Bengaluru: The latest edition of Coffee with Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta featured an engaging conversation between Dr. Chetan Mehta, President of the Jewellers Association Bangalore, and Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Held during the IIJS Tritiya event, the discussion delved into Mr. Bhansali’s inspiring journey, his vision for the jewellery industry, and the personal philosophies shaping his leadership. Below are the excerpts:

A Journey of Resilience and Determination:

Dr. Chetan Mehta introduced Mr. Kirit Bhansali as one of the most humble and inspiring leaders he has met. Mr. Bhansali’s journey began in a small town in Gujarat, where he completed his education up to the 10th standard in a Gujarati-medium school. At 15, he moved to Mumbai with little more than determination.

Recalling his early days, Mr. Bhansali shared how he arrived in Mumbai in 1973 without resources or connections. He started by learning the diamond trade from 9 am to 2 pm and supplemented his income by selling zip fasteners to tailors, earning a modest 1% margin. “That was the beginning of my journey from the ground up,” he reflected, crediting his work ethic and determination for his later success.

The Secret Behind the Ever-Smiling Chairman:

When asked about his signature smile, Mr. Bhansali attributed it to the joy of helping others. “If we develop the habit of helping people, it brings happiness,” he explained. As a committee member of organizations like the BJP and GJEPC, Mr. Bhansali dedicates himself to assisting others, supported by a team ensuring every task is followed through. “The happiness I feel at the end of the day is why I smile,” he added, earning applause from the audience.

Leadership Rooted in Humble Beginnings:

Mr. Bhansali’s leadership style is shaped by his early struggles and a desire to uplift others. He recalled how his uncle discouraged further education after the 10th grade, pushing him to seek work in Mumbai. This decision sparked his entrepreneurial spirit and laid the foundation for his career.

His entry into politics was similarly organic. Inspired by the 1975 Emergency and leaders like Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pramod Mahajan, Bhansali began contributing to the BJP by arranging logistics and building connections. “I never asked for any position; whatever I received was given willingly by the party,” he shared.

A Vision for the Jewellery Industry:

As GJEPC Chairman, Mr. Bhansali outlined ambitious plans to elevate the gem and jewellery sector over the next two years. Acknowledging a recent 13-15% decline in exports due to geopolitical tensions, he emphasized the need to explore new markets. He highlighted the success of the UAE Free Trade Agreement, which has increased gold jewellery exports by 60% in three years, and upcoming international shows in Vietnam and Latin America as part of his strategy.

Mr. Bhansali called for unity across the industry. “Diamonds, gold, silver, platinum—we are one family. Unless we work together, we cannot uplift our sector,” he urged.

A key initiative under his leadership is the India Jewellery Park in Navi Mumbai. Spanning 21 acres, this facility will house factories, offices, training centres, and customs facilities. The first phase is set to be operational by 2027, promising to revolutionize jewellery manufacturing in Maharashtra.

Government Support and Future Outlook:

Mr. Bhansali praised the proactive support from central and state governments. Maharashtra offers incentives such as 50% GST refunds and subsidized electricity for the Jewellery Park, while the central government backed the ₹100-crore Bharat Ratnam facility in Mumbai, completed in just 14 months. “The government sees our sector as vital to making India the world’s third-largest economy,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Mr. Bhansali is optimistic about reviving the diamond market and leveraging new trade routes. “The next 10 years will be exceptional for our industry,” he predicted confidently.

A Day in the Life of Mr. Kirit Bhansali:

Bhansali credited meticulous planning for his ability to balance business, politics and GJEPC responsibilities. “Time is never a constraint if you organize it well,” he remarked. A lover of Gujarati cuisine, he also finds inspiration in parliamentary speeches by leaders like Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Smt. Sushma Swaraj during his travels.

A Message to the Industry:

Closing the session, Mr. Bhansali shared a powerful message: “Be content with what you have, learn from others, and focus on giving back. If we stay united and work for the collective good, our industry will thrive.”

Dr. Mehta concluded with a fitting tribute: “Kirit Bhai teaches us that true leadership is about creating leaders, not followers. His journey—from a village boy to GJEPC Chairman—is a lesson in resilience, faith, and the power of helping others.”