National News
“Gold”, Autobiography of Jos Alukkas, launched in Thrissur
Story of Jos Alukkas, the man who shaped Thrissur’s golden legacy through organized retail revolution
The remarkable journey of Jos Alukkas, the pioneering entrepreneur who brought structure and trust to India’s gold market while building on Thrissur’s timeless golden legacy, has been captured in his powerful autobiography, Gold, which was officially launched at the Lulu Hyatt Convention Centre, Thrissur. Union Minister for State Suresh Gopi and Revenue Minister K. Rajan jointly launched the autobiography at the event.
Higher Education Minister Dr. R. Bindu and R. Madhavan, Jos Alukkas Brand Ambassador and Chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India, attended as chief guests.
“This isn’t just a business story-it’s a Pooram of experiences. It weaves together the story of gold, human emotion, the legacy of Shakthan Thampuran, and the warmth of his family. Everything is presented simply, yet meaningfully,” said Minister K. Rajan.
Jos Alukkas is someone who embodies simplicity. This book is inspiring for the younger generation and reflects a journey of success that spans over eight decades,” said Minister Dr. R. Bindu,” said Minister Dr. R. Bindu.
“I started from Thrissur, the gold capital of India. My 81 years of life are not only personal but also a journey through the history of the Indian jewellery business. The book is the story that made me who I am, and it is also the story of Thrissur,” said Jos Alukkas.
R. Madhavan remarked, “Jos Alukkas life journey reflects his far-sighted vision. It was courage that led him forward, and despite all his remarkable achievements, he remains deeply humble”
Jos Alukkas Managing Directors Varghese Alukkas, Paul J Alukkas, and John Alukkas also spoke at the event Renowned Malayalam novelist T.D. Ramakrishnan, who wrote the preface, introduced the book at the ceremony. Gold is published by DC Books.
This landmark release not only paid tribute to a trailblazer who redefined an industry but also served as a powerful inspiration for entrepreneurs and dreamers across the country.
His autobiography, Gold, captured this extraordinary transformation. It told a story of grit, innovation, and disruption—how a determined young man dared to dream big and built India’s first organized gold showroom, revolutionizing jewellery retail and consumer expectations across the country. The autobiography recounts the daring journey of a teenager from a family that ran an umbrella business, who daringly ventured into the gold trade and created a lasting legacy.
The book also highlights his pioneering role in introducing the purity of 916 gold into India’s retail gold market. It narrates how he brought his brothers into the business and expanded Alukkas Jewellery into a global brand.
More than a business memoir, Gold served as a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit, personal sacrifice, and unwavering vision. It offered rare insights into Jos Alukkas’s philosophy of business, his deep cultural roots in Thrissur, and his lifelong love for football, theatre, and community.
The launch event brought together a prestigious gathering of national and regional leaders.
The event was attended by key dignitaries including MP V. K. Sreekandan, MLAs P. Balachandran, Xavier Chittilappilly, A.C. Moideen, Former Minister K.P Rajendran, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, Swami Sadbhavananda, T. S. Pattabhiraman, V. P. Nandakumar, Paul Thomas, Pramod Agarwal, Chairman, National Gem & Jewellery Council of India (NGJCI), Rajesh Rokde, Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Council (GJC), Vaishali Banerjee, Managing Director, Platinum Guild International (PGI), Amit Pratihari, Managing Director, De Beers India, and Ashok Goutham, Managing Director & CEO, India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX).






National News
Gold Exchange Schemes See Surge In Demand
Nearly 25% Of All Jewelry Buyers Now Opt For Exchange Programs Instead Of Outright Cash Purchases
In 2026, India’s retail gold sector is witnessing a significant paradigm shift. Driven by a combination of macroeconomic factors and strategic government appeals, gold exchange schemes have emerged as a dominant trend. Nearly 25% of all jewelry buyers now opt for exchange programs instead of outright cash purchases, marking a substantial increase from previous years.
Key Drivers of the Exchange Trend
1. Record-High Gold Prices
The primary economic catalyst for this shift is the unprecedented surge in gold prices. As fresh gold becomes increasingly expensive, consumers are unlocking the value stored in their existing assets rather than stretching their liquid capital to make new purchases.
2. Government Advocacy and Import Reduction
The trend is heavily backed by national policy interests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has actively appealed to the public to utilize old jewelry for new purchases rather than buying fresh gold. The strategic goal behind this initiative is to curb India’s massive gold imports, thereby strengthening the current account deficit and stabilizing the national economy.
3. Aggressive Jeweler Incentives
Jewelers have rapidly adapted to consumer demand and government alignment by lowering the barriers to entry for exchanges.
Two major policy shifts are driving this retail adoption:
- Zero-Deduction Exchange Schemes: Traditional penalties and melting losses that previously deterred consumers from exchanging gold are being eliminated.
- Relaxed Documentation & Purity Standards: Retailers are now accepting old gold sourced from any jeweler starting at a purity level as low as 9KT, even without original purchase bills.
Market Implications
The 25% Threshold: The fact that a quarter of all jewelry buyers are now choosing exchange programs signifies that gold recycling is no longer a niche or distress-driven activity; it has entered the mainstream consumer behavior matrix.
- For Consumers: This shift provides a highly liquid, cost-effective way to upgrade designs and maintain asset value without facing heavy financial hits or bureaucratic hurdles (like tracking down decades-old receipts).
- For the Economy: By circulating existing domestic gold back into the supply chain, India reduces its reliance on international bullion markets, directly answering the government’s call for macroeconomic resilience.
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