As one enters the modern and plush office in South Mumbai and glances across at the veteran seated beneath a wall-to-wall map of the world, the glint of intelligence in his eyes is evident. In the course of further conversation, one finds that it is a fitting reflection of his sharp and alert mind. Before long one also realizes that the world map is an apt and perfect backdrop to Shiv Shankarlal Gupta, as he sits at his desk.%% His is an extraordinary tale that traces his journey from being a stock-broker in Kolkatta, through the turbulent years in Africa, where he survived hunger and disease; to becoming an pioneer of the Indian gemstone industry. %% Entrepreneurial by nature, Gupta has a spirit which is ever ready to take on challenges. This coupled with unbounded enthusiasm and a brave heart have enabled Gupta to surmount all hurdles and reach the pinnacle of success. A major force in establishing Jaipur as the leading gemstone processing centre of the world, Gupta has played a pivotal role in initiating the emerald trade that eventually led to the greening of the Pink City.%% Born on August 15, 1927, Gupta’s growing up years were difficult ones. That was the pre-Independence era, when the Freedom struggle was at its height. It was a tense period, accentuated by the fact that money was scarce in the family. So, the young Gupta began to give tuitions. He recalls that at that time when teaching each child would fetch him an income of 2 annas.%% Soon after, as a young man, he became the youngest stock-broker at the Calcutta Stock Exchange. He excelled in global transactions of various commodities, ranging from importing shiploads of potatoes, rock salt and sugar to corals, pearls and diamonds to name a few. %%However, Gupta had his heart and mind set on putting his beloved native place, Jaipur, on the international map. Thus, in 1956, he set up headquarters in Jaipur and initiated his business in coloured gemstones. %% Reminiscing about the those early days when Jaipur’s gemstone industry was being set up, he recalls that at that time there were around 2300 people in the industry, with the bulk of the business concentrated in the hands of a few. %% Gupta says, “Either you had to be born in the trade or else you had to spend at least ten years learning with someone before you could begin doing something of your own. I felt the urge to do something for these people, to get them the material that they needed at reasonable prices so that the people and the trade could both flourish.”%%

With that vision in mind, he set out on his journey to the other side of the planet to the African and American continents and found his fortune deep inside the ground. Before reaching the end of the rainbow however, he met with many difficulties. He survived an encounter with cannibals, pulled through after suffering bouts of tropical diseases. At one time even his supplies ran out. And not to forget those were days when apartheid ruled South Africa.%% Recalling those times, he says, “Those were difficult times in Africa and South America. These countries have just changed over the last 25 years. At the time I was there, people in Brazil didn’t even know what a toilet is. And in Africa there was apartheid, it was practically impossible for a colored person to go there and own something and make money out of it.”%% Yet, Gupta’s indomitable spirit and incredible entrepreneurship prevailed. Eventually, he invested in Emerald Mines in Columbia, South Africa, Brazil, South America and even Russia. He also purchased 70-year stock from the government of Columbia.%% He recalls that even during such difficult times in Africa, his mines employed about 900 people of which 80-100 were whites, specialists in their respective departments. He adds with a chuckle, “When we travelled by air, I bought an economy class ticket for me while these skilled white employees travelled first class because they just were not used to travelling in economy.” %% Along with the rough he even purchased machinery for cutting and polishing gemstones. His initiatives, apart from creating employment for many also helped the local artisans to thrive. %% “Generating employment is the best gift that a man could give his country,” he states simply. An ardent believer in welfare work and creating win-win business opportunities for people, Gupta recalls, “I sold the rough to paanwalas and halwais, people who had no skills or knowledge of these stones and they proceeded to make a fortune from it. I sold them the rough at reasonable price so that they could go and make money out of it. Many a times I knew that this buyer will go and sell this rough for four-six-eight times the purchase value, but, then that’s his luck and skill.”%% He adds, “Whenever I make a transaction, I believe that the other person should be able to make money out of doing business with me.” Driven by a philanthropic urge to give back to the society Gupta says that any man who feels that he has achieved significant height of success should ask himself one simple question - what he has done for the betterment of the common man or for the country and the answer to that will determine the level of his achievements.%%

Gupta attained global recognition when he was profiled in the {{National Geographic}} as the world’s largest dealer in emeralds. The magazine names him with being the largest emerald dealer in the world both in value as well as volume. Gupta was also presented with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 1992 by The International Diamond and Colorstone Association, USA.%% Gupta is also credited with organising the first emerald auction in Jaipur. He feels that what the trade in the city as well as the country lacks is structured trading. He was amongst the first to moot the idea of a Gem Bourse in the city. %% The setting up of the gemstone industry in Jaipur is one of the many pioneering initiatives undertaken by Gupta. His portfolio includes extensive trading done in corals and pearls as well. Around the same time he began buying emeralds, he was already known as the ‘Coral King’. He was the top importer of corals and south sea pearls from Okinawa in Japan and the biggest supplier of corals in Italy. He has also been awarded by the Coral Merchants Association.%% Gupta has also imported bulk quantities of amethyst from Brazil and turquoise from China. With a laugh he recalls his brush with turquoise and says, “Once I saw a lady in a party wearing these beautiful blue stones. When introduced to her, I asked her from where she had got these lovely gems from, and she said from China. Thus began a new business for me. %%For two years I imported huge quantities of turquoise from China and sold them at high profits. It was after two years that one of my buyers saw me coming out of the Bank of China and it rang a bell in his head. By then I was already done with this line.”%% Elaborating on his perspective, Gupta says, “I am on the constant quest to find new challenges. I am not the kind of person who can spend their entire lifetime on one profession. I have not spent years and years on any one of my businesses. I do it for a while till its novelty lasts and once other players enter that market, I exit to find newer avenues.”%% Gupta introduced the Indian jewellery industry to zircon (Cubic Zirconia or American diamonds as it is popularly called), which ushered in a new era of stylish and affordable jewellery. He was the first in India and third in the world to establish a CZ producing plant. Gupta sold his CZ manufacturing plant to his long time friend and associate Helmut Swarovski, the leading player in the CZ market. %% Based on the insight that there was a need in the mass market to for affordable jewellery, Gupta set up into Clarity Gold. This is the only company in India to manufacture ‘vermeil’ gold jewellery – that is jewellery made in sterling 925 silver, with a coating of 3 microns of gold. Gupta also introduced a new line for 18k gold CZ jewellery by the name of ‘Ishtaa’ in collaboration with Emerald Jewel Industry India Ltd. “I never hesitate in taking risks or approaching any individual or official body once I have conceived an idea,” he says. Gupta proudly recalls how he entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC (Dept of Atomic Energy) to develop high-end technology for colouring diamonds.%%

Apart from pioneering a wide array of initiatives in the gems and jewellery industry, Gupta’s entrepreneurial spirit and an uncanny insight for business has led him to become involved in over 100 different types of businesses ranging from gems and jewellery to food commodities, fabrics, real estate, construction and film production. But, the common thread that runs through them all is the vision and passion of the individual behind each new idea which accelerates it towards the summit of success. %% Elaborating on his various enterprises, Gupta says, “Whenever I see an opportunity I grab it. I believe you can make money out of anything – even if its garbage there is a way to make money from it. The key is figuring out how.” %% An alert and aware mind, according to Gupta, is the defining characteristic of a businessman. “I never went to learn the ropes of any business from anyone, but that never affected my growth. As I went along, I learnt. Knowledge is acquired. A man is either an idiot or a genius, there is nothing in between; and if you are the latter you will succeed.”%% Comparing the past with the present, Gupta’s fondness for the old days and bewilderment at the changes today are evident. He says, “When I look at the world around me and the changes that have happened so fast, I often find myself wondering if this the same world that I have been seeing all these years?” Despite that he believes change is inevitable and conducive for growth. “Ignorance is a man’s biggest enemy,” he quips with a smile. %% On being asked what according to him does the Indian gems and jewellery industry lack, vis-à-vis the world, he states with confidence, “Nothing, it leads today.” As we come to the end of our conversation, we cannot resist asking about his latest endeavor. To which this remarkable 85-year -old enthusiast replies with an enigmatic smile, “Currently I am on the lookout for something new. I get a thrill every time I do something novel. It proves your ability to achieve again and again, to still succeed in some fresh area.” %%

As one enters the modern and plush office in South Mumbai and glances across at the veteran seated beneath a wall-to-wall map of the world, the glint of intelligence in his eyes is evident. In the course of further conversation, one finds that it is a fitting reflection of his sharp and alert mind. Before long one also realizes that the world map is an apt and perfect backdrop to Shiv Shankarlal Gupta, as he sits at his desk.%% His is an extraordinary tale that traces his journey from being a stock-broker in Kolkatta, through the turbulent years in Africa, where he survived hunger and disease; to becoming an pioneer of the Indian gemstone industry. %% Entrepreneurial by nature, Gupta has a spirit which is ever ready to take on challenges. This coupled with unbounded enthusiasm and a brave heart have enabled Gupta to surmount all hurdles and reach the pinnacle of success. A major force in establishing Jaipur as the leading gemstone processing centre of the world, Gupta has played a pivotal role in initiating the emerald trade that eventually led to the greening of the Pink City.%% Born on August 15, 1927, Gupta’s growing up years were difficult ones. That was the pre-Independence era, when the Freedom struggle was at its height. It was a tense period, accentuated by the fact that money was scarce in the family. So, the young Gupta began to give tuitions. He recalls that at that time when teaching each child would fetch him an income of 2 annas.%% Soon after, as a young man, he became the youngest stock-broker at the Calcutta Stock Exchange. He excelled in global transactions of various commodities, ranging from importing shiploads of potatoes, rock salt and sugar to corals, pearls and diamonds to name a few. %%However, Gupta had his heart and mind set on putting his beloved native place, Jaipur, on the international map. Thus, in 1956, he set up headquarters in Jaipur and initiated his business in coloured gemstones. %% Reminiscing about the those early days when Jaipur’s gemstone industry was being set up, he recalls that at that time there were around 2300 people in the industry, with the bulk of the business concentrated in the hands of a few. %% Gupta says, “Either you had to be born in the trade or else you had to spend at least ten years learning with someone before you could begin doing something of your own. I felt the urge to do something for these people, to get them the material that they needed at reasonable prices so that the people and the trade could both flourish.”%%

With that vision in mind, he set out on his journey to the other side of the planet to the African and American continents and found his fortune deep inside the ground. Before reaching the end of the rainbow however, he met with many difficulties. He survived an encounter with cannibals, pulled through after suffering bouts of tropical diseases. At one time even his supplies ran out. And not to forget those were days when apartheid ruled South Africa.%% Recalling those times, he says, “Those were difficult times in Africa and South America. These countries have just changed over the last 25 years. At the time I was there, people in Brazil didn’t even know what a toilet is. And in Africa there was apartheid, it was practically impossible for a colored person to go there and own something and make money out of it.”%% Yet, Gupta’s indomitable spirit and incredible entrepreneurship prevailed. Eventually, he invested in Emerald Mines in Columbia, South Africa, Brazil, South America and even Russia. He also purchased 70-year stock from the government of Columbia.%% He recalls that even during such difficult times in Africa, his mines employed about 900 people of which 80-100 were whites, specialists in their respective departments. He adds with a chuckle, “When we travelled by air, I bought an economy class ticket for me while these skilled white employees travelled first class because they just were not used to travelling in economy.” %% Along with the rough he even purchased machinery for cutting and polishing gemstones. His initiatives, apart from creating employment for many also helped the local artisans to thrive. %% “Generating employment is the best gift that a man could give his country,” he states simply. An ardent believer in welfare work and creating win-win business opportunities for people, Gupta recalls, “I sold the rough to paanwalas and halwais, people who had no skills or knowledge of these stones and they proceeded to make a fortune from it. I sold them the rough at reasonable price so that they could go and make money out of it. Many a times I knew that this buyer will go and sell this rough for four-six-eight times the purchase value, but, then that’s his luck and skill.”%% He adds, “Whenever I make a transaction, I believe that the other person should be able to make money out of doing business with me.” Driven by a philanthropic urge to give back to the society Gupta says that any man who feels that he has achieved significant height of success should ask himself one simple question - what he has done for the betterment of the common man or for the country and the answer to that will determine the level of his achievements.%%

Gupta attained global recognition when he was profiled in the {{National Geographic}} as the world’s largest dealer in emeralds. The magazine names him with being the largest emerald dealer in the world both in value as well as volume. Gupta was also presented with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 1992 by The International Diamond and Colorstone Association, USA.%% Gupta is also credited with organising the first emerald auction in Jaipur. He feels that what the trade in the city as well as the country lacks is structured trading. He was amongst the first to moot the idea of a Gem Bourse in the city. %% The setting up of the gemstone industry in Jaipur is one of the many pioneering initiatives undertaken by Gupta. His portfolio includes extensive trading done in corals and pearls as well. Around the same time he began buying emeralds, he was already known as the ‘Coral King’. He was the top importer of corals and south sea pearls from Okinawa in Japan and the biggest supplier of corals in Italy. He has also been awarded by the Coral Merchants Association.%% Gupta has also imported bulk quantities of amethyst from Brazil and turquoise from China. With a laugh he recalls his brush with turquoise and says, “Once I saw a lady in a party wearing these beautiful blue stones. When introduced to her, I asked her from where she had got these lovely gems from, and she said from China. Thus began a new business for me. %%For two years I imported huge quantities of turquoise from China and sold them at high profits. It was after two years that one of my buyers saw me coming out of the Bank of China and it rang a bell in his head. By then I was already done with this line.”%% Elaborating on his perspective, Gupta says, “I am on the constant quest to find new challenges. I am not the kind of person who can spend their entire lifetime on one profession. I have not spent years and years on any one of my businesses. I do it for a while till its novelty lasts and once other players enter that market, I exit to find newer avenues.”%% Gupta introduced the Indian jewellery industry to zircon (Cubic Zirconia or American diamonds as it is popularly called), which ushered in a new era of stylish and affordable jewellery. He was the first in India and third in the world to establish a CZ producing plant. Gupta sold his CZ manufacturing plant to his long time friend and associate Helmut Swarovski, the leading player in the CZ market. %% Based on the insight that there was a need in the mass market to for affordable jewellery, Gupta set up into Clarity Gold. This is the only company in India to manufacture ‘vermeil’ gold jewellery – that is jewellery made in sterling 925 silver, with a coating of 3 microns of gold. Gupta also introduced a new line for 18k gold CZ jewellery by the name of ‘Ishtaa’ in collaboration with Emerald Jewel Industry India Ltd. “I never hesitate in taking risks or approaching any individual or official body once I have conceived an idea,” he says. Gupta proudly recalls how he entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC (Dept of Atomic Energy) to develop high-end technology for colouring diamonds.%%

Apart from pioneering a wide array of initiatives in the gems and jewellery industry, Gupta’s entrepreneurial spirit and an uncanny insight for business has led him to become involved in over 100 different types of businesses ranging from gems and jewellery to food commodities, fabrics, real estate, construction and film production. But, the common thread that runs through them all is the vision and passion of the individual behind each new idea which accelerates it towards the summit of success. %% Elaborating on his various enterprises, Gupta says, “Whenever I see an opportunity I grab it. I believe you can make money out of anything – even if its garbage there is a way to make money from it. The key is figuring out how.” %% An alert and aware mind, according to Gupta, is the defining characteristic of a businessman. “I never went to learn the ropes of any business from anyone, but that never affected my growth. As I went along, I learnt. Knowledge is acquired. A man is either an idiot or a genius, there is nothing in between; and if you are the latter you will succeed.”%% Comparing the past with the present, Gupta’s fondness for the old days and bewilderment at the changes today are evident. He says, “When I look at the world around me and the changes that have happened so fast, I often find myself wondering if this the same world that I have been seeing all these years?” Despite that he believes change is inevitable and conducive for growth. “Ignorance is a man’s biggest enemy,” he quips with a smile. %% On being asked what according to him does the Indian gems and jewellery industry lack, vis-à-vis the world, he states with confidence, “Nothing, it leads today.” As we come to the end of our conversation, we cannot resist asking about his latest endeavor. To which this remarkable 85-year -old enthusiast replies with an enigmatic smile, “Currently I am on the lookout for something new. I get a thrill every time I do something novel. It proves your ability to achieve again and again, to still succeed in some fresh area.” %%

As one enters the modern and plush office in South Mumbai and glances across at the veteran seated beneath a wall-to-wall map of the world, the glint of intelligence in his eyes is evident. In the course of further conversation, one finds that it is a fitting reflection of his sharp and alert mind. Before long one also realizes that the world map is an apt and perfect backdrop to Shiv Shankarlal Gupta, as he sits at his desk.%% His is an extraordinary tale that traces his journey from being a stock-broker in Kolkatta, through the turbulent years in Africa, where he survived hunger and disease; to becoming an pioneer of the Indian gemstone industry. %% Entrepreneurial by nature, Gupta has a spirit which is ever ready to take on challenges. This coupled with unbounded enthusiasm and a brave heart have enabled Gupta to surmount all hurdles and reach the pinnacle of success. A major force in establishing Jaipur as the leading gemstone processing centre of the world, Gupta has played a pivotal role in initiating the emerald trade that eventually led to the greening of the Pink City.%% Born on August 15, 1927, Gupta’s growing up years were difficult ones. That was the pre-Independence era, when the Freedom struggle was at its height. It was a tense period, accentuated by the fact that money was scarce in the family. So, the young Gupta began to give tuitions. He recalls that at that time when teaching each child would fetch him an income of 2 annas.%% Soon after, as a young man, he became the youngest stock-broker at the Calcutta Stock Exchange. He excelled in global transactions of various commodities, ranging from importing shiploads of potatoes, rock salt and sugar to corals, pearls and diamonds to name a few. %%However, Gupta had his heart and mind set on putting his beloved native place, Jaipur, on the international map. Thus, in 1956, he set up headquarters in Jaipur and initiated his business in coloured gemstones. %% Reminiscing about the those early days when Jaipur’s gemstone industry was being set up, he recalls that at that time there were around 2300 people in the industry, with the bulk of the business concentrated in the hands of a few. %% Gupta says, “Either you had to be born in the trade or else you had to spend at least ten years learning with someone before you could begin doing something of your own. I felt the urge to do something for these people, to get them the material that they needed at reasonable prices so that the people and the trade could both flourish.”%%

With that vision in mind, he set out on his journey to the other side of the planet to the African and American continents and found his fortune deep inside the ground. Before reaching the end of the rainbow however, he met with many difficulties. He survived an encounter with cannibals, pulled through after suffering bouts of tropical diseases. At one time even his supplies ran out. And not to forget those were days when apartheid ruled South Africa.%% Recalling those times, he says, “Those were difficult times in Africa and South America. These countries have just changed over the last 25 years. At the time I was there, people in Brazil didn’t even know what a toilet is. And in Africa there was apartheid, it was practically impossible for a colored person to go there and own something and make money out of it.”%% Yet, Gupta’s indomitable spirit and incredible entrepreneurship prevailed. Eventually, he invested in Emerald Mines in Columbia, South Africa, Brazil, South America and even Russia. He also purchased 70-year stock from the government of Columbia.%% He recalls that even during such difficult times in Africa, his mines employed about 900 people of which 80-100 were whites, specialists in their respective departments. He adds with a chuckle, “When we travelled by air, I bought an economy class ticket for me while these skilled white employees travelled first class because they just were not used to travelling in economy.” %% Along with the rough he even purchased machinery for cutting and polishing gemstones. His initiatives, apart from creating employment for many also helped the local artisans to thrive. %% “Generating employment is the best gift that a man could give his country,” he states simply. An ardent believer in welfare work and creating win-win business opportunities for people, Gupta recalls, “I sold the rough to paanwalas and halwais, people who had no skills or knowledge of these stones and they proceeded to make a fortune from it. I sold them the rough at reasonable price so that they could go and make money out of it. Many a times I knew that this buyer will go and sell this rough for four-six-eight times the purchase value, but, then that’s his luck and skill.”%% He adds, “Whenever I make a transaction, I believe that the other person should be able to make money out of doing business with me.” Driven by a philanthropic urge to give back to the society Gupta says that any man who feels that he has achieved significant height of success should ask himself one simple question - what he has done for the betterment of the common man or for the country and the answer to that will determine the level of his achievements.%%

Gupta attained global recognition when he was profiled in the {{National Geographic}} as the world’s largest dealer in emeralds. The magazine names him with being the largest emerald dealer in the world both in value as well as volume. Gupta was also presented with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 1992 by The International Diamond and Colorstone Association, USA.%% Gupta is also credited with organising the first emerald auction in Jaipur. He feels that what the trade in the city as well as the country lacks is structured trading. He was amongst the first to moot the idea of a Gem Bourse in the city. %% The setting up of the gemstone industry in Jaipur is one of the many pioneering initiatives undertaken by Gupta. His portfolio includes extensive trading done in corals and pearls as well. Around the same time he began buying emeralds, he was already known as the ‘Coral King’. He was the top importer of corals and south sea pearls from Okinawa in Japan and the biggest supplier of corals in Italy. He has also been awarded by the Coral Merchants Association.%% Gupta has also imported bulk quantities of amethyst from Brazil and turquoise from China. With a laugh he recalls his brush with turquoise and says, “Once I saw a lady in a party wearing these beautiful blue stones. When introduced to her, I asked her from where she had got these lovely gems from, and she said from China. Thus began a new business for me. %%For two years I imported huge quantities of turquoise from China and sold them at high profits. It was after two years that one of my buyers saw me coming out of the Bank of China and it rang a bell in his head. By then I was already done with this line.”%% Elaborating on his perspective, Gupta says, “I am on the constant quest to find new challenges. I am not the kind of person who can spend their entire lifetime on one profession. I have not spent years and years on any one of my businesses. I do it for a while till its novelty lasts and once other players enter that market, I exit to find newer avenues.”%% Gupta introduced the Indian jewellery industry to zircon (Cubic Zirconia or American diamonds as it is popularly called), which ushered in a new era of stylish and affordable jewellery. He was the first in India and third in the world to establish a CZ producing plant. Gupta sold his CZ manufacturing plant to his long time friend and associate Helmut Swarovski, the leading player in the CZ market. %% Based on the insight that there was a need in the mass market to for affordable jewellery, Gupta set up into Clarity Gold. This is the only company in India to manufacture ‘vermeil’ gold jewellery – that is jewellery made in sterling 925 silver, with a coating of 3 microns of gold. Gupta also introduced a new line for 18k gold CZ jewellery by the name of ‘Ishtaa’ in collaboration with Emerald Jewel Industry India Ltd. “I never hesitate in taking risks or approaching any individual or official body once I have conceived an idea,” he says. Gupta proudly recalls how he entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC (Dept of Atomic Energy) to develop high-end technology for colouring diamonds.%%

Apart from pioneering a wide array of initiatives in the gems and jewellery industry, Gupta’s entrepreneurial spirit and an uncanny insight for business has led him to become involved in over 100 different types of businesses ranging from gems and jewellery to food commodities, fabrics, real estate, construction and film production. But, the common thread that runs through them all is the vision and passion of the individual behind each new idea which accelerates it towards the summit of success. %% Elaborating on his various enterprises, Gupta says, “Whenever I see an opportunity I grab it. I believe you can make money out of anything – even if its garbage there is a way to make money from it. The key is figuring out how.” %% An alert and aware mind, according to Gupta, is the defining characteristic of a businessman. “I never went to learn the ropes of any business from anyone, but that never affected my growth. As I went along, I learnt. Knowledge is acquired. A man is either an idiot or a genius, there is nothing in between; and if you are the latter you will succeed.”%% Comparing the past with the present, Gupta’s fondness for the old days and bewilderment at the changes today are evident. He says, “When I look at the world around me and the changes that have happened so fast, I often find myself wondering if this the same world that I have been seeing all these years?” Despite that he believes change is inevitable and conducive for growth. “Ignorance is a man’s biggest enemy,” he quips with a smile. %% On being asked what according to him does the Indian gems and jewellery industry lack, vis-à-vis the world, he states with confidence, “Nothing, it leads today.” As we come to the end of our conversation, we cannot resist asking about his latest endeavor. To which this remarkable 85-year -old enthusiast replies with an enigmatic smile, “Currently I am on the lookout for something new. I get a thrill every time I do something novel. It proves your ability to achieve again and again, to still succeed in some fresh area.” %%