The 38th Annual Awards hosted by Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) in Surat, applauded not only the excellence and meritorious performances of the exporters of India but also threw open some new hope of growth for the diamond industry in Surat. Addressing the distinguished guests at the event held on October 11, 2011, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, the Chief Guest for the occasion, acclaimed the role of the Gem & Jewellery Industry in the progress of India and pledged support for betterment of the trade in Gujarat. While speaking at the occasion, Modi urged the industry to think beyond manufacturing towards owning the source of rough. Modi said, “The manufacturing of diamonds is big business, but I now wish that you all move up to the second level of mining the raw materials. Every time the trade is worried about the procurement of raw materials and afraid of related policy changes in the mining country or in our own country. A jump is required, where the traders should concentrate on how to own the very source of production.”

The event also hosted Rajiv Jain - Chairman GJEPC, Vice Chairman – Sanjay Kothari, Award Convener – Kanubhai Shah and a large number of dignitaries from the industry. Speaking further about Surat and this year’s award function, Jain added, “The Council after 6 years decided to bring the Award back in this city, as it produces 80 percent of diamond cutting and polishing done by the industry. Though Mumbai is the commercial trading centre for diamond, gem and jewellery, Surat is the hub of all manufacturing processes.”

Jain in his speech also mentioned the requirement of a fully functional airport in Surat, the Khambhat project to combat silicosis disease by agate manufacturing in the area through adoption of better technological methods of cutting and polishing, and the Council’s plans to issue ID Cards for Ratna kalakars by Surat Diamond Association (SDA) that would facilitate any aid from the industry and government. Chandrakant Sanghavi, Regional Chairman GJEPC spoke about the Surat Jewellery Park and the Hi-tech diamond factories of Surat.

At the Annual Awards besides recognizing the efforts of the Exporters, the Council also awarded the Importers from across the globe, the Banks financing the G&J industry and students from various G&J institutes.