The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is honouring PRAMOD AGRAWAL with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award during the celebrations of the 51st edition of Indian Gem & Jewellery Awards (IGJA) in Jaipur on 30 November 2024. As a former chairman of GJEPC and a true visionary, Agrawal’s contributions have shaped the Indian gem and jewellery industry. His tenure was marked by groundbreaking initiatives to achieve the holistic growth of the industry.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is an attestation of Pramod Agrawal’s vision, passion, and tireless efforts. His leadership has left a lasting mark on the Indian gem and jewellery industry, ensuring its growth and prominence on the global stage.
Agrawal, The Person
Pramod Agrawal, a curious and adventurous soul, constantly seeks opportunities to learn and grow. An avid traveller, he views exploration as more than just visiting new places—it’s about forming meaningful connections and immersing himself in diverse cultures. Meeting people from different walks of life, engaging in thought-provoking conversations, and exchanging ideas fuel his creativity and inspire innovative thinking in his work.
His passion for travel extends to trying unique cuisines, which he later recreates at home with his own inventive touch. His love for cooking mirrors his adventurous spirit, as he enjoys experimenting with flavours and crafting exceptional dishes.
Beyond his personal pursuits, Agrawal is deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of others. He has been instrumental in building ICUs for children in need and establishing a skill training and education institute in the gem and jewellery sector. His dedication to creating opportunities for the underprivileged brings him immense joy, as he finds fulfilment in spreading happiness and in the community.
With a zest for life and an unyielding curiosity, Agrawal seamlessly balances his passions with a drive for meaningful impact, exemplifying personal and professional growth.
Success Mantras
As a second-generation jeweller, his mantra for success is rooted in bold innovation, visionary thinking, and a commitment to excellence. A trailblazer in the industry, he has consistently embraced calculated risks, making pioneering strides that have redefined the landscape of jewellery manufacturing in India.
Recognizing the transformative potential of technology, he established a world-class manufacturing facility in Jaipur, a first of its kind, setting new standards for quality and efficiency.
Understanding the importance of global collaboration, he acquired Italian companies and brought Italian expertise to Jaipur, and created an exchange of knowledge to uplift local talent. By training Indian artisans and technicians under Italian engineers, he not only introduced world-class craftsmanship to India, but also prioritised job creation and skill development for the Indian workforce.
His foresight and leadership led to the introduction of Italian chain manufacturing in India, making him a pioneer in this niche segment. Whether entering new markets, adopting groundbreaking technologies, or creating opportunities for the unemployed workforce, he has always approached challenges with boldness, ensuring that his ventures are not just successful but transformative for the industry as a whole.
Work Achievements
Pramod Agrawal’s leadership from 2018 to 2020 was a period of transformation for GJEPC. Under his guidance, the Council launched the ambitious India Jewellery Park Mumbai, a 21-acre facility aimed at modernizing jewellery manufacturing and trade. Agrawal envisioned it as a catalyst for generating over 100,000 jobs and an annual turnover exceeding ₹41,000 crore.
One of the significant initiatives led by Pramod Agrawal was the Jaipur Gem Bourse project. Thanks to his persuasive efforts, the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd. (RIICO) officially allotted a prime parcel of land measuring 43,828 square metres to the Jaipur Gem and Jewellery Bourse in October 2023. Strategically located in the Sitapura Industrial Area of Jaipur, an epicentre for gem and jewellery infrastructure, this initiative marks a major step forward in enhancing the industry’s ecosystem in the region.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Agrawal championed Common Facility Centres (CFCs) across India to empower small manufacturers with state-of-the-art tools. These CFCs have provided artisans and traders access to modern facilities, increasing productivity and reducing gold wastage.
Agrawal’s emphasis on digital transformation stands out as a hallmark of his tenure. The successful implementation of the SAP S/4 HANA system streamlined GJEPC’s operations, enabling better support for members and enhancing financial transparency.
His forward-thinking approach extended to sustainable practices, with initiatives like the Parichay Card to authenticate and provide social security benefits to over 3.6 lakh gem and jewellery workers.
Rising To Challenges With Resilience
Leading the industry through the unprecedented Covid pandemic, Agrawal’s leadership proved pivotal in mitigating its impact. He spearheaded relief efforts that included direct benefit transfers to over 70,000 daily wage workers and a ₹21 crore contribution to the PM CARES Fund. His proactive measures ensured the industry’s resilience during one of its most challenging periods.
Agrawal’s diplomatic acumen bolstered India’s position as a global leader in gems and jewellery. He led delegations to key international markets, signing MoUs and promoting India as the preferred destination for gemstone and diamond exports. His advocacy for reforms in banking and finance, such as the formation of the Coordination Committee for Banking, addressed critical issues like credit accessibility, ensuring healthier financial ecosystem for exporters.
His tenure was characterized by a deep commitment to skill development and welfare. Initiatives like the Swasthya Ratna health insurance scheme, which covered over five lakh lives, and the establishment of the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) in regions like Varanasi and Udupi, underscored his dedication to empowering artisans and nurturing the next generation of talent.
Agrawal prioritises the greater good of the entire gems and jewellery industry above any personal gains. He champions the collective growth of the gem and jewellery industry, prioritising job creation and opportunities for all stakeholders. Committed to training and skill development, he inspires the next generation to join the industry. His role as a mentor is one that he holds dear, inspiring others to pursue excellence while upholding the highest standards of integrity, compassion, and collaboration.
Advice to Young Entrepreneurs …
“Think big, be bold, and embrace innovation…” He encourages everyone to bring fresh concepts and ideas, contributing to the evolution of the industry and country. A firm believer in the power of dreams, he advises aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions fearlessly, take calculated risks, and remain steadfast in their goals. Most importantly, he emphasizes the value of working not just for personal success, but for the betterment of society, creating opportunities that uplift others while driving progress.
A typical day in his life…
No two days are ever the same. As a leader across multiple councils, and as the driving force behind numerous factories and projects, his schedule is as dynamic as his vision. Whether managing ongoing operations or spearheading new initiatives, he is constantly in motion, pursuing innovative ideas and exploring untapped opportunities. Despite the immense responsibilities he carries, he remains driven by an insatiable desire to achieve more, to create something new, and to push boundaries, both for the industry and our society as a whole.