The Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) inaugurated the IBJA Leadership Conclave 2025 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), bringing together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and visionaries from across the country. The event is aimed at shaping the future of India’s bullion and jewellery industry through meaningful dialogue, innovative thinking, and collaborative strategy.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent dignitaries, including Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta, President – Jewellery Division, IBJA and President – JAB; Malleswara Rao, State President – Andhra Pradesh, IBJA and Convenor of the Conclave; Chandrasreenivas Rao, State President – Telangana, IBJA; P.V. Jose, State President – Kerala, IBJA; Sumesh Wadhera, State President Karnataka –IBJA, Ankit Vaidya, State President – Madhya Pradesh, IBJA; and Sreekanth Urs, CEO – GES India Inc.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta inspired the audience with a motivational message: “Followers are temporary, leaders are permanent. So, be a leader!” Drawing from his own journey, Dr. Chetan Mehta stressed the importance of humility, consistent hard work, and the adoption of technology and innovation as essential traits for long-term success in the jewellery business.

The conclave featured several insightful sessions, acting as a knowledge booster for industry professionals. One of the most compelling sessions was Next Gen Jewellery: Provenance, Precision and Personalization with AI & Blockchain.

In a discussion between Kamlesh Nagware, Founder – Global Tokenization Forum, and Rahul Desai, MD & CEO, IIG, the focus was on rising consumer demand for transparency in ethical sourcing and authenticity—especially in diamonds and precious metals. The speakers emphasized that AI and Blockchain are no longer optional but essential tools for the future of jewellery.

Another key session addressed the Necessity of Hedging in Bullion, featuring Jigar Pandit, SVP & Business Head – Commodity, Mirae Asset Sharekhan, in conversation with Sumesh Wadhera, MD – AOJ Media.

Jigar Pandit highlighted the importance of hedging in mitigating risks due to price fluctuations. He advised that jewellers should hedge only their actual exposure rather than speculate on market movements. He also emphasized the effectiveness of Gold Metal Loans (GMLs) in managing raw material procurement while minimizing price risk. He pointed out the urgent need to educate local jewellers in India on this topic.

The session on Retail Sales and Merchandise, led by Rajiv Pandey, HOD – Jewellery Design, IIG South, outlined critical strategies for enhancing retail performance. He spoke on the importance of strategic planning, upselling and cross-selling, gemstone certification, effective inventory management, and structured staff training as key components for maximizing sales and customer experience.

Silver in Focus – Comprehensive look at silver trajectory by Ajay Kedia, Founder and Director -Kedia Capital Service stressed that silver is the most mispriced asset in the monetary system. Silver is not just a commodity -it is a currency hedge, a strategic metal and an early signal of systemic fragility. Kedia took the audience through the reasons for silver’s surge which include industrial demand including clean energy, jewellery consumers moving to silver. And, the buzz that Russian central bank considering silver as a reserve. He was bullish on silver, predicting that silver could touch USD 70 in the short term.

At the recent industry session titled “Legacy to Leadership: How Traditional Jewellers Can Rule the New Era“, celebrated motivational speaker and business coach Dr. Ujjwal Patni delivered a power-packed address that left the audience inspired and energized. With his signature blend of sharp insights and relatable delivery, Dr. Patni spoke directly to jewellers navigating the evolving business landscape—urging them to rethink tradition and embrace transformation.

The session highlighted a central message: complacency has no place in the pursuit of excellence. In a fast-changing market driven by modern consumer expectations and digital disruption, Dr. Patni stressed that only those who maintain an unrelenting hunger for growth will thrive.

He emphasized that clarity, structure, and vision are non-negotiables for success in the current era. Traditional jewellery businesses, while rich in legacy, must now complement their heritage with well-defined systems, robust processes, focused strategies, and a written vision to ensure sustainability and scalability.

Dr. Patni also revealed what he called the “secret sauce” for business success—a set of practical strategies tailored for jewellery entrepreneurs:

• Owner Growth Hour Strategy: A dedicated time daily for business owners to invest in learning, reflection, and high-level decision-making.
• Market Analysis Strategy: The importance of tracking industry trends, competitor movements, and evolving consumer behavior to stay ahead.
• USP Strategy: Identifying and communicating a clear Unique Selling Proposition to differentiate from the competition.
• Cartier Strategy: Drawing inspiration from global luxury brands to elevate perception, customer experience, and brand value.

The session served as a wake-up call for jewellers holding on to legacy practices. With practical takeaways and strategic clarity, Dr. Patni redefined what it means to be a leader in today’s jewellery business: a visionary who honours tradition while embracing innovation.

Cybercrime – Adv Pankaj Bafna underscored the fact that increased usage of mobile telephony and social media was driving the cybercrime. An accused in cybercrime faces stiff fines and imprisonment.

Suspicious transactions or deposits by unknown individuals can lead to account freezes and possible raids by authorities. Businesses must comply with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and related regulations. Key measures include obtaining KYC details, keeping accurate transaction records, and enforcing strict internal controls. Non-compliance poses legal and reputational risks.

Astro Gemology – Dr Prashanth Srinivasa Murthy, Faculty -IIG South presentation unveiled the ancient wisdom of Astro Gemology,  a traditional practice in India that combines astrology and gemology—the study and use of gemstones—to influence and enhance an individual’s life based on their astrological birth chart.

Rooted deeply in Vedic astrology, astro gemology is based on the belief that certain gemstones, when worn according to one’s planetary positions, can attract positive energies and counteract negative planetary influences.

Nirmal Bang View on Gold By Kunal Shah, Head of Commodities Research, Nirmal Bang stated that the drivers of gold prices were ‘love demand’ -the love for gold as an adornment and ‘fear demand’ – the fear of an uncertain world and future.

Kunal Shah unraveled the complexities of a multipolar world marked by soaring U.S. debt, increasing central bank gold purchases, and the growing influence of Asian economies. He projected that gold prices are unlikely to surge dramatically in the near term, instead expecting them to consolidate and potentially dip.

Overall, the IBJA Leadership Conclave 2025 served as a dynamic platform for industry innovation, strategic foresight, and leadership development. With participation from various state leaders and industry experts, the conclave set the stage for collaborative growth and transformation in India’s jewellery and bullion sector.