The  Indian Institute of Gem and Jewellery (IIGJ) Mumbai recently held its 13th Convocation Ceremony; this one for the third batch of students graduating with a Degree in Bachelor of Arts (Gems & Jewellery) 2019. The landmark event, which was held at the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) in Mumbai, was attended by students, parents, and leading lights of the gems and jewellery industry.

The  Chief Guest at the graduation function was K. Srinivasan, Managing Director, Emerald Jewel Industry India Ltd;  and Guest of Honour  was  Alkesh Shah, Vice Chairman, Gold Star Jewellery Pvt. Ltd.

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman IIGJ;   Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director GJEPC;   Anoop Mehta, President BDB;    Mehul Shah, Vice President BDB;   Praveen Shankar Pandya, former Chairman GJEPC; and members of the Board of Directors of IIGJ including  Sanjay Kothari, Mrs. Namita Pandya,   Mansukh Kothari,   Shishir Nevatia,   Ashok Gajera,   Nirmal Kumar Barmecha; and the Head of the Institute, Sanjoy Ghosh,  graced the occasion, amongst others.

The   Convocation Ceremony 2019 commenced with the traditional lighting of the auspicious lamp by dignitaries; and a Saraswati vandana.

The Institute acknowledged the success and achievement of the graduating students for their sustained hard work, perseverance and dedication by awarding them trophies and certificates for their performance.

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman IIGJ Mumbai extended his warm welcome to those present and commended the 38 highly qualified graduates, who, he said, would be an asset to the gems and jewellery industry. He also congratulated the students for achieving this milestone through their consistent hard work and dedication.

Bhansali also felicitated Chief Guest  K. Srinivasan by presenting him with a bouquet of flowers and a memento;  the Guest of Honour  Alkesh Shah was similarly felicitated by  Sabyasachi Ray.    

Mrs. Namita Pandya felicitated  Anoop Mehta, BDB President for his gracious presence at the ceremony.

Shah shared his experiences with the young pupils, and his words of wisdom  made the students feel extremely privileged and honoured to be a part of the Institute.

Srinivasan  encouraged  the students with his words and made them aware about the growing competition in the industry. His presence on this occasion was a source of great inspiration to the students.

The IIGJ Chairman’s Trophy 2019 was awarded to   Swati Mour;   Jayati Thakkar was declared the first runner up and  Shlok Jain was declared as the second runner up, for their consistent performance and all-round excellence during their three-year degree programme.

An inspirational speech and the vote of thanks was delivered by  Sanjoy Ghosh,  Head of the Institute.

The function concluded with a  lavish lunch hosted by IIGJ to mark this  milestone in the institute’s history.

Pic Cap: The winner and runners-up of the Chairman’s Trophy for excellence: (centre)   Swati Mour; flanked by 1st runner-up Jayati Thakkar (rt) and 2nd runner-up Shlok Jain (lft)