Report and pics from Hemnath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Sep 16: The Manipal Institute of Jewellery Management(MIJM), Manipal is conducting a six-day workshop on gemstones and diamonds, with theoretical and practical sessions on gem cutting, gem-testing instruments, and testing of various precious stones and gems. Delivering his welcome address here on Monday September 15, Prof (Col) M M Shanbhag said, that India was importing about $70 billion worth of uncut diamonds and exporting $100 billion worth of polished diamonds. The diamond industry was growing at a rate of 27% annually, he informed.

Prof Dr R V Karanth (formerly prof of geology at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Vadodara) and chief guest for the inaugural function stated, that the Indian heritage and culture in this field is more extensive and deep than the rest of the world, particularly Europe and American countries. More than 90% of the world’s diamonds is cut in India by seven lac workers, he added. Dr G K Prabhu, registrar, Manipal University, said that gems, apart from being a natural material, are a good form of investment too. He likened children to gems and mentioned that he was glad to have 20,000 gems in his fold.

“We have 12 crore children in the age group of 12 to 18 years of age, but only a crore of them get educated. We have been unable to mould and polish crores of our Indian children," lamented Brig (Dr) S S Pabla, pro vice-Chancellor of Manipal University, in his presidential address. “Similarly,” he said, “we have a large wealth of natural resources, but we have not capitalized on our resources. Children are a bigger resource. More than 50% of our population is less than 35 years of age. We need to transform them into gems”, he said.