Welcome Address by  Shri. G. B. Pradhan, Convener IGS - 5.

President, Forum of Indian Gemmologists for Scientific Studies, Mrs. Vikamsey ; Chief Guest, Honourable Minister of Steel and Mines, I. T & Tourism, Orissa, Shri A. U. Singh Deo ; Guest of Honour, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Orissa, Shri U. S. Bhatia ; Secretary, Gemmological Institute of India (GII) and Honorary Secretary of Forum Shri K. T. Ramchandran ; Director, Indian Diamond Institute, Surat, Shri K. K. Sharma ; Research Head Gemmological Institute of India, Mumbai, Mrs. Panjikar ; Director of Geology, Orissa, Mr. Maharana ; Adviser SGAT, Mr. Mohanty ; the dignitaries on the dias and off the dias, invitees, delegates, Media personalities and friends.

It is my proud privilege to welcome this august congregation of Gemmologist to Indian Gemmological Seminar IGS-5, being organized here in this temple city of Bhubaneshwar. It is a happy augury that the Forum of Indian Gemmologists for Scientific Studies, Mumbai has rightly decided to hold the Seminar in Bhubaneshwar, which is Capital of Gem rich State of Orissa. The State of Orissa has been in the forefront of exploitation of gemstone since ancient time. Perhaps it is not known to many that exploitation of gemstone resources of the State dates back to 4th Century BC, which the (Pioneer Mineral Economist of the World), Kautilya has described in his treaties on "Arthashastra". This is reflected in the naming of the presiding deities of Bhawanipatna, Patnagad and Sambalpur as Manikeshwari (Goddess of ruby), Panneshwari (Goddess of Emerald) and Sambaleshwari (Goddess of resources - considered to be diamond) respectively after the varieties of gemstones occurring in the areas. The potential gem tracts of Western Orissa was probed by an Australian Government aided High Resolution Aeromagnetic survey during the period 1993-97. An UNDP Project for exploration and development of gemstone resources of the State was implemented during 1991-95 and was extended till 1997 to cover diamond areas. It is significant to note that Ruby (Red corundum) has been derived from the name of the State "Karond" from where it was first mined and transported to England, which happens to be the erstwhile name of the Princely State of Kalahandi in Orissa, where ruby deposits are located. The recent rediscovery of Gemstone, in late seventies in diverse geological milieu of the western district of the State has attracted the Gemmologists all over the World for its colour, clarity, caratage, which are remarkably similar to that of Brazil. This being the rich prospectivity of gemstone in the State, the forum has rightly selected the place for halding the Seminar, which is a welcome move for augmenting development of gemstone industry in the State. Mrs. Indira Vikamsey, the President of the forum, is the Founder member of the Forum and Co-editor of Indian Gemmologist. I welcome her to the Seminar.

Hon'ble Minister of Steel & Mines, I. T. and Tourism our Chief Guest Shri A. U. Singh Deo not only represent the erstwhile Princely State of Bolangir, which is rich in gemstone like aquamarine and emerald but also had the access to handle the gemstone of his kingdom. As a Minister, he is also looking forward for speedy development of Gemstone resources of the State. I welcome him as Chief Guest of this evening.

Shri U. S. Bhatia, Principal Secretary to the Government, Industries Department, while as Chairman, OMC took some positive steps for development of diamond resources of the State. I welcome him as Guest of honour to this Seminar.

Shri K. T. Ramchandran, Honorary Secretary of the Forum ; and Secretary Gemmological Institute of India (GII) has the profound contribution in the field of characterization and research on Gemstone in India. I welcome him to this Seminar.

Dr. Deepak Bagai being in the busy schedule of Police Administration has keen interest and solid contribution in the field of Gemstone and has accepted an invitation to give key note address in this Seminar. I welcome him to the Seminar.

Shri K. K. Sharma, Director, Indian Diamond Institute, Surat has valuable contribution to the characterization, development and marketing of Gemstone in the country. I welcome him to this august Seminar.

I also welcome dignitaries in the dias and off the dias, the delegates, the media persons, those who are present here to make the Seminar a success.

Thank you all.