-Chandigarh: The Navratna Learning Program 2025, organized by the Jewellers Association, Chandigarh, is being hailed as the first such gem and jewellery training initiative in the country that has the potential to become a model not just for the Tricity but for the entire nation. This was stated by Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, who attended the program as the chief guest and presented certificates to the participants. He remarked that India has been known as the land of precious stones for centuries, and gems and jewellery have always been an integral part of India’s historic and commercial strength. He praised the initiative of the Jewellers Association, saying this educational program can take India’s gem and jewellery sector to new heights. He added that this effort has demonstrated how structured and quality education can guide an industry in a progressive direction.
On the occasion, the Association’s president Hukam Chand Goyal stated that India is globally known in the field of gems and jewellery for its excellent craftsmanship, purity, and cultural richness. However, in today’s highly competitive global market, traditional knowledge is no longer sufficient. There is a pressing need for technical know-how, authenticity, and trust-building. Recognizing this, the Jewellers Association, Chandigarh launched the Navratna Learning Program as a unique educational initiative. The program is designed to educate all interested individuals who wish to gain in-depth and technical knowledge about the nine primary gems (Navratnas). The concept is based on the observation that most jewellers are traders who know how to buy and sell, but have limited scientific knowledge and accurate identification skills regarding gems.
General Secretary Naveen Rawat stated that through this learning program, jewellers will be empowered to provide accurate, authentic, and professional information to their customers. This will help prevent the spread of misinformation in the market and give the jewellery sector a more technical and professional outlook. The program aims to redefine gem trading not merely as a profit-making business, but as a high-quality and trustworthy service.
Joint Secretary Rahul Singhal shared that the initiative is inspired by the Prime Minister’s “Make in India” and “Skill India” missions, which aim to develop India into a skilled, capable, and self-reliant manufacturing and service hub. The program seeks to connect traditional jewellers with scientific perspectives and authentic knowledge so they can evolve from traders into educated, certified, and professional jewellers.
Treasurer Revant Singh highlighted that the program was conducted from June 16 to June 21, with intensive three-hour training sessions each day. A unique aspect of this initiative was the wide age range of participants—from 9 years old to 65 years old—demonstrating equal enthusiasm for learning among curious children and experienced jewellers alike.
The academic partners of the program were the Indian Diamond Institute (IDI), Surat, and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council. Experts Animesh Sharma and his associate Sanjeev Parekh provided impactful training to the participants. Their sessions included practical and technical insights into gem identification, quality assessment, commercial applications, and customer guidance. The primary objective was to transform jewellers from mere sellers into informed advisors.
