The much-awaited day finally arrived on 22nd April 2006, when the who’s who of the Indian diamond industry converged at the Bharat Diamond Bourse ( BDB) site at the sprawling Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai to celebrate what was termed as a ‘D-Day’ by a leading diamantaire. The day was as auspicious for the BDB as it was for the 60+ allotees, who were handed the ‘ keys’ of their offices. For the BDB, it was one major step in its endeavour to initiate the quick shifting of companies into the complex, which will start the ball rolling for the Bourse to being completely operative eventually! And for the allottees… it was a step to a new beginning, a dream taking shape, a hope being realized!

While announcing a deadline of 15 Nov. 2006 for completion of interior renovation/ interior decorations etc., Anoop Mehta, President BDB requested the allotees to utilize the extra lead time they have at hand to start and complete all work and move in by November this year. He hoped for co-operation and help from all the members to see through the completion of this colossal ultra-modern trading infrastructure.

Tracing the history of BDB and the tumultuous times when the project came to a stand-still in 1997, Kaushik Mehta, Vice President , BDB , said that the New Managing Committee was able to put the project back on tracks with single-minded dedication to reach the present status. He also thanked the staff of BDB for their dedication and hard work. Thanking the trade for their co-operation, he said that the Committee was proud that the trade was united to see the completion of the project.

Once the project is completed and the Bourse is fully operational, it would accelerate India’s march towards ‘centre stage’. And it will not be very long before India becomes a major trading centre in the world! While the global industry is keenly following the development of this colossal ultra-modern trading infrastructure, the impressive BDB project stands testimony to the spirit of the Indian diamond industry!