Indian leaders in the diamond industry host successful Diwali gala in New York City

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Hundreds of Indian and Indian-American leaders of the jewelry industry met at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square to hold their annual Diwali celebration gala Sunday, October 22, 2023.

The luncheon event was organized by the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association, and the sold-out gala also recognized several professionals for their success and extraordinary contributions in their fields and for society in general.

Highlights of the afternoon event were the networking reception, followed by the Award Presentation, and enjoyable cuisine at the Broadway Ballroom of the Marriott. Entertainment was provided by Medley Entertainment.

The keynote speaker was Feriel Zerouki, president of the World Diamond Council and senior vice president of the De Beers Group.

Shailesh Jhalani, president of IDCA, speaking to ITV Gold, noted that India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj and Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph were invited guests. He estimated close to 500 attendees were at the event. It was a packed hall where guests were seated around tables to enjoy the lunch, the entertainment and speeches as well as the award-giving ceremony.

Also present were Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, as well as Dr. Sudha Parikh; and New York State’s only Indian-American Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar; Anna Martin, senior Vice President of the Gemological Institute of America.

A lamp-lighting ceremony kick-started the event.

Honorees recognized in several categories at the Gala included  –

Manufacturer of the Year – Fine Jewelry Award: J B Star Jewelry

Visionary Leadership Award – Jewelry: Ashi Diamonds, LLC

E-tailer of the Year Award: Angara, Inc.

Excellence in Community Service Award – Rajendra Bafna, S.R.B. Trading

Dr. Parikh said he was excited to be part of the IDCA celebration.

“This organization is a real pillar of the community, and big philanthropist who gives to the community in a big way,” Dr. Parikh said. “We wish them all the best and congratulate Shailesh Jhalani and his father Mr. (Kailash) Jhalani, for this great organization.”

Deputy CG Jeph told ITV Gold, “It (IDCA) is a thriving organization, doing wonderful work in New York and in United States. They lead the export of diamond jewelry to US from India which makes a huge and significant percentage of India’s export basket to US.” They also create jobs in India, which contributes notably to that country’s GDP, Jeph added, praising IDCA for celebrating the Indo-US partnership and India’s culture.

Several leaders and officeholders of IDCA spoke to ITV Gold, all of them wishing Happy Diwali and a prosperous and healthy New Year to those present and viewers of the television program.

Manoj Bhandari, secretary of IDCA, said it was after a long time that the event was being held in NY and that previous ones had been held in Tuscon, AZ, and Las Vegas, NV, during the Gem Trade Show. “I am happy to have house full,” and to meet all the fellow gem traders, Bhandari said. Aniket Parikh, and Navneet Chordia, both directors at IDCA, also wished everyone Happy Diwali.

Anna Martin of the Gemological Institute of America, speaking to ITV Gold, also wished everyone a Happy Diwali and a healthy and prosperous New Year.