K. T. Ramchandran

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Indian Gemmological Seminar known as IGS was instituted by the Forum of Indian Gemmologists in the year 1999 and during the last 5 years, IGS is one of the annual event which all the gemologists in India eagerly awaiting to participate.

What was envisaged in the year 1999 through the medium of IGS has started yielding rich dividends to the gemologists in India and we are really proud of our achievement during the past 5 years.

Through IGS we have achieved the goal of establishing a platform for all the gemologists in India to come under one banner and look forward to learn something new. The gemologists in India have a place where they can expect to update their knowledge. Gemmologists from all corners of the country bring out the latest of the latest developments in the field of gemology at this seminar.

The IGS is a meeting place for all of us. We meet, we deliberate, we renew our bonding of friendship and fraternity at the venue of IGS. The venue is a place where the knowledge flows out freely and fairly.

The IGS is in fact the messenger of gemology. The gemological knowledge is spreading in the country through these seminars. From the very beginning we wanted the IGS should be held in different parts of the country. We have succeeded in our mission by carefully selecting the venue from one state to another. Starting its journey from Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and this year we have reached Orissa. Today because of these seminars the gemological awareness in the entire India is catching up like a wild fire. There are at least over a dozen gem testing laboratories that have come up in different parts of the country and there are many number of gemology teaching institutions have also started working in the country. All these laboratories and gemology courses have come up because the public in India wants to understand about the science of gemstones. The attitude and approach of the people towards the gemstones have changed during the last few years. The domestic market is becoming more and more aware of the use and importance of gemstones. Gemstones are used for adornment, astrological, medicinal as well as for investment purposes. A new class of consumers who are interested in the gemstones started emerging in the Indian market.

These avenues and the use of gemstones in ornaments are gaining importance day by day mainly because of the promotion of studded jewellery articles by many companies. The domestic market is going to be one major segment in India in another 5 years time. Many corporate houses have also entered into Gems & Jewellery business in India. Therefore gemstones those found in India and especially navagraha gemstones, birthstones etc. are going to be in great demand in another few years time.

It is therefore very important for us to spread the knowledge of gemstones amongst the members of general public. Proper knowledge about the gemstones will increase the confidence of consumers in gemstones and will in turn lead to manifold growth and developments in the fields of mining, cutting, carving, beads making, studded jewellery etc.

Under the circumstances, the seminars like this have a greater role to play. From this platform we could spread the message of gemology and also, we could Create a confidence in the minds of people. These seminars will be an event where retailers and suppliers of gemstone could meet under one roof.

IGS therefore has its national importance. The commercial and scientific side of gemstone and gemological developments have been presented and discussed at the IGS. In fact this is one of the most ideal ways for gemologists and gem dealers in India to keep themselves abreast with the developments.

We have taken Orissa as a venue this year mainly because of the strategic importance of Orissa in the world map of gemstones. Orissa probably is the only state in India which has the maximum variety of gemstones available. This fact is only known to a few in India. Only some traders and few gemologists have actually had the opportunity to come to Orissa and have the first hand experience of gemstones in Orissa.

We want to expose this potential to the gemstones dealers and gemologists in India. Orissa is a state which is blessed by God with the bounty of gemstones. It is a mini Brazil, as far as the gemstones deposits are concerned. It is therefore our earnest effort and desire to promote the gemstones of Orissa to the world market for which we have to first make a promotional effort amongst the Indian people .

It is a fact that many of those interested in gemstones in India are not aware of the right source of gemstones found in Orissa. Unfortunately the access to these gemstones have been totally restricted and not made available to all those who are looking for the same. It is therefore our earnest request to the State Government of Orissa, the Directorate of Geology Orissa, OMC and other concerned departments as well as private mining agencies involved in Orissa to make available these gemstones to anyone who is interested in buying them outside the sate of Orissa. It may be through the public auction in Bombay, Chennai, Surat , Hyderabad, Jaipur, Cambay etc. as well as by participating in the exhibition of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Councils in Bombay.

These exhibitions of GJEPC in Bombay start attracting thousands of visitors from for all over the country and it is possible that many people who are interested in the gemstones would definitely have an access to these stones directly from the producers. There could be a sale of small parcels containing few pieces as well as large quantity pre packed and priced, so that the inventory control and sale would not be a problem as well.

We are sure that GII or Forum could definitely try to help you in organizing exhibitions and sale of gemstones in Bombay. This would definitely open up the awareness of gemstone of Orissa.

Friends in countries like America there are hundreds rocks and gem collectors clubs, societies, associations involved in gemstone and rock haunting, lapidary works and carving of gemstones. These groups of people basically consists of non traders. They are the amateur groups of gem collectors and hobbyist. We should try to create similar interest amongst our people in India also.

I also request the State Government of Orissa to declare any one characteristic gemstone which is found in Orissa as a State Gem. It should be marketed and sold as "Gemstone of Orissa", like the Konark Wheel.

Once the State of Orissa takes initiative, the other States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka , Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh etc. will follow the suit.

More over once the people are aware of these gemstones which are comparatively less expensive as it is found in India, the demand for use of these stones will also go up considerably.

Orissa gems should be highlighted and displayed even in international trade shows like, Bassil, Tucson, Inhorgenta , Bangkok shows etc.

The State Government along with the private entrepreneurs should allow the Orissa gem materials to have exposure and easy access to the manufacturers and gemstones dealers first in India and then to the world market.

If the marketing and source of these gemstones are restricted and kept as a closely guarded secret and commodity, then there is bound to be illegal transaction. On the other hand the cheaper varieties of gemstones like garnet, iolite, topaz, tourmaline, quartz etc. should be allowed to be kept even at the departmental stores or in the shops at the Airport where people can easily buy them.

We the Forum of Indian Gemmologists assure you all the support to make the Orissa gemstone popular in India. The market potential is tremendous . The demand will be immense. It is unimaginable wealth you have in Orissa. It is just a matter of proper marketing strategy that can help us in promoting the sale and popularity of these gemstones. Let us work together for the promotion of gemology which in turn will bring prosperity to the State and our country.

Thank you, Jai Hind.