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21 Sep 2026

Arvind C Parikh Receives Special Recognition Award at GJEPC’s IGJA 2026

Arvind Chhotalal Parikh, Partner, Crystal Diamonds was honoured with a Special Recognition Award for Distinguished Service & Extraordinary Contributions by GJEPC at its 52nd IGJA event on September 13. The award was presented to him by Hon’ble Union Minister for Home, Shri Amit Shah, who was the Chief Guest in the presence of prominent political leaders including Maharashtra CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Dy CM Shri Eknath Shinde, Gujarat Dy CM Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Maharashtra Minister of Electronics, IT & AI, Shri Ashish Shelar, and others.

Felicitating Arvindbhai, the GJEPC said that this was “a small tribute to a lifetime of extraordinary service and an enduring legacy that will inspire our industry for years to come.” It also noted that he continues to actively participate in business and industry programmes even at the age of 95 and remains an inspiration to all.

Arvindbhai, who was born in Rangoon in 1931, joined the diamond trade in 1948. Initially he was associated with Mohanlal Raichand & Sons, but later set up his own business in 1951 and his own company in 1964.

Over his seven-decade long career, Arvindbhai played a pivotal role in helping establish and develop many important trade associations. He was a founder member of Diamond Exporters Association Ltd (DEAL) and has been its President for three decades; a Working Committee member of GJEPC for 22 years, with six terms as Convener, Diamond Panel and Vice Chairman; founder member of the Bharat Diamond Bourse, and also served as Vice President for six years, and a Trustee of GII for over two decades.

A lesser known facet is his keen interest in cricket! Arvindbhai captained the Palanpur Cricket Club for nearly ten years and played in tournaments including the Talim Shield, Purshottam Shield and Kanga League, in which he scored a century.

In 2022, he was felicitated and honoured jointly by Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) and Diamond Exporters’ Association Limited (DEAL) with a Lifetime Achievement Award.