The Regional Office of The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) organised a motivational-cum-awareness seminar “Abhay” on September 21 in Surat to help artisans and SME unit holders from the G&J sector develop an approach to confronting current challenges and preventing unfortunate incidents like suicides from taking place.

Over the last few months, a few cases of this kind have been reported, which have taken place against the backdrop of the current market scenario in the diamond sector where a few units have shut down resulting in job losses. GJEPC, as a leading and responsible stakeholder in the industry has been in dialogue with various NGOs, government authorities and artisans to address these issues. The seminar, which aimed to educate participants about the importance of positive thinking and mental health to face the challenges in life, was part of this effort.  

GJEPC’s Gujarat Regional Chairman, Dinesh Navadiya, in his introductory remarks, briefly outlined the purpose of seminar. He said that though the market situation was not favourable at present, the Council is hopeful of some positive momentum during the festival season. GJEPC has also been taking up various initiatives to boost worldwide demand and promote Indian diamonds and jewellery.

Navadiya assured the participants that the current phase is temporary and the situation will gradually improve. He welcomed the recent announcement by GST Council regarding reduction of rate on Job Work and other initiatives taken by the Government to support MSMEs, saying these will definitely boost the trade. He further advised those present to avoid spreading unauthenticated messages, and urged them to think and talk positively, support others, be strong, understand their family responsibilities, consult experts and leaders for guidance, etc.

Commissioner of Police (In-charge), Surat, Shri Harikrishna Patel, the Chief Guest, shared his experience on the basis of real-life cases and situations where people had taken extreme steps and committed suicide.  All the cases were not always due to job loss but there were other reasons like finance borrowed on a higher rate of interest, taking loans and use of credit cards without assessing repaying capacity, family and social issues, break-ups and other personal issues involved, he said. He urged those present to be balanced when taking business risks, and advised them to share any problems with family and friends who may provide support and guidance. 

Dr. Arti Mehta, Psychiatrist and activist motivated people to cultivate a positive approach to life. She described various situations where a person can get depressed and provided tips and symptoms that would help identify when a person is mentally disturbed.

Dr. Mukul Choksi, Sr. Psychiatrist and an activist for prevention of suicide elaborated on the various treatments offered by medical science and explained the leading role that family and friends can play in helping a person recover from depression. He referred to case studies and highlighted the actions that should be taken by family member and friends immediately to save the life of such a person.

Along with the seminar, an on-the-spot registration camp was organised to promote the G&J Parichay Card.

Over 400 artisans and SME unit holders took part in the seminar which was supported by Surat Diamond Association, Ratankalakar Vikas Sangh; NGOs like “Parenting for Peace” and “Soch”.