The international diamond conference ‘Mines to Market’ started on April 26, 2007 in the presence of dignitaries from Maharashtra government & other countries at Mumbai. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Hon. Vilasrao Deshmukh & Minister of State for Commerce Hon. Jairam Ramesh along with GJEPC Chairman Sanjay Kothari presided over the lamp lightning ceremony. %% Others who shared the dais were Minister of Minerals, Energy & water resources, Bostwana P.H.K Kedikilwe, Joint Minister in the Cabinet of Prime Minister of Angola, H.E Mr. Anguinaldo Jame, Praveen Shankar Pandya, Bakul Mehta, Vasant Mehta & Hemant Shah.

While addressing the gathering Sanjay Kothari defined the conference as an international relationship-making platform for the benefit of the stakeholders of the industry. Contrary to the image that politicians often portray, the chief guest & presiding guest reached well before the scheduled time to grace the occasion. %% The turnout of the audience was good with the head honchos of the industry present. Extensive discussion was held on setting up a channel of direct procurement of rough from various countries like Angola, Bostwana & Russia on the day one. %% During the press conference Jairam Ramesh said, “We are trying to have an umbrella agreements with the African countries for investment.” %% The daylong discussions summed up at a plush dinner held for guests & members of the press. %% Lata Mangeshkar Honored with Forever Indian Award by DTC %% At a glittering ceremony DTC awarded the Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar with the Forever Indian Award. Before this Amitabh Bachchan was celebrated with this honor.