Key takeaways
• The global diamond industry is mourning the passing of prominent leader and mentor Vasant Mehta.
• Vasant Mehta served as IDMA Vice President for over a decade and was elected Chairman of the GJEPC in 2008.
• He played a key role in guiding the Indian diamond industry and establishing its major role in the Kimberley Process and World Diamond Council.
Dear IDMA Members and Industry colleagues,
The board and members of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) deeply mourn the passing of one of the global diamond industry and trade’s leaders and mentors, Vasant Mehta, who passed away earlier this week.
Vasant served as IDMA’s Vice President from 1998-2000 and then from 2002-2008, on behalf of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC). In 2008, he was elected GJEPC Chair. During his decade with IDMA, Vasant Mehta was instrumental in guiding the Indian diamond industry, as well as the country’s relevant governmental institutions and authorities, ensuring that India would play a major role in the Kimberley Process Certification System (KP) and in the World Diamond Council.
IDMA President Ronnie VanderLinden wrote: “Vasant Mehta’s leadership, wisdom, steadfast dedication and cool demeanor left an indelible mark on the global diamond industry. As Vice President of IDMA and a cherished friend and mentor to me and also to so many of us, his vision and integrity shaped our diamond and jewelry community for the better. His legacy of service and warmth will continue to inspire us all. Vasant will be sorely missed.”
Honorary IDMA President Jeffrey Fischer said, “Vasant was a fountain of wisdom, warmth, and support. While he generously showered those around him with these qualities, I always admired and will continue to treasure his sincerity. In any interaction with Vasant, he let you know where he stood. He didn’t leave you guessing what he was thinking, and he always did it with tact and respect. Vasant’s passing leaves us with a void. He will be missed.”
Stephane Fischler, former President of the World Diamond Council and former President of the Antwerp World Diamond Center, who served both as IDMA’s Secretary General and Treasurer during that time, wrote a tribute to Vasant Mehta. Among others, he said: “For Vasant, serving the community and the industry was equally important as his successful business. Serving was his second nature, and I can say with much assurance that the Indian diamond industry owes him a huge debt of gratitude for his work with the government, pleading often successfully for the benefit of the Council’s best interests. I can only wish that his selflessness and generosity for the benefit of the many will be carried forward by the current generation, and more importantly, by the new generation who will understand the true value of living and giving back.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Vasant’s family and loved ones.
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