Russell Arun Mehta was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) at the 50th India Gem and Jewellery Awards (IGJA) held in Mumbai on March 30. The award was presented by Chief Guest Shri Ramesh Bais, Hon. Governor, Maharashtra State, and leading industrialist Shri Mukesh Ambani (Chairman & MD, Reliance Industries) in the presence of Vipul Shah, Chairman GJEPC and other dignitaries.
 

The award was in recognition of “his exemplary/ impeccable contribution and serving as an inspirational model in the world of Gems & Jewellery”, GJEPC said, adding that it was “a fitting acknowledgment of a man whose invaluable contribution to the diamond industry has earned him respect and accolades”.
 

Guest of Honour Mukesh Ambani said that the Jury has picked the right winner, and paid a special tribute to Russell Mehta, who was chosen for the same award his father received in 2007. “As the son of Dhirubhai, I know it is not easy following in the footsteps of a giant father who was a pioneer, and also making your own mark; yet you have grown the business and expanded the values you imbibed.”
 

Mukeshbhai also praised Russellbhai’s “commitment to the community” and “all that he has done for Palanpur with his CSR activity”, especially mentioning the educational institutions that have produced many young stars who have made India proud.
 

A short audio-visual in which a number of prominent personalities also paid their tributes to Russell Mehta, was also screened. 
 

A special IGJA Souvenir released on the occasion described Mehta as one who “emanates an aura of reserved elegance. He finds comfort in his disciplined yoga practice, invigorating gym sessions, and leisurely Sunday walks accompanied by the rhythm of classic film tunes in his earphones and savouring his moments of solitude”.
 

Since a young age, Russellbhai started spending time in his father’s office and after graduating from Sydenham college with flying colours, he completed a course at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Santa Monica and plunged into the family business. He has worked with Rosy Blue ever since, playing an important role in building it into a leading global name in the industry.
 

During the 4+ decades of an illustrious career, Russellbhai also held a number of prestigious positions on industry bodies and non-profits. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the World Diamond Council (WDC) from 2020-22, the Vice-Chairman of The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council from 2015-17, as well as a member of its apex Committee for a number of years. He is currently a member of the Board of Governors of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). 
 

In conjunction with his business activity, Russellbhai also is part of the Rosy Blue Foundation and was a Board Member of the Diamond Empowerment Fund and is Chairman of Board at Vidyamandir Trust, Palanpur.

Speaking at the award function, Russellbhai said, “I could have been just another individual in the diamond industry, but my heritage, coupled with the support of my family and partners, skills of our team, sound advice from a group of friends and camaraderie with industry peers elevated me to this position. No man is an island… The collective effort of every team member in my company and the support from the industry are the reasons for my recognition.”
 

He also acknowledged the stellar influence of his father, Late Arunbhai R Mehta. “My father was my role model. He was duty-bound and his integrity was beyond comparison. A professional to the core, my father was exceedingly passionate about diamonds, so much so that he would dream of diamonds, too! He would jot down his to-do list and goals for the near future and eagerly fulfil them with a childlike enthusiasm and brimming with ideas and serious motivation about the business.”

Click here to view video of the event

View Mukeshbhai Ambani speech at 15.48 mins onwards

View Russell Mehta receiving award and acceptance speech at 26.01 mins onwards

Click here to view Audio Visual of Tributes to Russell Mehta

Click here for Profile & Interview with Russell Mehta in IGJA Souvenir