Chief Guest of this evening, Honourable Shri A. U. Singh Deo, Minister for Steel and Mines Government of Orissa, Mr. G. B. Pradhan, Convener (IGS - 5), Mrs. Nirupama Das, my colleagues on the dais, Mr. Sharma from Indian Diamond Institute (IDI), Fellow Gemmologists, Ladies & Gentlemen.

Friends, many of you may be aware of a story in "Ramayana" when Rawana was injured badly by Rama and was on the death bed, Rama ordered Laxmana to go to Rawana and request him to impart the best knowledge he had. Rawana was considered to be one of the most learned men on the universe at that time. Rama had the great respect for that. He killed him because of Rawanatatva in him. Hurriedly Laxman went and stood near his head and asked for the worldly knowledge for life if he can impart. Rawana without answering closed his eyes. Insulted, Laxmana went back to Rama & complained about Rawana's behaviour. "If one wants to take something or learn anything one has to be humble & not arrogant", saying Rama ordered Laxmana to go near his feet and beg for the best knowledge as which will vanish along with Rawana on this earth. Laxmana went near his feet and asked for whatever knowledge he can impart. Rawana uttered only one sentence, "Jump to do anything which is religious but think hundred times if it is not religious".

So friends if anything relating to Gemmology, Diamond trade and Industry rush for it. You will surely gain religiously, mentally & knowledge wise too.

We Indians are known and respected for our tolerance and sacrificing spirit. Our belief in concept of God, religion and secularism, our joint family system of life has been especially admired globally. However it is unfortunate that traditionally we have never laid importance on materially improve our standard of living. We have considered this to be a wrong thing to do. This trend has been changing since last decade. We have understood aiming for a better standard of living need not be at the cost of loss in committed faith or giving up the family values.

In India, there has been a significant improvement in the quality of life. On the happiness index, Indians have progressed from 132nd place to 128th place. Also per capita income has increased from US$ 331 to US $444 over a decade. Jewellery became within the reach of the common men because of increase in the quality in the standard of living. The revolution in the diamond studded jewellery has put the country on the global map for jewellery. Branded jewellery is yet another field, Indians are proving their expertise at the global level.

Coming to Gemmological education, it is interesting to note that Gemmologists in India now have a variety of career choices; right from the diamond assortment, gradation, certification, manufacturing, jewellery making, designing marketing etc. to mention a few. Plenty of new job opportunities have opened up in the jewellery manufacturing sectors.

The trend in jewellery is also changing. One gram gold jewellery studded with natural look - alike - studded simulants and semiprecious stones have captured the local as well as International Markets. This type of jewellery is becoming popular in the middle income group and for casual wear.

Platinium jewellery on the other hand especially studded jewellery as well as with Polki, Kundankari work etc. and also set with uncut diamonds is very much in vogue in the upper class Indians.

Friends, it is well known fact that out of 12 diamonds sold in the world 11 diamonds are processed in India. Since last four decades exports have multiplied. Diamond processing has increased yet internal competition has not minimized. India today accounts for 90% of the World production, 80% in carats and 60% in terms of value of exports of diamonds. Diamond and jewellery industry provides employment to forty lacs of people.

China has put the red carpet for Indian Trade & industry. Many Indians companies have already established their business in China. China is also prompting for collaborations. Diamond manufacturing, Auto components, IT, Health care, textile & tourism sectors are advancing in China.

It is believed that in the next few years time Indian investment in China would be booming. In the long run I personally feel this trend is going to affect India in the field of Gem & Jewellery business. Indian industry should, I feel, look forward to a long term and not at the short term business. India's business interest should be protected at any cost and that is our mission.

Thank you.