To engage GIA alumni through continuous networking as well as opportunities to interact with industry leaders, GIA India organised its third virtual alumni guest session – the first in 2021 – and witnessed great participation. The guest speaker was Manuj Goyal, Managing Director, Pink City India and Co-founder of Indology, who spoke on the topic, “Disruptions - Are We Prepared?”

The session started with a quick introduction of Manuj Goyal by Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director of GIA India. A commerce graduate and a proud diploma holder of GIA Graduate Gemologist® (GIA GG®), Mr. Goyal is an industry veteran and a technology enthusiast.. In his presentation, Mr. Goyal discussed about various disruptions that change business models and how businesses can adapt to these evolving scenarios. He posed few interesting questions such as ‘where does disruption come from’, ‘what is shaping your thought process’, ‘what could disappear in next 10 years’ and elucidated some ‘winning strategies’ with the help of many real-life examples.

“Disruptions are all around us with newer innovations and technologies emerging, resulting in modified consumer behaviour. It is important for jewellers and entrepreneurs in the gem and jewellery industry like us to learn, take advantage and thrive amidst disruptions,” said Manuj Goyal. “My experience with GIA alumni guest session was phenomenal.  Being a GIA alumni myself, I feel proud to be engaged in passionate dialogue with these young professionals who are also GIA alumni. A GIA education is not just the key to world-class gemmological knowledge, but it also helps instill a sense of business ethics – and that I believe helps us stay strong in the face of disruptions, while chartering a new growth path for ourselves and the industry.”

“It was indeed a pleasure to attend GIA India Alumni Virtual Guest Session with Mr. Goyal and was one of the best sessions,” said Vikram Bhat, GIA Diamonds Graduate, AJP®, and Managing Director, Kiara Jewellery Private Limited. “Mr. Goyal shared some amazing insights and showcased the entrepreneurial spirit in many ways which were beyond our imagination. His pioneering approach and courage was indeed inspiring and I certainly look forward to more such delightful sessions. Great platform initiated by GIA India.”

"It was an honour to have an industry veteran like Mr. Goyal address the alumni network,” said Amish Turakhia, GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG®) and Managing Partner, R. Kirti & Co. “His macro view on ‘Disruptions’ is especially relevant during times like these where decisions can make or break businesses in the long run. His enthusiasm and optimism to handle and embrace change was inspiring and definitely offered food for thought to every individual who attended the session. A special thanks to Mr. Goyal for being so generous in sharing his insights and ideas. Thanking GIA India team for organising such incredible sessions like these that will significantly help all our alumni members to continuously evolve, professionally and personally!"

The GIA Alumni Association's mission is to reach, serve and engage GIA alumni through continuous networking; to encourage lifelong relationships and provide opportunities for continuing education. GIA has more than 135,000 alumni across 65 chapters worldwide. In 2020, GIA India conducted two virtual alumni guest sessions - first with Dr. Vinod Hayagriv, Managing Director and Director, C. Krishniah Chetty (CKC) Group of Jewellers and then with Dr. Wuyi Wang, Vice President of Research & Development, GIA. Both the guests discussed relevant topics and the sessions witnessed enthusiastic alumni participation from all parts of India.

“GIA India’s Virtual Alumni Guest Sessions such as this serve as a great platform for the alumni members to learn from the experts in their respective fields and also to connect with each other,” said Sriram Natarajan. “I am thankful to Mr. Goyal for sharing his insights with our alumni members on a subject that’s highly relevant in today’s times. I’d also encourage the GIA alumni network – particularly the India chapters – to stay connected and engaged with continued GIA’s continuing education seminars.”