The Annual Convocation of the Gemmological Institute of India was held on 11th October 2003 at the Y.B. Chavan Center, Bombay.

The convocation function was graced by the top leaders of the Indian Gem & Jewellery Industry.

Shri Arunbhai Mehta of M/s Rosy Blue diamonds was the Chief Guest, Shri Anoopbhai Mehta, President of Bharat Diamond Bourse and Ms. Nirupa Bhatt, Marketing Manager, Rio Tinto Diamonds were the Guests of Honour.

Mr. Kirtilal K. Doshi, Chairman of GII, in his address to the gathering reiterated the fact that Research and Development activities are very vital for steady and sustained growth of the industry.

Mr. Doshi stated that the Gem & Jewellery industry spends very negligible amount for the R & D activities in India. In comparison to other sectors like IT, Engineering, Textiles etc., the of Gem & Jewellery Industry has no standing in the field of research at all. He therefore stressed the need for setting up a most modern and sophisticated research laboratory in Bombay. He announced that the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council and the Diamond Exporters' Association Ltd. (DEAL) have promised to help the Gemmological Institute of India in establishing a most modern and state-of-the-art research laboratory for Diamonds and Gemstones in Bombay very soon.

The proposed research laboratory would definitely help in solving many problems arising out of treatments on gemstones faced by the industry today, especially the identification of HPHT treated diamonds and synthetics.

Mr. Arvindbhai Parekh and Mr. Rajendrakumar A. Shah also addressed the gathering and stressed the need for establishing proper research facilities for the benefit of the industry.

Shri Arunbhai Mehta in his address to the audience stated that in the late 50's and early 60's when the diamond merchants used to sit in the Diamond Association's Hall at Dhanji Street with eye glasses and blue trays in their lap, nobody had any idea about the grading standards or quality at that time.

But no one made loss and industry and trade steadily progressed. Shri Arunbhai further stated that the time has changed; business has consolidated and the industry today crossed an astronomical figure of 40 thousand crores in the exports of Gem & Jewellery items from the country. To make our future more secure we have to adopt various developmental measures especially the educational and research studies, Mr. Arunbhai stated. There are various treatments done to diamonds to improve their colour as well as diamonds have also been synthesized. We have to protect ourselves and also protect the consumers of diamonds and for which we the diamond traders have to be alert and also support the scientific growth of the industry, Mr. Mehta stated. Mr. Arunbhai congratulated Shri Kirtibhai Doshi, Chairman of GII for his efforts in establishing the GII, the fruits of which the diamond business are enjoying today and also wished that the training at GII will lead in creating new leaders in the diamond industry who in turn take care of responsibilities of the growth and development of diamonds and jewellery sector to further heights.

Mrs. Nirupa Bhatt then after addressed the gathering and gave a detailed presentation on jewellery and diamonds.