RY Durlabhji, an iconic name in the Gems and jewellery sector, are the pioneers and leading exporter of coloured gemstones (especially emerald)That they have won innumerable awards and recognition for their accomplishments in the export arena is a fact well known. As is also the fact known that they are the pioneers in the manufacture of Sandwana emeralds on the scientific basis.

Rashmibhai (as he was popularly known) was the partner of RY Durlabhji.However, what stands out about this multi- faceted person is the thrust that he gave to the gem and jewellery sector. Consider this: when Durlabhji was the Chairman of the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC), the exports in this sector Leapfrogged by a whopping extent. An incredible 17 percent of India’s export became that of the gems and jewellery sector. What is even more incredible is the fact that the proportion in terms of percentage has not changed even today. Under his proactive stewardship, a number of matters pertaining to the trade were sorted out and streamlined. Little wonder then that the GJEPC had specially created ‘Awardof Eminence’ in 2001. The citation of the award aptly said: in deep appreciation of his preeminent and invaluable contribution over three decades to the cause of Gems & Jewellery Exports and his exemplary role in the international arena in promoting this industry worldwide.’ While Rashmibhai was making a headway in the national apex trade body; he was also the founding organizer of the New York-Based International Colored Gemstone association (ICGA). He was its Vice Prsident from 1984 to 1990-indeed a stellar honour for an Indian to represent India in this 38-country international organization. What was even more gratifying was that he has delvered the keynote address at the Biennial Congress of this prestigious organization no less than three times. A stickler for intricate detail, Rashmibhai had superb organizing skills. ICA Organized under the convenership of Durlabhji in January 2003 at Jaipur was a tremendous success.

More recently he was instrumental in launching the Jaipur Jewellery Show (JJS) The first show was held in December 2003 and within a span of four years the event has attained international status. An able organizer that he was, his pioneering efforts that this extravaganza has placed Jaipur on the world jewellery map. His involvement can be gauged from the fact that he would personally approve every little thing that went into the making of this mega-event, be it the-matter for the administration of the exposition site or for that matter, the creative aspect of the fasion show. It goes entirely to his credit that under his convenership, the event is now the biggest in north India; and second largest in the country. It is a matter of immense satisfaction that other states are now emulating JJS to organize similar shows there.

RASHMIKANT DURLABJI

Founder Convener