The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Mumbai, marked a proud milestone with the grand inauguration of its newly refurbished, state-of-the-art campus on 27 September 2025. The occasion brought together leading industry figures, dignitaries, and well-wishers to celebrate the institute’s continued journey of growth and excellence. The launch marks a new chapter for the institute, reinforcing its role as a centre of excellence in gems and jewellery education, skill development, and innovation.
Keeping pace with the times, IIGJ Mumbai — the first institute under the IIGJ banner — unveiled its newly refurbished campus. Designed with the next generation in mind, the institute now features a modern auditorium, cutting-edge CAD and gemmology labs, an advanced manufacturing workshop, air-conditioned classrooms, an inviting library, and much more.
Established by GJEPC in 2003, IIGJ Mumbai, a premier institution for gems and jewellery education, is located in the bustling hub of India’s jewellery industry at MIDC, Andheri East. Spanning 14,000 sq. ft. across six levels, the institute offers industry-driven programmes tailored to meet evolving market demands and delivered by expert faculty. Strategic collaborations and a reputation for producing highly skilled professionals make IIGJ Mumbai a top destination for those aspiring to excel in the dynamic world of gems and jewellery. On offer is a flagship three-year degree programme, a postgraduate diploma, and a wide range of professional certifications. Over the past 23 years, more than 8,000 students have graduated from IIGJ Mumbai, each successfully contributing to the industry as entrepreneurs or professionals with reputed brands. With plans to become the main campus of a proposed Deemed University under UGC by 2026–27, the institute is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of the industry.
(Top) IIGJ Mumbai’s well-equipped lab; (Above) The modernised auditorium.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC India, along with Guests of Honour Shri Dilipbhai V. Lakhi, Chairman of the Lakhi Group, and Shri Raj Hitendra Parikh, Managing Director of Uni-Design Jewellery. Also present were Shri Adil Kotwal, President of SEEPZ GJMA; Shri Sanjay Kothari, Founding Board Member of IIGJ Mumbai; and Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of GJEPC. The event was chaired by Shri Milan Chokshi, Chairman of IIGJ Mumbai, and Shri Debasish Biswas, CEO, who extended heartfelt thanks to all guests, industry stakeholders, and supporters who have been instrumental in IIGJ’s journey.
With upgraded infrastructure and advanced learning facilities, the new campus is designed to meet the evolving needs of students and professionals, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly changing global business environment.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The new IIGJ Mumbai campus is more than just a modern facility — it reflects the spirit of an industry that constantly evolves to stay ahead of the times. As IIGJ moves towards becoming a Deemed University, this milestone reaffirms its pivotal role in shaping the next generation of designers, artisans, and leaders.”
Offering to support the establishment of IIGJ centres in new locations such as Kolkata, Rajkot, Jaipur, and Surat, Shri Dilipbhai Lakhi, Chairman, the Lakhi Group, said, “This is the time for our industry to shine. With institutions like IIGJ and the strong backing of the industry, we can become the world leader in technology, design, manufacturing, and innovation.”
Shri Raj Hitendra Parikh, Managing Director, Uni-Design Jewellery, noted, “We will strive to follow in the footsteps of our industry leaders who have built a strong foundation through their vision and dedication. We aim to make our industry proud, make ourselves proud, and take this sector to the next level.”
Shri Adil Kotwal, President, SEEPZ Gem & Jewellery Manufacturers’ Association, remarked, “One of the biggest achievements of GJEPC has been its commitment to nurturing young talent through IIGJ campuses across the country. Skilling and training must remain a priority, and I would strongly urge GJEPC to allocate a larger portion of its resources to education and capacity building. With such focused efforts, India has every potential to become the jewellery hub of the world — and I believe IIGJ can play a central role in unlocking that potential.”
Shri Sanjay Kothari, Founding Board Member of IIGJ Mumbai, reminisced, “IIGJ Mumbai became a reality thanks to the wholehearted financial support of our industry members, who recognised the potential of such an institute to nurture talent, create employment, and build resources that would strengthen our sector for the future. Today, the entire IIGJ team is leading this institute through a remarkable transformation — one that keeps pace with generational shifts and the changing business landscape.”
Shri Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ Mumbai, stated, “When IIGJ was founded, the intent was simple yet profound — to give back to the trade that shaped us. The support we received from industry leaders laid the foundation for what we have achieved today. With this modernised campus, we carry that same spirit forward — to stay relevant, empower talent, and continue supporting the industry as it evolves.”
Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, said, “Any great nation is built on the foundation of knowledge. Our own industry has thrived because of knowledge — we have world-class designers and cutting and polishing centres. So, it is vital to nurture institutions like IIGJ and to keep expanding and deepening our knowledge base to keep us ahead of the world.”