HEARTFELT LETTER BY MR. ASHISH PETHE TO THE ENTIRE GEMS & JEWELLERY INDUSTRY

Dear GJC Members & Industry Friends,

My tenure as the Chairman of All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) concludes with 2022 and the saying is indeed true that ‘Saying Goodbye to the Close Ones is Always the Hardest.”

My journey as the Chairman of this prestigious body began during the uncertain times of COVID in January 2021, and the past two years has been a memorable and unforgettable journey. While all of us were reeling from the first wave of the pandemic, the second wave turned out to be more lethal in all aspects. While the uncertainty of COVID continued to shadow our industry, hallmarking was also made mandatory in the same year. This was the most challenging aspect during my tenure, but thanks to support from the entire industry, we managed to represent it very well. Almost 90% of the work we set out to do has been accomplished. However, there are still certain ambiguities in the scheme, which I am hopeful that we will resolve soon.

Slowly and steadily, the pandemic restrictions were eased out across India and business picked up across India. Diwali 2022 was one of the best seasons in recent memory.

B2B shows were once again back in action. We started with a grand successful show of PMI in Bengaluru, which set the momentum for all our forthcoming initiatives. Our Industry’s dream project “Humara Apna Show,” managed to set a new benchmark in the B2B exhibition space. Continuing this success, our next edition in September 2022 was equally successful and well appreciated. Apart from these, we successfully organized 5 PMIs, more than 100 Labhams, 2 National Jewellery Awards and many more Jewellers meets and networking opportunities.

My tenure as Chairman was never a “one-man job,” but a total teamwork with years of experience and a firm commitment from our entire Board. My heartfelt thanks to my Vice Chairman, COA members, Committee Conveners and their members, Past Chairmen, GJC ZCMs, GJC members, & colleagues for constantly supporting and guiding me during these past 2 years. A special thanks to all the dedicated team at GJC office for their untiring efforts throughout past two years. A special thanks to all the associations/ Councils of the G&J industry for the support extended during my tenure.

GJC gave me an opportunity to learn the core DNA of our Industry in depth & also contribute to key policy matters of the industry like IIBX, Domestic Spot Exchange, Parliamentary Standing committee, CEPA, Swarn Adarsh Abhiyaan to name a few. During this journey I have met many extra-ordinary people who are now good friends. I have learned a lot from them, which has made me a better person.

I would like to sincerely thank all Government Ministries and their respective departments for their support in solving all the problems of the industry. I take this opportunity to thank all my friends from mainstream and trade media for helping us reach out across the nation.

I am sure GJC shall continue serving the industry with its motto of Protect, Promote and Progress and I wish the incoming Chairman and the COA 2023/24 all the very best in all their future endeavours.

Last but not least, a special thank you to my family for their support and understanding during the past two years.

Wishing all of you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!!

Thank You

Ashish Pethe, Chairman, GJC