Diamond industry bodies Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) of India and Mumbai Diamond Merchants’ Association (MDMA) recently organized a joint felicitation of veteran diamantaire Arunkumar R Mehta who has now decided to step down from positions he held in various trade bodies and social  / charitable organizations.

The function, held at the S G Jhaveri Hall in the BDB premises on August 2, was attended by leading members of these three trade bodies.

Arunbhai set up Rosy Blue at the tender age of 20 years as a partnership firm in association with his uncle and spearheaded its growth to becoming one of the top diamond manufacturing companies in the country.  He has been associated with the BDB since the earliest days when the concept was first mooted. He has gone through the rigours of every activity and developmental work – from acquiring the land, to building the magnificent diamond complex, to pushing for its opening and to managing it. He has also been involved in several philanthropic activities as an office member of several trusts and charitable institutions, particularly Palanpur Samaj Kendra and Vidyamandir Trust.

Addressing the gathering, Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “Arunbhai’s guidance to upcoming and existing diamantaires is phenomenal. He has been a guide and a mentor giving invaluable advice. Rosy Blue has been a training school to many diamantaires established in the industry today.  We highly appreciate the services he has rendered and his mammoth contribution towards the development of the diamond industry in India and globally in the last four decades.”

Speaking on the occasion, Anoop Mehta, President, BDB acknowledged the role that Arunbhai had played in the establishment of the Bourse. “His guidance, support and zeal have been of immense significance in making BDB what it is today – a contemporary hub for the diamond industry.”

Noting that Arunbhai had a visionary outlook and an ability to build consensus within organisations or at individual levels, he also said that the veteran has envisaged changes coming in the business well ahead of its time and always had wise solutions or advice on how to tackle them.

He concluded, “I recall the words of an eminent American statesman and former US President, John Quincy Adams. He said, ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.’ We have all been thus inspired by Arunbhai over the decades. And I can say he is one of the finest leaders that this industry has.”

Ashish K Mehta, Partner Kantilal Chhotalal and Managing Trustee Vidyamandir Trust, who has worked closely with Arunbhai for close to two decades, described him as a “remarkable person with a striking intellect and exceptional foresight”. Hailing the invaluable contribution that Arunbhai has made to society, Ashishbhai added, “He has been a source of inspiration to many and galvanizes people into action. With his amazing clarity of thought and ability to find solutions, Arunbhai’s leadership helps generate enthusiasm and unlock people’s potential.”

Others who spoke at the felicitation included Bharat Shah and Kamlesh Jhaveri, while Arunbhai expressed his heartfelt thanks to all who were present.