The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Mumbai, took a significant leap forward in its journey of growth with the inauguration of its newly modernised, state-of-the-art campus. The launch marks a new chapter for the institute, reinforcing its role as a centre of excellence in gems and jewellery education, skill development, and innovation.
Event Dignitaries
The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC India, along with Guests of Honour Shri Dilipbhai V. Lakhi, Chairman of Lakhi Group, and Shri Raj Hitendra Parikh, Managing Director of Uni-Design Jewellery. Also present were Shri Adil Kotwal, President of SEEPZ GJMA; Shri Sanjay Kothari, Founding Board Member of IIGJ Mumbai; and Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of GJEPC. The event was chaired by Shri Milan Chokshi, Chairman of IIGJ Mumbai, and Shri Debasish Biswas, CEO, who extended heartfelt thanks to all guests, industry stakeholders, and supporters who have been instrumental in IIGJ’s journey.
New Campus Features
With upgraded infrastructure and advanced learning facilities, the new campus is designed to meet the evolving needs of students and professionals, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly changing global business environment.
Kirit Bhansali’s Remarks
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC said, “The new IIGJ Mumbai campus is more than just a modern facility — it reflects the spirit of an industry that constantly evolves to stay ahead of the times. For over two decades, IIGJ has nurtured more than 8,000 talented professionals who now drive India’s gems and jewellery sector. As IIGJ moves towards becoming a Deemed University, this milestone reaffirms its pivotal role in shaping the next generation of designers, artisans, and leaders.”
Dilipbhai Lakhi’s Support
Offering to support the establishment of IIGJ centres in Kolkata, Rajkot, Jaipur, and Surat, Shri Dilipbhai Lakhi, Chairman, Lakhi Group, said, “This is the time for our industry to shine. With institutions like IIGJ and the strong backing of the industry, we can become the world leader in technology, design, manufacturing, and innovation.”
Raj Hitendra Parikh’s Vision
Shri Raj Hitendra Parikh, Managing Director, Uni-Design Jewellery, said, “We will strive to follow in the footsteps of our industry leaders who have built a strong foundation through their vision and dedication. We aim to make our industry proud, make ourselves proud, and take this sector to the next level.”
Adil Kotwal’s Emphasis on Skilling
Shri Adil Kotwal, President, SEEPZ Gem & Jewellery Manufacturers’ Association, said, “One of the biggest achievements of GJEPC has been its commitment to nurturing young talent through IIGJ campuses across the country. Skilling and training must remain a priority, and I would strongly urge GJEPC to channel a larger part of its resources into education and capacity building. With such focused efforts, India has every potential to become the jewellery hub of the world — and I believe IIGJ can play a central role in unlocking that potential.”
Sanjay Kothari’s Reflections
Shri Sanjay Kothari, Founding Board Member of IIGJ Mumbai, said, “IIGJ Mumbai became a reality thanks to the wholehearted financial support of our industry members, who recognised the potential of such an institute to nurture talent, create employment, and build resources that would strengthen our sector for the future. I remain deeply grateful to all who stood by this cause. Today, the entire IIGJ team is leading this institute through a remarkable transformation — one that keeps pace with generational shifts and the changing business landscape.”
Milan Chokshi’s Commitment
Shri Milan Chokshi, Chairman, IIGJ Mumbai, said, “When IIGJ was founded, the intent was simple yet profound — to give back to the trade that shaped us. The support we received from industry leaders laid the foundation for what we have achieved today. With this modernised campus, we carry that same spirit forward — to stay relevant, empower talent, and continue supporting the industry as it evolves.”
Sabyasachi Ray’s Focus on Knowledge
Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, said, “Any great nation is built on the foundation of knowledge. Our own industry has thrived because of knowledge — we have world-class designers and cutting and polishing centres. So, it is vital to nurture institutions like IIGJ and to keep expanding and deepening our knowledge base to keep us ahead of the world.”
IIGJ Mumbai’s Legacy
IIGJ Mumbai, the first institute under the IIGJ banner, has been a cornerstone of jewellery education in India since its inception in 2002. As it approaches its 23rd anniversary in November 2025, the institute proudly reflects on its journey from offering a handful of programs to becoming a comprehensive centre of learning. Today, it offers a flagship three-year degree program, a postgraduate diploma, and a wide range of professional certifications. Over the past 23 years, more than 8,000 students have graduated from IIGJ Mumbai, each successfully contributing to the industry as entrepreneurs or professionals with reputed brands. Equipped with world-class infrastructure, advanced laboratories, and highly experienced faculty, IIGJ Mumbai continues to raise the benchmark in gems and jewellery education. With plans to become the main campus of a proposed Deemed University under UGC by 2026–27, the institute is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of the industry.
About IIGJ Mumbai
IIGJ Mumbai campus, established by GJEPC in 2003, stands as a premier institution for gems and jewellery education, located in the bustling hub of India’s jewellery industry at MIDC Andheri East. Spanning 14,000 sq. ft. across six levels, the campus features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including air-conditioned classrooms, cutting-edge CAD and Gemmology labs, advanced Manufacturing workshop, library and auditorium for events and presentations. Celebrating 20+ years of excellence, IIGJ Mumbai offers well-designed, industry-driven programs tailored to meet evolving market demands and delivered by expert faculty. Strategic collaborations and a reputation for producing highly skilled professionals make IIGJ Mumbai a top destination for those aspiring to excel in the dynamic world of gems and jewellery.
About The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GoI) in 1966, is one of several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) launched by the Indian Government, to boost the country’s export thrust, when India’s post-Independence economy began making forays in the international markets. Since 1998, the GJEPC has been granted autonomous status. The GJEPC is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and today represents 10700+ members in the sector. With headquarters in Mumbai, GJEPC has Regional Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat and Jaipur, all of which are major centres for the industry. It thus has a wide reach and is able to have a closer interaction with members to serve them in a direct and more meaningful manner. Over the past decades, GJEPC has emerged as one of the most active EPCs and has continuously strived to both expand its reach and depth in its promotional activities as well as widen and increase services to its members.
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