The Indian Institute of Jewellery (IIJ) and the well-known college of architecture, Rachna Sansad, announced their joint technical collaboration, on December 8, 2008. The institutes will collaborate in courses like jewellery manufacturing, designing, gemology and the Jewellery Business Program. The chief guest at the function was Ashok Minawala, chairman, Gem and Jewellery Trade Federation and the guest of honour was well-known jewellery designer, Manali Vengsarkar.

Speaking on the occasion, Renu Kapoor, Director, IIJ, stressed the need for such a collaboration as the jewellery industry has the potential for explosive growth. “The gems and jewellery industry has a share of 13.4 percent of India’s total exports and 8.37 percent of the world’s exports. We therefore feel a great need for skill based people and hence the need for such collaborations.” She emphasised the fact that a mere B.com or a BA degree was no longer enough and the era of specialists had come to stay. She also mentioned that the value of the Indian urban market is Rs.28,000 crores and that of the rural market Rs.47,000 crores. She revealed that out of every 100 diamonds, 92 were cut and polished in India, but despite this, the world preferred to go to other countries to buy jewellery. Hence, there was an urgent need for formal education in the jewellery business in India.

Ashok Minawala, chairman, GJF, spoke briefly on the occasion. He pointed out that despite the fact that jewellery trade is in the list of top 10 industries in India, not much importance is given to the trade. He mentioned that the Prime Minister, Mr. Manmohan Singh, intended to mould the jewellery trade into one of the best industries in the country. He disclosed that the jewellery industry employs 10 million people in India and has exports worth Rs.60,000 crores –Rs.170,000 crores. However, the industry is not organised, and some knowledge, growth could be kickstarted in the industry. “IIJ has trained a lot of people in the industry and I’m sure these programmes will help the industry to grow,” he concluded.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor SH Wandrekar, chairman, Rachna Sansad, said that “We are always eager to support art. With these programmes we will be able to bring out good artists who will be able to execute proper jewellery designs. IIJ is a well-known name in the industry and we are happy to have the best on board with us.”