Hema Malini inaugurated the 38^th edition of IIJS Premiere yesterday in a grand ceremony. The inauguration also took place in the presence of Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, Shailesh Sangani, Convenor, National Exhibitions, GJEPC among other dignitaries.

After extending a warm welcome to the fraternity and the guests on the podium, Colin Shah, Chairman of GJEPC, spoke of the Council’s initiatives towards the betterment of the industry. He said, “The Council not only contributes to providing infrastructure supplies for the betterment of the industry but also takes constructive steps towards international exposure like the Foreign Trade Agreements to promote the cause of the industry. All these efforts are towards making brand India powerful.”

Shailesh Sangani the convener of the show said that the show had evolved after the pandemic and this year’s IIJS as an “invention and a rebirth of the event.” He noted, “This year we have a record number of 1792 companies participating in the show and that would make it Asia’s largest show. We have over 2900 booths this year and a whopping 37 thousand visitors registered for the show already which is covering almost 7 lakh sq ft of space, here at NESCO. After Covid, we have changed the entire look and brand image of IIJS.”

Hema Malini started her address with a gracious prarthana/shloka in Sanskrit adoring the goddess of wealth Lakshmi. She said, “Just as the goddess Lakshmi adorns all the jewels that are there and she is the embodiment of wealth, I am feeling very privileged, happy and honoured to launch this jewellery show that has gems and jewellery. I am amazed to see the variety of gems and jewellery from different parts of our nation and the world. I feel even 5 days would not be enough to appreciate this show.” Hema Malini then went on to praise the efforts of the diamond industry towards contribution towards the national GDP and economy. She concluded by saying, “The diamond industry would make the dream of the Prime Minister of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat come true.”