GJEPC 34th Annual Awards applauds industry's feats

11 Oct '07

6 min read

The 34th Annual Awards for the Gem & Jewellery Industry presented by The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) on October 5th at Le Meridien Hotel, Janpath, New-Delhi was all about celebrating industry excellence.

Hon'ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Kamal Nath was Chief Guest & Hon'ble Speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly, Ch. Prem Singh was Guest of Honour for the evening. Besides him stalwarts of the industry including Mr. Sanjay Kothari, Chairman GJEPC, Mr. Vasant Mehta, Vice Chairman GJEPC, Mr. Kanubhai Shah, Convener Awards Sub- Committee GJEPC, Mr. Arvind Pradhan, Executive Director-GJEPC attended the awards.

Says Shri Kamal Nath, Hon'ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, “On the occasion of the 34th Annual Award Function of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, in New-Delhi on Oct 5th, 2007, I convey my best wishes to the council."

"The Gem & Jewellery industry has emerged as the key sector in achieving the goal of doubling on percentage share of global merchandise trade by 2009. Last year it accounted for nearly 12% of our commodity exports."

"India is the largest processor of diamonds in the world. Our exports of gold jewellery are also showing a healthy upward trend. Enabling policy support from the Government, craftsmanship and enterprise of the Industry are responsible for this premier position."

"I look forward to the continuous growth of the industry and convey my felicitations to the award winners and the others associated with the industry for their commendable work. I wish them success in all their future endeavors.”

The winners were felicitated at this gala evening of glamour and entertainment amongst an elite gathering of government officials, industry leaders and socialites. The awards were all about pride, prestige and celebrating industry excellence, especially to recognize the efforts of exporters.

It also showcased and acknowledged an array of outstanding work, performed by brands and companies in the jewellery industry. Says Mr. Sanjay Kothari Chairman, GJEPC, “Despite difficult market conditions in recent years the industry has continued to register a strong growth and the credit for this must be given to the exporters from different segments."

The progressive policies of the forward looking governments have also provided considerable support.” He further added “our annual awards function facilitates those leaders of the industry who have been at the forefront of our growth. I congratulate all the winners and urge the whole industry to emulate their example and seek further avenue for expansion in the coming years.”

The annual awards are an initiative by GJEPC in order to honor the exporters on the basis of the Export Performance, Value Additions, Employment Generation and Expenditure on R&D during the year 2006-07, Offices abroad amongst several other criteria fulfilled by them.

In addition to exporters, the council also felicitates importers from different corners of the world. Banks, financing the Gems and Jewellery Industry, top ranking students of different institute under administrative control of the council.

Says Mr. Kanubhai B Shah, Convener Awards Sub-Committee, GJEPC, “There have been many ingredients to India's gem & jewellery sectors success story – the flair and business acumen of our entrepreneurs who had the vision to see the future and the courage and competence to make it happen, the skills of the artisans, the global network we have built up, the unflinching support from the banks and the policy changes ushered in by the foresighted governments over the years."

"The Annual Awards Scheme, which honors the outstanding performers in each category, had proved to be an important incentive to the players of the industry.”

The special attractions of the evening were the special awards given, Award for Outstanding Contribution to Gem & Jewellery Industry which was awarded to Ms. Nirupa Bhatt, Marketing Manager, Rio Tinto Diamonds, India.

Her contribution to the industry goes beyond the role, as the creator of the Business Excellence Model which serves as a benchmark for best practices in the diamond jewellery industry; she has time and again proven her commitment to the Indian Diamond Industry.

The Life Time Achievement Award was awarded to Mr. Arunkumar R. Mehta. He is the founder and senior-most director of Rosy Blue and B.Arunkumar Group of Companies. Mr. Mehta's contribution to the diamond industry has been immense, and many successful diamantaires have trained under him.

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