The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) Mumbai, the GJEPC’s premier institute for training and education in the gem and jewellery industry, marked its 20th Foundation Day on 22nd November 2023. The institute, which was established in 2003 by a group of visionary diamantaires, has produced more than 10,000 graduates who have contributed to the growth and development of the industry.
The anniversary event was attended by Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ Mumbai and Founder CEO, Moksh; Sanjay Kothari, ex-Chairman, GJEPC and GJSCI; Debasish Biswas, CEO, IIGJ India; and Apoorva Mehta, Director of the Board, IIGJ Mumbai and Partner, Touchstone Fine Jewellery. They addressed the students, faculty and staff of the institute and shared their insights and experiences.
Biswas highlighted the vision of the founder members led by IIGJ Founder Chairman the late Tanvirkumar Chokshi, who foresaw the need for trained gem and jewellery professionals for the fast-growing industry back in 2003. Biswas also outlined plans for the expansion and outreach of the institute and reaffirmed its commitment to serve the industry.
Milan Chokshi described the rapid changes taking place in the gem and jewellery industry and the importance of IIGJ’s role in nurturing future generations of jewellery professionals. He urged the students to use their skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the industry and to give back to the industry and contribute to its growth and development.
Sanjay Kothari, who has headed GJEPC and GJSCI in the past, and is a founder member of IIGJ Mumbai, shared fond memories of the institute’s legacy. He spoke about the early days, when the institute was still an idea shared by a few visionary diamantaires. He recalled how donors contributed the entire sum for building the institute in minutes upon being assured that the institute would be of great help to the industry and that the founder members would always be involved in its progress.
Apoorva Mehta congratulated the institute on completing two decades and spoke about the high expectations from IIGJ Mumbai alumni upon entering the gem and jewellery industry. He reiterated that IIGJ Mumbai students were fortunate to get the benefits of state-of-the-art facilities at the institute as well as the wealth of opportunities available to them on the basis of the name of the institute itself.
The institute also recognised the members of faculty and staff who completed 10 years and 20 years of service. A total of four faculty and two non-teaching staff were honoured by the dignitaries present on the occasion.