Surat: The global diamond cutting and polishing hub remained muted on the inaugural World Diamond Day (WDD) on Wednesday, with no events held in the city that processes nine out of ten rough diamonds worldwide.While the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) announced the initiative in March to celebrate the cultural, economic and community value of natural diamonds, the only major event — an award ceremony — was organized in Mumbai by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).The absence of celebrations in Surat stood out, given the city’s central role in the global diamond industry and its workforce of nearly eight lakh people. The initiative comes at a time when the sector is grappling with weak demand and global economic uncertainty, even as Surat is rapidly emerging as a major hub for lab-grown diamonds.The city is also home to the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), billed as the world’s largest office building, aimed at consolidating trading, manufacturing and allied services under one roof to strengthen its global position.Industry leaders expressed surprise over the lack of local participation. “There should have been events marking the day in the city that supplies 90% of the world’s polished diamonds. Diamonds are a key contributor to exports and employment,” said Dinesh Navadiya, chairman of the regional committee of GJEPC.Echoing similar sentiments, Surat Diamond Association (SDA) president Jagdish Khunt said the city should celebrate the industry that has driven its growth. “No event was planned here, but such an occasion should highlight Surat’s contribution to the global diamond trade,” he said.
