The 47th India Gem & Jewellery Awards (IGJA) powered by GIA and organised by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC) under the star-lit Mumbai sky, at the picturesque Seaside Lawns of Taj Land’s End, were witness to many a tears of joy and gratitude. IGJA are landmark in appreciating and acknowledging major accomplishments of key national resources and performers in the export, import, banking and finance segments of the gems and jewellery industry. Held since 1973, the India Gem and Jewellery Awards brought together stalwarts, veterans and industry bigwigs on one platform. Chief guests of honour included former Indian cricket captain and India’s foremost World Cup winner, Kapil Dev and cricketing legend, Mohinder Amarnath. The event was hosted by the author, stand-up comic and cricket presenter Vikram Sathaye, who apparently was a student of gemmology too! Colin Shah, Chairman GJEPC, Sriram Natarajan, MD, GIA, Ashok Gajera, Regional Chairman, Western Region, GJEPC; Mansukh Kothari, Convener, Events, GJEPC; Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC along with Kapil Dev and Mohinder Amarnath presented the awards to the proud winners.

Ex-Chairman and industry stalwart, director of Diatrends and one of the most influential, loved and respected figure of the industry, Sanjay Kothari, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award and a Book of Tributes launched in his honour. Colin Shah addressed Sanjay Kothari as one would an elder calling him the chief architect and driver of the industry and shows, acknowledging his unmatched guidance with untiring and relentless efforts towards the betterment of the industry.

Out of the 36 awards that were presented to winners, regular categories included cut and polished diamonds, gemstones, silver jewellery, fashion jewellery, precious metal and those studded with gemstones, costume jewellery, sales to a foreign tourist and the banking and agency support segments. Theme-based categories included the Most Socially Responsible Company, one acknowledging the Best Digital Initiative, Woman Entrepreneur Of The Year, which was introduced for the first time this year and The Most Innovative Company Awards. Colin Shah said, “During the pandemic times, with the film 1983 just released, Kapil Dev and Mohinder Amarnath were the popular and unanimous choice for Guest of Honour at our Council meeting. We would also like to express our gratitude to the customs officers who worked tirelessly during the lock down to help maintain our trade commitments.” Speaking about the India UAE FTA, he said, “We are in the process of launching the first International GJEPC office in Dubai and with this the PM has asked us to meet the target of $50 billion in exports for the coming fiscal.”

Winners of the IGJ Awards in various categories are listed below.