As IIJS Bharat marks 25 years, its journey from a modest consumer exhibition to one of the world’s most influential B2B jewellery shows is a testament to vision, resilience, and collective purpose. Our guest writer Hemant Shah, former Convener, PMBD, GJEPC, reminisces.
All great journeys begin with a single step and humble beginnings. IIJS Bharat is no exception.
What began as a small B2C exhibition at the World Trade Center—created to build awareness and offer consumers trusted diamond jewellery—has evolved into the recently concluded and immensely successful IIJS Bharat Premiere show. Over time, it has become, arguably, one of the world’s most successful B2B jewellery shows.
Looking back on the journey from that small consumer-facing show to an expansive B2B platform, one is reminded of the defining moments that have shaped its remarkable growth trajectory.
“After overcoming counterarguments and winning the confidence of the industry, the dream became a reality exactly 25 years ago.”
A Vision Becomes a Movement
The transition was set in motion when Sanjay Kothari, guided by a distinguished, visionary, and progressive outlook, proposed transforming the event from a B2C to a B2B format. His idea was supported by key industry stalwarts—Dilip Shah, Mahesh Rao, Shailesh Sangani, Haresh Zaveri and me. We jointly undertook the task of preparing the blueprint, communicating its merits, and earning the confidence of the industry.
The effort required patience and resolve. Yet, by addressing the many counterarguments and bringing the team and industry players together, the vision became a reality exactly 25 years ago.
The Moments That Defined IIJS
In this anniversary year, as IIJS Bharat celebrates a quarter-century of year-on-year growth, it is fitting to remember the episodes that reveal the resilience, innovation, proactive leadership, and sustained effort of the many people who helped create the show as it stands today.
◆ Designing an international standard. With limited resources at hand, Navin Jashnani brought artistic skill and acumen that extended beyond the jewellery for which he was renowned. He helped create the show’s aesthetics and floor plan, giving IIJS the international look it proudly carries today.
◆ Commitment beyond participation. Haresh Zaveri, who served as co-convener for more than two decades, made a remarkable personal sacrifice: stepping away from participating in the show so that he could devote himself fully to its success.
◆ Rising above nature’s fury. When torrential rains brought the show to a standstill-leaving waterlogged spaces, leaking roofs and anxious participants and visitors, the response was extraordinary. Shailesh Sangani and the team and I, supported by the secretariat and friends and connections across Reliance, the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai and other organisations, worked through the night. By the next day, the venue was restored and the show was ready for business as usual.
◆ A shared vision across generations. Over 25 years, multiple teams at the GJEPC, under the able leadership of Sribash Dasmohahpatra and currently under the leadership of Sabyasachi Ray, have carried the same grand vision forward: continuously improving the experience for every stakeholder. The outcome is evident in the growing number of participants and visitors—and, most importantly, in the business transacted. Even when other global shows faced downturns, IIJS continued to grow from strength to strength.
A Salute to a Collective Achievement
IIJS stands today because of the industry and every segment of the business pipeline: the people who created and established the show, advanced its promotions, championed innovation, and offered unstinting support and guidance. Their collective contribution has helped IIJS attain the stature it now commands.
Here’s to the journey so far—and to the many chapters still to come.