GJS MindSpeak Where Ideas Spark Revolutions

The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s jewellery industry through advocacy, development, and initiatives like the GJS. A key highlight of GJS is MindSpeak, a seminar series fostering discussions on industry challenges, innovations, and policy recommendations. Mr Ashok Minawala, Past Chairman of GJC and Convener of GJS MindSpeak has been instrumental in driving this initiative. With his leadership, MindSpeak has become a platform where industry experts collaborate, exchange ideas, and create actionable insights, ensuring continuous progress for jewellers across India.

1. The name “Mindspeak” suggests an exchange of deep intellectual thought. What core objectives do you aim to achieve through this initiative?

Answer: MindSpeak started during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were confined to their homes with ample free time. We launched this initiative and conducted daily seminars for 90 to 100 days, exploring topics that were often overlooked—some regular, some unusual. This sparked fresh perspectives, encouraging participants to reflect, experiment with events, and find ways to improve their current working conditions. It became a game changer, emerging at a time when people had the luxury of time. Thus, the concept took shape in 2020, at the onset of the pandemic.

2. How will this year’s Mindspeak differ from previous editions? Are there any new themes or pressing industry challenges that will take centre stage this time?

We represent an industry, not a company or an individual. Every industry faces daily challenges, and these vary across sectors and companies based on their capabilities, working styles, and operations. Through the MindSpeak seminar program at this year’s GJS show, we have curated a series of topics aimed at sparking new ideas and fresh perspectives. With an exceptional lineup of speakers, we have structured the program to encourage maximum participation from jewellers across the country, helping them explore and apply valuable insights.

3. With the next generation of jewellers bringing new perspectives, how does Mindspeak facilitate intellectual dialogue between veteran industry leaders and emerging entrepreneurs?

There are panel discussions with several industry leaders as panellists, there are other individual speakers and a full range of subjects that matter to the industry – that are presently needed for every single jeweller. All these subjects will be addressed at the MindSpeak and a one-hour discussion will give sufficient information available for a lot of people. I do not think anybody in the industry can afford or should stay away from this.

4. As a veteran in the industry, how do you define “thought leadership” in the jewellery sector? Do you envision Mindspeak evolving into an intellectual think tank or an ongoing research-driven forum that could influence policy-making and set rational benchmarks for the industry?

Whenever industry-related burning issues are discussed, efforts are always made to find solutions. When people come together, solutions emerge—many of which can be recommended for policy consideration. During government policy decisions, these insights can be brought forward, making it easier for GJC to weave them into a larger framework. This has been GJC’s strength for over 20 years, giving it a distinct edge over even the largest organisations. The true measure of impact is not the volume of business one holds but the ability to think, execute, and implement solutions effectively, driving meaningful change across the entire value chain.

5. What legacy do you hope Mindspeak will leave for future generations in the industry? How do you wish it to be remembered as a transformative force in jewellery business thinking?

This is an evolving legacy—not one that is rigid or confined to the past. We have created milestones and set benchmarks, but what makes GJC dynamic is the influx of new leaders from across the country who have raised the bar even higher. Their contributions surpass past achievements, driving continuous growth. This is the lesson for the younger generation—there are no limits to ideas, and no single path to follow. The world is open to endless possibilities, and while there is always time to act and react, the key lies in seizing the right moment.