Bharat Diamond Bourse, the world’s largest diamond exchange, celebrated 75 years of India’s Independence with Amruta Devendra Fadnavis, HE Frank Geerkens, Consulate General of Belgium, HE Agus P Saptono, Consulate General of Indonesia and HE Zainal Azian Nadzir, Consulate General of Malaysia. Every year BDB celebrates Independence day with flag hosting, followed with march past and guard of honor by the department of Security & Fire Safety, and an in-house band of BDB.

This year was very special with India completing 75 years of independence; the entire bourse was illuminated with LED lighting of Tri-colors of the national flag and decorated with fluttering flags and bright balloons across all offices and covering the open areas.  

The event started with a welcome note from BDB President, Anoop Mehta who welcomed all the guests on the proud day celebrating 75 years of India’s independence. Further, he mentioned that in the last 75 years the diamond industry played a vital role when the country needed valuable foreign exchange. He also mentioned that the diamond industry was proud of the contribution done to the country and looking forward to it could support the country to take it to next level. “Globally we are number one in diamonds and in the next decade we are striving to be number one in jewellery also. Lead from the front in the next 10 years as our Prime Minister has said. India has to lead from the front.” 

HE Frank Geerkens, Consulate General of Belgium thanked for the opportunity to attend the 75 years celebrations and said that BDB is at the heart of the relationship between Belgium and India. Diamond City of Antwerp which is a major trading place would not have existed without partners like India and especially BDB.

HE Agus P Saptono, Consulate General of Indonesia, warmly congratulated India for the special day marking 75 years of India’s independence. He mentioned that trade in goods and precious stones between Indonesia and India have been ongoing for centuries. Indonesia and India are traditional partners and would be modern partners in the future as well, he concluded.

HE Zainal Azian Nadzir, Consulate General of Malaysia congratulated India for celebrating 75 years of Independence. He said, “This year also marks the 65th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and India. I hope that the two countries continue to have flourishing bilateral relations.”

Amruta Fadnavis, partner of current Deputy CM of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis stared her speech by extending her wishes for an auspicious and happy 75th Year of Independence. She said, “Azadi ke amrit mahotsav ki sab ko shubhkamnaye. It is a day of honor and pride for every Indian. We should remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters because of whom we are free today. With the contribution of diamond-hearted stalwarts like you all the target of a 5-trillion economy is not far away.” She congratulated every individual from the Bourse who contributed to the economy and national employment. She stated that around 93% of the world’s diamonds are sourced from India and BDB contributes 98% of diamonds in that. Amruta Fadnavis then concluded her remarks by praising BDB’s working and security performance.

Mehul Shah, Vice President of BDB presented the vote of thanks and in his speech, he thanked Chief Guest Amruta Fadnavis who graced the event. He also thanked the Consulate General of Belgium Frank Geerkens stating that Belgium is like our extended family. Further, he thanked HE Agus P Saptono, Consulate General of Indonesia and HE Zainal Azian Nadzir, Consulate General of Malaysia, and all the dignitaries to be part of the grand 75th Indian Independence Day Celebrations.

Mehul Shah emphasized BDB as being among the most secured and safe diamond complexes of the world thanking BDB’s Digital surveillance and on ground fire and security teams. Mehul Shah further acknowledged the various teams of BDB, housekeeping, gardening, administrative, customs and all executives and staff instrumental in making BDB the finest complex. The event continued till August 17, when the entire population at the bourse participated in a national anthem singing event along the in-house brass band.