Indian Diamond Institute celebrates 37th Convocation-cum-Foundation Day

Starting with the traditional prayer and lighting of the lamp ceremony, the Indian Diamond Institute celebrated its 37th Convocation-cum-Institute’s Foundation Day. The event saw a large gathering of prominent industry personalities including leading diamond merchants and jewelers, at IDI-City Centre, Vesu Campus, on 13th May, 2015.

Dr. Chandan Chatterjee, Director, The Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, (A Project of Government of Gujarat), Gandhinagar was the Chief Guest of the function. Smt. Rupa Dutta, Chairperson, IDI & Economic Advisor, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of Gujarat, Shri Keval Virani, Committee Member, GJEPC, Gujarat Region, Shri Dineshbhai Navadia, President, Surat Diamond Association.

In his opening speech, Shri Joshi, Executive Director-Acting, IDI, introduced the dignitaries and updated the audience that 243 students were conferred with Diplomas, of which 26 were from the Diploma course, 12 from the 3-year Higher Diploma course and 205 students from other Diploma programs. He highlighted the services of IDI-DDRC (Diamond Detection & Resource Centre) launched recently for the sector. It is available at the IDI- Katargam campus. The main purpose of this centre is to help the small and medium diamond traders, factory owners and jewellers to screen and detect synthetic diamonds which are mixed with natural diamonds.

Smt. Rupa Dutta, the Chairperson of IDI thanked the Chief Guest Dr. Chatterjee for his presence and congratulated all successful students. She expressed particular appreciation for the girls who graduated. She said, “It is a very proud moment for us that IDI, which since last 37 years has dedicatedly and committedly providing its loyal services to the industry. IDI City centre is a good example of IDI’s long term vision for its future endeavour, where today this convocation is being organized.” She highlighted IDI’s success of having trained over 30,000 skilled manpower till date and requested the trade professionals to take benefit of IDI’s services like Education, Lab activities, etc to make use of its infrastructure at its optimum level.

Congratulating the students, Dr. Chatterjee briefed about the CED’s objective and mission and encouraged the students to become entrepreneurs and within this create opportunities to propel employment. He advised the students to avail of schemes and benefits of the state government. He informed about the steps taken by Gujarat Government on Women Empowerment.

Shri Dineshbhai Navadia, President of Surat Diamond Association, spoke of today’s era being one of technology upgradation, with the internet and e-commerce segment making fast inroads in India and worldwide. He encouraged students to apply this platform to conduct their own business.

The dignitaries present handed the graduating students awards which included the Chairman Medal, Certificates and sponsored Awards by the various diamond and jewellery companies.