The 5th edition of the Bengal International Jewellery Show (BIJS)  commenced at the Milan Mela Exhibition Centre, Kolkata, with resounding success. Organized by KNC Services, this event, running from November 30 to December 2, 2024, set a stellar precedent on its opening day, celebrating excellence in the jewellery industry and beyond.

The formal inauguration was done by Chief Guest Salem Abdullah Al Ammari of Dewan Al Dahab Jewellery LLC in the presence of Guests of Honour, Mohammad Ishrat, Mustafa’s Pte. Ltd, T.A. Sharavana, Member of Karnataka Legislative Council and Special Guests Saiyam Mehra, Chairman GJC, Dr Chetan Kumar Mehta, President -Jewellery Division -IBJA,President -JAB, Sachin Jain, Regional CEO India -WGC, Samar Kumar De, Working President -SSBC, Deepak Soni, Burrabazar Bullion Gems and Jewellers Welfare Association, Subir Sen, President -SSBC,Alok Adhya, Howrah Jewellery Traders Welfare Association, Tagar Chandra Poddar, Gen Sec, Akhil Bharatiya Swarnakar Sangh, Kranti Nagvekar, Founder KNC Services and dignitaries from GJ industry.

With participation from global industry leaders spanning Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Indian states including West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and regions from the North and South, BIJS 2024 has reaffirmed its position as a global platform for the jewellery trade.

Honoring the pillars of the industry with the Durga Awards

As a highlight of the inaugural day, KNC Services presented the prestigious Durga Awards to four exceptional women, affectionately called the “Durgas” of the jewellery industry. These awards honor their dedication, hard work, and significant contributions to advancing the industry. The recognition underscores KNC’s commitment to celebrating talent, perseverance, and leadership within the jewellery sector.

A Day of Success and Celebration

The event continued with a series of memorable moments, including:

Coffee with Dr. Chetan Mehta, CMD, Laxmi Diamonds, Bengaluru, in an inspiring dialogue with Mr. Suvankar Sen, MD, Senco Gold, Kolkata.

A spectacular Grand Fashion Show Networking Night, showcasing Kolkata’s unmatched craftsmanship and elevating the spirit of artistry in the jewellery world.

Networking and Business Opportunities

The first day of BIJS 2024 has already proven to be a remarkable success in terms of business and networking. The event facilitates collaboration among manufacturers, designers, retailers, and stakeholders, making it a vital hub for innovation and growth in the jewellery industry.BIJS is  not only a networking powerhouse but also an affirmation of the industry’s collective strength, innovation, and creativity.

BIJS 2024: A Platform for Excellence

BIJS continues to be East India’s premier B2B jewellery exhibition, providing a unique platform for manufacturers, designers, retailer Coffs, and stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and create opportunities. 

BIJS 2024 was a celebration of the vibrant spirit of the jewellery industry; it was where tradition meets innovation, and excellence is the standard.

Coffee with Dr Chetan Kumar Mehta in conversation with Suvankar Sen

Dr Chetan Kumar Mehta’s fireside chat with Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO – Senco Gold and Diamonds unearthed the wisdom and passion that drives one of India’s respected corporate retail jewellers, which boasts of 165 outlets across the country.He spoke on how he had responsibility to carry forward a four generation legacy.

Suvankar Sen was fortunate to have as mentor his father and an icon of the jewellery industry Shankar Sen.The learnings from his father include:

Focus and determination to see an initiative to its successful completion despite the odds and obstacles.

Quick decision making and then sticking by one’s decision 

Carry along your people, your team – this will ensure your success.

Face  good times, and bad times with equanimity.Remember that bad times is not the end of the world.

Maintain a work – personal life balance.

Suvankar Sen displayed his own strength and that of Senco as they journeyed towards their IPO- a dream of Shankar Sen.The objective was to be a better, organised,clean and transparent organisation.

The journey  was a  tough – it had its  challenges.Identifying PE investors, getting the best auditors on board, battling negativity and suspicion about the jewellery sector, convincing the legitimacy of jewellery industry and strengths and integrity of Senco and bearing the loss of his father.