It is time for the diamantaires of Surat to give a serious thought of owning diamond mines across the world to capatilise on diamond resources for the industry, said chief minister Narendra Modi at the 38th annual awards function of Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEP) in the city on Tuesday.

I know many Gujarati business tycoons, who own coal mines across the world. Next time I want to honour diamond businessmen who own diamond mines across the world, said the chief minister.

Modi, who was expected to reach the venue at 11:30 am, arrived 10 minutes early, much to the surprise of the organizers and the audience. This is the third time that the diamond city hosted the annual awards ceremony organized by the GJEPC after 1995 and 2002.

Modi said Gujarat Government is celebrating 2012 as a?Yuva Shakti Varsha from the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on January 12. On this occasion, the government plans to launch various schemes for the skill upgradation of the youths.

asI want diamond polishers in Surat to be trained in jewellery designing and manufacturing as well. The GJEPC and the diamond association should come forward to take the benefit of Gujarat Government schemes to create create more value-addition in the industry, said Modi.

The Chief Minister said, Surat is the world capital of diamonds and Morbi in wall clocks. I want the diamantaires to collaborate with the Morbi clock manufacturers in designing diamond-studded wrist watches.

About 10 diamond companies from Surat won awards in different categories, out of the total 38 awards given by the GJEPC. Surat-based companies that won the awards in cut and polished diamond export are Kiran Gems Private Limited,Dharmanandan Diamonds Private Limited, Laxmi Diamond Private Limited, Sanghavi Exports International Private Limited, JB Brothers Private Limited, Shree Ramkrishna Export, Hari Krishna Export, Star Rays etc.

The GJEPC has made a significant contribution to the growth of the Indian economy. With total export figures of around $43 billion, we are furthering the cause of making India the global leader in gems and jewellery sector. These awards are an endeavour to acknowledge the winners who led the growth, said Rajiv Jain, chairman of GJEPC.