On December 9, 2017, members of the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) gathered with students, their family, and friends to celebrate 11^th Convocation Ceremony for the graduation Batch of 2017. The ceremony was held at Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai.

Vinod Tawde, Hon’ble Minister of Higher & Technical Education Dept., Govt. of Maharashtra was the chief guest. Other guests included Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC, Vaishali Banerjee, PGI, Kirit Bhansali, Vasant Mehta, Snehal Chokesy of Shobha Shringar Jewellers, Namita Pandya – Convenor IIGJ Tardeo, Director IIGJ, and Sanjoy Ghosh - Head IIGJ.

The ceremony commenced with lighting of lamp by the dignitaries with saraswati vandana. Further Kirit Bhansali welcomed the chief guest Vinod Tawde presenting a bouquet of flowers.  Students were then invited onstage to share their experience about the learning years.

During his speech, Vinod Tawde, Hon’ble minister, said “Gem and jewellery industry is one of the largest skill-based industries and these skills need better management and training. In this regards, the reigning government is ready to give all the needed support. The state government is working towards giving the Gem and Jewellery courses university recognition. Also, the state government would soon give land in Maharashtra to set up a deemed gem and jewellery university.”