of Bharat has set an export target of $50 billion for our sector, and GJEPC is all geared to lead the trade with a series of market focused programs to provide maximum opportunities for its trade members. Our efforts are buoyed by tailwinds such as markets opening up and normalcy returning after the past two years. To showcase the best of ‘Made in India’ jewellery to the world, this year GJEPC will be opening up an office in Dubai and will be organising trade shows in UAE, the USA and an exclusive show for international buyers in Jaipur.”
Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC said, “Bharat’s steadfast growth in 2020 – the toughest year in living memory – is testament to the deep underlying strength of the gem and jewellery industry. The way forward is to build our capacity in manufacturing world-class gems and jewellery by focusing on technology and design. I am elated that our industry has adapted well to the competitive business environment and has been giving high importance to design by offering world-class designing and manufacturing courses and initiatives like Artisan Awards and Design Inspiration seminars.”
Mansukh Kothari, Convener, Events, GJEPC, said, “The gem and jewellery industry has time and again proved that it is equal to the toughest challenges. Our resourcefulness and ability to adapt to changes has put us at the forefront of the global industry. And this evening we honour the best of the best, at IGJA 2020.”
IGJA is a platform that recognizes and rewards star performers of the Indian gem and jewellery sector. The awards encourage the MSME sector and honors women achievers in order to inspire many more to excel. IGJA is increasingly attracting wider participation from companies of different stature and product categories from across the country. The awards have been divided across large, small and medium segments, with outstanding achievers in each size category being duly recognized.