4, Mar 2023
A Creative Dialogue with author Jaya Mehta and Illustrator Suruba Natalia
The World Book Fair Children’s pavilion hosted a fascinating, multi-disciplinary event by internationally acclaimed author-dancer Jaya Mehta and illustrator Suruba Natalia from Moldova. They shared with children, parents, and educators their creative journey of making the book, ‘Nritya Katha – Indian Dance stories for Children’. Published by The National Book Trust of India, the book brings alive the rich culture of different states of India, through the journey of a child discovering various Indian dance forms.
Culture curator Swati Chattopadhyay asked the author about her motivation to create a unique storybook about India’s dance forms for children. Jaya Mehta expressed that India with its rich heritage of eight classical dance forms and hundreds of regional dance forms needed a storybook that deeply connected children to Indian dance forms as a means of culture connect and personal discovery. The bigger role of classical dance, the author explained, is to connect children to the rich architecture, sculpture, crafts, costumes, paintings, and music of each state. Jaya Mehta also illustrated how these vibrant connections of dance and culture, enable children to develop powerful inter-disciplinary thinking and rich cultural pride.
Jaya Mehta shared the fascinating process of how a dance form, like Manipuri or Kathakali, was first understood through an exchange of ideas between the author and illustrator. Over the pandemic period, they shared pictures and videos of each dance form and discussed the details to develop through illustration. Suruba Natalia demonstrated the process by which an illustrator created children’s book illustrations that are rich in colors, feeling, tactile quality, and imagination. She also conducted a drawing session for children at the event, showing how they can visualize a character from a story.
The artist and illustrator insisted that the imagination of a child was their strongest faculty, in which there is a feeling of play. It is imagination and feeling richly that lead a child towards creativity and discovery. They encouraged parents to allow their children to deeply engage in an art form, like writing, painting, music, or dance, so that this superpower of imagination becomes heightened.
Children and parents at the event felt deeply inspired to pursue the path of imagination and learned much about the process of how a book takes shape between an author, illustrator, and designer. The book ‘Nritya Katha – Indian Dance stories for Children’, gave the audience a fascinating glimpse into creative processes that shape a unique book and the vast kaleidoscope depth of Indian classical dance forms.
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- By Rabindra
4, Mar 2023
National Security Day: Vedanta Aluminium recruits transgender security professionals for its largest aluminium smelter
New Delhi; 4th March 2023: On National Security Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has recruited seven transgender professionals for the security function of its plant at Jharsuguda (Odisha), which is one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters. The seven employees Aarunita Payasingh, Aarohi Sharma, Sandhya Yadav, Siddhi Nage, Khushi Dhruv, Pavitra and Roma Dhruw, will join the company’s formidable security team and will be responsible for ensuring strict round-the-clock security of the assets and workforce. This is the second hiring of LGBTQIA+ professionals at Vedanta Aluminium, with the previous recruits working at the company’s Chhattisgarh-based subsidiary, BALCO, in security and material handling functions. Last year, the company embarked upon the mission to expand its recruitment ambit to tap into the LQBTQIA+ talent pool, who are yet to find acceptance in the mainstream and corporate world.
With 14 transgender employees, Vedanta Aluminium is now amongst the handful of manufacturing companies in India and the world to have LGBTQIA+ employees in core operations. Globally, the gender diversity ratio in manufacturing and heavy engineering industries has traditionally been low, and this deficit is even more acute in metals and mining. To build a diverse workforce, Vedanta Aluminium has been working extensively towards attracting high-potential women and LGBTQIA+ professionals to join its ranks.
To ease their transition from the fringes of society to smart manufacturing plants, and help them evolve from semi-skilled people into professionals, Vedanta Aluminium has adopted a three-pronged approach, that includes:
Identification of trans people with minimum required skills for working in a manufacturing industry by conducting skill mapping studies.
Extensive training programs for the recruits, aimed at honing the required skillsets, including soft-skills and business knowledge.
Building an empathetic & inclusive environment by conducting gender-sensitization sessions for its workforce, with respect to the social and psychological challenges of trans people, proper code of conduct and ways of working to build a cohesive and encouraging environment for all. This also includes ensuring required infrastructural augmentations.
Going forward, the company intends to recruit more employees, both directly and indirectly through its business partners, from the LGBTQIA+ community to further increase the diversity of its workforce.
Speaking about Vedanta Aluminium’s endeavours to increase diversity of workforce, Mr. Rahul Sharma, CEO, Vedanta Limited – Aluminium Business, said, “Our markets, customers and businesses are diverse and complex. To match that, we believe in recruiting people with diverse experiences, skills, education etc so that the business strategies they formulate, the problems they solve, the innovations they make are correspondingly well-rounded. The secret sauce for our healthy gender-diversity ratio includes gender-agnostic job roles, a merit-driven work culture, a host of global experts who train and groom our employees for success, a sharp & rich learning curve, and a plethora of wellbeing initiatives designed to support them at every stage of their lives. Our ultimate objective is to build a wholesome culture, that makes our employees and partners feel welcomed, encouraged and empowered to deliver to the best of their potential.”
Arohi Sharma, one of the newly recruited transgender employees, said, “Vedanta Jharsuguda has taken utmost care towards ensuring a comfortable induction into the organization for me and my colleagues. We have been provided with robust functional and safety trainings, sessions on diversity and equal opportunity, and technical trainings for our roles & responsibilities as part of the company’s security force. Our colleagues are friendly and respectful and have made us feel welcomed. I am thankful to Vedanta for this life-changing opportunity.”
Another employee, Roma Dhruw, adds, “From struggling to survive in society to being given the empowering responsibility to handle the security of one of the world’s largest aluminium plants, I am proud to have come this far. This is a milestone moment in our lives, and the transgender community. I thank Vedanta Aluminium for giving us the opportunity to be part of the company’s growth journey.”
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.27 million tonnes in FY22. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2nd in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for aluminium industry, a reflection of its sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow. www.vedantaaluminium.com
Related to:
#vedanta #vedantaaluminium #transgender #LGBTQIA #diversity #diverseworkforce #diversityandinclusion #dei #workforcediversity
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4, Mar 2023
Keep the eyes protected as you enjoy celebrating Holi this year
-Dr. Mahipal S Sachdev, Chairman & Founder, Centre for Sight group of Eye Hospitals
With the festival of colors- Holi approaching, the whole of India especially the northern regions is going to be covered in colour in the coming days. While this time of year is enjoyed by people of every age group with gatherings and get-togethers of friends and family, Holi with itself can also bring agony to the general public’s eyes, skin, hair, and respiratory tracts.
The risk of infection in the body increases gradually in this period as the synthetic colors used are composed of chemicals and possess a great threat to people’s eyes. These Colors contain chemicals like Mercury Sulphite, Lead Oxide, and Copper Sulphate that are harmful to the eyes. Exposure to these chemicals can result in people suffering from eye allergies, temporary blindness, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Some other health hazards include skin allergies, dermatitis, drying and chapping of the skin, skin cancer, rhinitis, asthma, and pneumonia.
These synthetic colors can get easily mixed with water and enter the eye causing mild redness and irritation. It is advised for patients that if this irritation and redness do not go away in a day or two, they should refer to an ophthalmologist. The particles present inside color powders (shining mica particles in gulal) can also cause damage to the cornea. The patient can experience pain and watering from the eye and if not treated in time, this can cause an ulcer/ infection in the eye. The corneal abrasion is an emergency and one should consult the doctor immediately.
The use of these synthetic colors can also lead to partial vision loss. A gray patch appears on the retina and blocks sight. It is a serious medical complication and therefore, should not be ignored. Delayed treatment can lead to complete loss of sight. Not only holi colors but also sprays or mace can result in temporary blindness.
There is a gradual increase in the number of patients visiting hospitals Post-Holi due to skin and eye problems. The eyes are the most sensitive part of the body and any chemical that goes inside can cause mild allergy to severe chemical burns in the eye.
The balloons used by children during Holi are also dangerous as they can cause blunt eye injury. There can be bleeding within the eye, lens subluxation, macular edema, or retinal detachment. These can lead to loss of vision or loss of the eye. These are all eye emergencies that require immediate specialist consultation.
Tips you must follow to prevent damage to the eyes:-
- · Cover the eyes while playing Holi – Always cover your eyes whenever there is a chance of color coming in contact with them. Sunglasses are useful for this.
- · Keep your eyes close – Try to dissuade people from applying color all over your face with their hands. If you fail to do so, be especially careful in keeping your eyes and lips tightly shut. Always request the person not to smear the colors near the eyes.
- · Keep the windows closed when traveling by car – The menace of water balloons can be tackled in this way. Water balloons can be most damaging for your eyes as they can rupture the eyeball or even lead to retinal detachment.
- · Remove contact lenses if you feel irritation – If the eye is exposed to aniline dyes during Holi, it causes great irritation to the eye. The exposure to the dye increases for those who wear contact lenses. They should immediately discard the contact lens.
Home-made colors are always better than synthetic colors. Everybody is aware of it and can make these at home. “Haldi” mixed with flour gives yellow color, while petals of flowers of “Tesu/Palash” give you saffron color. The “Beetroot” pieces soaked in water can give magenta color. Even henna powder, gulmohar flowers, or hibiscus flowers can be used to make colors. These homemade colors are safe for the skin and eyes.
Taking this opportunity, I would request everyone to enjoy their festivities responsibly, in terms of maintaining the social distancing norms, being watchful with the synthetic colors, and your health.
4, Mar 2023
SGT University spreads message of conservation of water, organises ‘Radha Krishna Sang Phoolon Ki Holi’
Gurugram: Giving the message to save water for environmental protection, SGT University at Gurugram organised “Radha Krishna Sang Phoolon Ki Holi ‘ on Saturday. A gala of cultural events depicting the diverse culture of India was presented on this occasion. The cultural melange had dance performances in Gujarati, Haryanvi, Mizoram, Rajasthani, South Indian, and Brij and a shower of flowers in place of traditional colors for the Holi.
The cultural fiesta reflected the true spirit of the festival spreading joy, happiness, and enthusiasm. The festivities were centered on Environmental conservation theme with the redolence of marigolds replacing colors and water.
Chancellor of the University, Padmashri Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Sh. Najeeb Jung, former Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, and Chairperson of the Dashmesh Educational Charitable Trust, Smt. Madhupreet Kaur Chawla, Managing Trustee, Shri Manmohan Singh Chawla, senior officials of the university, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
The cultural event began with a welcome dance performance by “Brajesh Basantam Navneet Chauram’. Everyone was mesmerized by the Gujarati dance performance of the song ‘Holi Aai Re.”
A captivating Rajasthani folk dance performance on ‘Holia Mein Ude Re Gulal’ enthused the audience and each and everyone present at the event started dancing. The comedy act ‘Sabse Bada Moorkh,” based on humor, drew huge applause from the people at the event.
The major attractions of the event were bamboo, or Chadau, dance from Mizoram, South Indian dance from Telangana, and Holi dance from Brij. The students mesmerized the audience with their dance performance on the love stories of Radha and Krishna.
Dancing to traditional, classical, and Bollywood-based Holi songs created the ambiance of Holi. When students of SGT University started dancing to the songs ‘Meethe Ras Se Bhari Radha Rani Lage’, ‘Ab Radhe Rani De Daro Bansi Mori’, and ‘Khelo Melo Holi Khelo’, it felt as if the SGT campus had turned into Mathura-Vrindavan.
It was ecstatic to watch students dressed as Radha and Krishna, and all the people present at the event seemed to be completely immersed in the colors of Holi.
The entire program was organized under the direction of Chairperson Smt. Madhupreet Kaur Chawla and the support and motivation from Managing Trustee Shri Manmohan Singh Chawla. The pro-vice chancellor, registrar, office bearers, and other dignitaries of the university were present at the event. Students, teachers, and staff participated in the Holi Milan ceremony. The fervor of the event fostered a stronger and healthier bond of brotherhood.
4, Mar 2023
Russian Centre of Science and Culture jointly with the Indian Association of Russian Compatriots celebrates the festival of MASLENITSA in New Delhi
04 March 2023: Russian Centre of Science and Culture jointly with the Indian Association of Russian Compatriots celebrated the festival of MASLENITSA in New Delhi. The event was organized by Mrs. Elena Barman, president of IARC ( Indian Association of Russian Compatriots).
The festival marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of Spring in Russia. The people celebrate by making blini (Pancakes) and burning the Maslinitsa doll. Traditionally pancakes are enjoyed with different fillings and toppings, from Sour cream to caviar, to salmon to all the sweet things
Mrs. Barman commented on the occasion “We have been celebrating the festival for the last 20 years here in New Delhi, where we invited Russian and Indo Russian families to participate and help the children understand and enjoy the festival to keep the traditions going on.”
The director of the Russian house Mr. Oleg Osipov in his speech to guests told that the name Maslenitsa (variously translated as “Butter Week,” or “Pancake Week” in English) comes from the fact that, according to Russian Orthodox tradition. Each day of the festival involves pancakes, butter and many indulgent toppings, as Russians celebrate the arrival of Spring with an abundance of food, drinks, sledding, and snowball fights. Dressed up in beautiful traditional costumes and dance on folks songs is how the festival is celebrated. It is the day that Orthodox Russians enjoy dairy and meats as next day onwards Lent fasting begins. The Lent is a period of 40 days in preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter.
Maslenitsa is well-known for its seven days of festivities and final dose of gluttony. Food is a hugely important part of Maslenitsa. In folk tales, it’s been said that you must eat throughout the day as many times as a dog wags its tail, a fair challenge if you consider that the main food groups during this time are the stomach-filling, rich and often buttery blini. The blini, made every day of the week, symbolises the sun and its warmth and Russians are known to eat as many of them as possible during Maslenitsa since the seven days of festivities are followed by seven somber weeks of the Great Lent. What better way to enjoy the festivities with near and dear family and friends
4, Mar 2023
Celebrate Holi with a Splash of Vibrant Colours at DoubleTree by Hilton Jaipur Amer
Celebrate Holi with a Splash of vibrant colours in the pink city amidst the majestic Aravali Range at DoubleTree by Hilton Jaipur Amer. The hotel is hosting a grand celebration in their garden area to usher in the true spirit of Holi filled with joy, hope and a strong dose of unlimited fun on the 7th of March.
The Holi celebration promises you everything you need to make your holi-day perfect. Let loose and dance to the beats of upbeat music as you immerse yourself in the fervor of Holi with a live DJ. No Indian festival can be celebrated without delicious food. Indulge yourself in true Indian flavours at the live chaat counters with golgappas, kachoris, and lots more while you keep your spirits high with unlimited pours of IMFL as you enjoy the festivities with organic colours and a glass of thandai.
Revel in the joy of the colours of Holi and create everlasting memories with your friends and family at DoubleTree By Hilton Jaipur Amer.
Where: Garden area, DoubleTree By Hilton Jaipur Amer.
When: 7th March 2023
Time: 4:00 PM- 7:00 PM
Price: INR 2,499 + Taxes (Per Person)
4, Mar 2023
Guidelines For A Safe Holi
It’s time to wave goodbye to the cozy winter days and enthusiastically gear up to welcome the most beautiful season of the year, the Spring Season. With the advent of Spring arrives the much awaited festival, the celebration of Colours and indefinite Joy, that is the occasion of Holi.
People inhabiting across all the corners of India celebrate Holi with high zeal and fervor as the festival of colours wanes the barriers of caste and creed and inspires all the people to indulge in the playing gulals, rang pichkaris, songs, dances and sumptuous meals. The outbreak of the pandemic imposed several restrictions on the society and the people, so after three long years people are going to experience the vibrant and engrossing celebration of Colours and happiness.
But before the celebration commence we need to register in our mind some basic safety norms which contributes for a hygienic festivity and keeps the human body fit and free from any kind of jeopardy that may arise due to the scorching heat, synthetic colours, heavy crowd around and the consumption of attractive but junk foods and drinks.
Dr P S Karmakar, Consultant, Techno India Dama Hospital shares some valuable insights for a secure Holi Celebration. According to him we all must participate but few safety measures need to be followed –
- a. We must try to use natural colours as these are less harmful. Before playing with colours we need to apply light oil on our skin and hair.
- b. We must avoid playing with open hair as the synthetic colours can cause permanent damage.
- c. We must make use of protective sunglasses.
- d. Our celebration will be incomplete without Holi Special Platter but one shouldnot refrain from the fact that this is month of sheer heat and the environment around is also unfavourable. All these can lead to indigestion and also liver trouble. So, we need to consume less oily and spicy food.
- e. We must drink plenty of plain water. Consuming Coconut water and pure lassi, cools and heals the throat and is also a healthy substance for maintaining a stable human health.
- f. Strictly say ‘No’ to Alcohol and avoid taking any addictive products like Bhang and other kind of drugs to make the celebration prolonged and enjoy a deep hangover. Incase, the gathering compels you then take alcohol but in a controlled amount.
- g. The mounting threat of Adeno Virus infection should be kept in mind. This is now a concerned disease especially in children. The elder generation also needs to be careful. The gathering and celebration can be a strong factor in affecting everyone with the Virus.
Earlier Holi was played with colors made of plant and flower extracts. But over the years, chemicals and other toxic substances have slowly replaced natural colors. Apart from causing irritation to the eyes, these synthetic colors might also lead to temporary blindness and permanent blindness in certain cases. These toxic chemicals can lead to skin irritation, dermatitis, and a plethora of skin conditions too. This colourful festival can be a better day of fun and frolic when we play it with safety measures.
Dr Soham Basak, Consultant, Cornea Department of Disha Eye Hospitals throws light on the causes of eye infection during Holi for kids and some special eye care tips for the younger souls.
Causes for eye infection/ damage during Holi:
- 1. Synthetic yellow colours used in Holi contain heavy metals like lead causing pink eye, corneal abrasion, chemical burn. Such colours should be avoided as they can have a telling effect on the kids.
- 2. Shining mica particles in red colour are really harmful and should be avoided as they can cause damage to the cornea.
- 3. Green/ bluish-green synthetic colours contain malachite green – which is highly toxic and can lead to ocular surface burns, disfigurement of the eyes and even blindness.
- 4. Kids tend to enjoy water balloons the most. But they are the most important cause of blunt eye injury. If kids eyes are hit by balloons full of colour, the eyeballs may get severely damaged, can cause bleeding inside the eye and may even lead to retinal detachment.
- 6. Water guns are the rage now. Jets of water at high speed can also damage your eyes.
Eyes care during Holi:
- 1. Protect eyes by wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear while playing with colours
- 2. Never put colour on others around the eyes!
- 3. Fasten or tie hair together by using a cap to prevent colour from dripping into the eyes
- 4. Never rub your eyes if colours enter into them as this may cause irritation or vision loss
- 5. Apply thick layers of coconut oil around your eyes as it will help the colour to get off easily without causing harm to the eyes
- 6. It is always important to keep an eye on the kids.
- 7. If a colour has entered the eyes – immediately wash eyes with clean tap water or drinking water. Wash thoroughly.
- 8. Visit your local eye specialist for immediate treatment. Severe injuries may require referral to a super-specialised eye hospital.
- 9. Eye drops such as an antibiotic (ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin) and artificial tear drops (carboxymethyl cellulose) may be applied safely. Do not self-medicate with steroid eye drops without consulting a doctor first.
Remember – safety is the best policy!
Natural colours made from home-based products are a much better and safer option to play Holi. These can be easily made and offer a safer option as compared to the synthetic colours. Haldi mixed with besan or flour can give a yellow colour and work as a face-mask at the same time. Petals of Palash flower can be used to obtain a saffron colour. Beetroot soaked in water provides a bright magenta colour. Henna Powder, Gulmohar, and Hibiscus Flowers etc. can also be used to make different colours.
Nowadays a wide variety of organic and vegetable-sourced colours are available. It is a good option to use these colours.
4, Mar 2023
Celebrate Art Brunch on Women’s Day at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach
Visakhapatnam, 04th March, 2023 : Get ready for a special Art Brunch at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach celebrates Holi and Women’s Day with a colorful twist! A completely delightful brunch spread while one can immerse oneself in the world of art and expression on March 8th from 12:30 – 3:30 pm at their all day dining outlet , The Square.
The Art Brunch is an event that will showcase the creativity of young, talented artists through live paintings. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness the artists’ unique styles and perspectives through various mediums, including canvas and face painting. It promises to be a vibrant and exciting event that celebrates the beauty of art and womanhood.
Let the children explore their creative journeys and the inspiration behind their work, as one enjoys the delicious flavors of our brunch menu.
Main Highlights
Canvas painting
Caricature artist
Face painting
Balloon twisting
When: 8th March 2023, 12:30 to 3:30 PM
What: Art Brunch
Where:Square
Price: Chef Choice buffet menu 2499+1500 + Beverages to unlimited pour of IMFL beverages.
4, Mar 2023
Brunch in Color: Celebrate Women’s Day with a Holi Brunch at Doubletree By Hilton Goa – Panaji
Join us in celebrating the festival of colors and women’s empowerment with our Holi Brunch on March 8, 2023, at Comida, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji. This year, we’re offering a special treat to all the lovely ladies who join us – a 20% discount on the brunch!
Our expert chefs have curated a special menu for the occasion, featuring traditional Holi delicacies with a modern twist. From flavorful chaat counters to juicy kebabs, aromatic biryanis, delicious curries, and delectable desserts, all inspired by the vibrant colors and flavors of Holi. With live music and entertainment, this promises to be an unforgettable Holi celebration.
Gather your loved ones and join us for a memorable brunch, and ladies, don’t forget to avail of our special Women’s Day discount.
Book your table now and indulge in the flavors of Holi with us.
Reservations / Details: 09607975314 or 0831 2491900
When: Wednesday, 08th March
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
Venue: Comida, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji
Price: INR 2,800++ per person (alcoholic brunch)
INR 1800 ++ per person (non-alcoholic brunch)
INR 1000++ per child (6yrs – 12yrs)
4, Mar 2023
GJEPC Presents India Advantage at the Hong Kong Show
4 March 2023: On the sidelines of the ongoing 39th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 9th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, GJEPC organised an Event and Discussion on INDIA ADVANTAGE in the august presence of His Excellency Mr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat (Hon. Ambassador of India, People’s Republic of China) and Ms. Satwant Khanalia (Consul General, Consulate General of India, Hong Kong); Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC, the global trade fraternity and international media.
Mr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat (Hon. Ambassador of India, People’s Republic of China) said, “The strengths of the Indian gems & jewellery sector, intricate jewellery designs are known the world over. As we emerge from the pandemic, we expect the gems & jewellery exports to Hong Kong and through Hong Kong to the wider region to gain momentum.”
Ms. Satwant Khanalia (Consul General, Consulate General of India, Hong Kong), said “With the restart of physical gems & jewellery fairs, we expect a fillip to exports in this sector on the back of India’s leadership in diamonds, gemstones, gold jewellery and now, Lab Grown Diamonds as well”
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, India is the leading supplier of cut & polished diamonds, silver, and synthetic stones to Hong Kong and has the potential to become the leading supplier of lab grown diamonds (LGDs) to this market. India is the third-largest supplier of gems & jewellery to Hong Kong, accounting for 12% of its total annual G&J imports of $77 billion in 2021. The trade synergy between Hong Kong and India has been a vital growth avenue for India’s gem and jewellery export sector.”
“The Indian gem & jewellery industry is well-positioned to meet the demands of the future. Our aim is to take the India’s gem & jewellery exports from 40 billion dollars to USD 75 billion by 2030.”
Shah further added, “India is actively engaging in FTAs with strategic markets to boost gem & jewellery exports. FTAs with UAE and Australia have already started the benefiting Indian exporters, especially the gem & jewellery sector. Jewellery exports to UAE grew 21% since India-UAE CEPA. FTAs with UK, EU, and Canada being negotiated, while ECTA with Australia to double exports in 3 years. GJEPC has set up India Jewellery Exposition Centre (IJEX) in Dubai which offers a one-stop global marketplace for ‘Made in India’ jewellery.”
Giving a perspective about the diamonds sales, Mr. Shah of GJEPC said, “The three things that will impact the global diamond trade are responsible sourcing; evolving consumer demand post pandemic; and continuing geopolitical unrest that will affect consumer sentiment. The industry is seeing an increasing interest in traceable, responsibly sourced diamonds. In addition, supply chain transparency, sustainability and ethical practices are becoming more important to consumers. The impact on consumer sentiments and demand for diamond jewellery in the U.S. and Europe will be offset by the end of China’s zero-Covid policy and will reboot demand for polished diamonds.”
The India Pavilion, organised by GJEPC at the Hong Kong show, has an impressive presence, prime location and pride of place among other country pavilions. The Pavilion has 111 booths spread over 999 sq m area occupied by 76 exhibitors. The exhibitors are located in Hall 3G, Hall 5B & Hall 5F. Product categories include Loose Diamonds, Jewellery & Gemstones.
Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC commented, “India’s gem and jewellery sector presents a lucrative investment opportunity, given the substantial investments made in infrastructure development. The first-of-its-kind Jewellery Park and Mega Common Facility Centre in Mumbai are poised to transform the sector significantly. We look forward to serving our customers and partners with the same level of commitment and quality that has made India a leading player in the global gem and jewellery market.”
GJEPC has been taking several steps towards the Govt.’s mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). India is the world’s largest production centre for diamonds and a top consuming market as well. Council has taken the lead and engaged in extensive collaboration and aggressive promotion of Diamonds and Diamond Jewellery and Gold jewellery to appeal to millennials and Gen-Z consumers as it’s the need of the hour. The Council has been working closely with the custodians of these 2 product categories – the Natural Diamond Council and World Gold Council – to promote diamond and jewellery both domestically and internationally. With the support of Council towards maintaining and securing future diamond demand, the NDC has been spending $70-80 million per annum to grow consumption in key markets such as the US, Hong Kong, China and India.
India is rapidly emerging as the largest manufacturer of Lab Grown Diamonds (LGDs) with more than 6,000 machines/reactors for LGD. The LGD industry in India is growing at an impressive 53%. India already boasts undisputed leadership in cutting & polishing diamonds, and now with the added Govt. support, the country will become the world leader in HPHT diamonds as well. Govt. has pledged US$30 million grant for LGD research & development. India’s LGD exports are expected to reach $8 billion in the next 3 to 4 years, according to GJEPC estimates.
India’s gem and jewellery industry is becoming increasingly organised, setting an example of self-regulation and good delivery standards that will help the country maintain its position as a global leader in the jewellery market.
