{"id":11806,"date":"2025-07-03T07:37:34","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T07:37:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jewellerynewsindia.com\/?p=11806"},"modified":"2025-07-03T07:37:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T07:37:41","slug":"ibja-leadership-conclave-2025-triumphs-at-biec-bengaluru","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jewellerynewsindia.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/03\/ibja-leadership-conclave-2025-triumphs-at-biec-bengaluru\/","title":{"rendered":"IBJA Leadership Conclave 2025 Triumphs at BIEC, Bengaluru"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA)<\/a> successfully hosted the IBJA Leadership Conclave 2025 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), gathering industry influencers, decision-makers, and innovators from across the nation. The event focused on driving the future of India\u2019s bullion and jewellery sector through strategic collaboration, dialogue, and fresh innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event\u2019s opening ceremony welcomed esteemed leaders including Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta, President of IBJA\u2019s Jewellery Division<\/a> and JAB; Malleswara Rao, Andhra Pradesh IBJA President<\/a> and Conclave Convenor; Chandrasreenivas Rao, Telangana State President; P.V. Jose from Kerala; Sumesh Wadhera from Karnataka; Ankit Vaidya from Madhya Pradesh; and Sreekanth Urs, CEO of GES India Inc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his keynote address, Dr. Mehta<\/a> delivered an empowering message:
“Followers are temporary, leaders are permanent. So, be a leader!”<\/strong>
Sharing lessons from his personal journey, he emphasized that humility, persistence, and embracing innovation are vital for sustained growth in the jewellery industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conclave also featured high-impact knowledge-sharing sessions. A standout discussion titled Next Gen Jewellery: Provenance, Precision and Personalization with AI & Blockchain<\/em> explored how emerging technologies are transforming the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a notable conversation between Kamlesh Nagware, Founder of the Global Tokenization Forum<\/a>, and Rahul Desai, MD & CEO of IIG<\/a>, attention was drawn to increasing consumer demand for ethical sourcing and product authenticity. Both speakers stressed that Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain are not just trends but indispensable technologies for the future of the jewellery trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A significant session at the conclave focused on the Need for Hedging in the Bullion Market<\/em>, with Jigar Pandit<\/strong>, SVP & Business Head \u2013 Commodity at Mirae Asset Sharekhan, engaging in a discussion with Sumesh Wadhera<\/strong>, MD of AOJ Media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jigar Pandit stressed how crucial hedging is to manage the risks associated with price volatility in the bullion sector. He recommended that jewellers should hedge only their genuine exposures instead of betting on market shifts. He also underscored the value of using Gold Metal Loans (GMLs) as an efficient way to source raw materials while controlling price risks. Moreover, he highlighted the pressing need to spread awareness among Indian jewellers regarding this practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another session titled Retail Sales and Merchandise<\/em>, led by Rajiv Pandey<\/strong>, Head of Jewellery Design at IIG South, provided essential insights into boosting retail success. He elaborated on vital tactics such as strategic business planning, upselling and cross-selling techniques, gemstone certification, robust inventory management, and well-structured staff training\u2014all of which play a crucial role in driving sales and improving the overall customer journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ajay Kedia<\/strong>, Founder and Director of Kedia Capital Service<\/a>, presented an insightful session titled Silver in Focus \u2013 A Comprehensive Overview of Silver\u2019s Trajectory<\/em>, where he emphasized that silver remains the most undervalued asset in the global financial system. He described silver not just as a commodity but as a hedge against currency devaluation, a critical industrial metal, and an early indicator of systemic instability. Kedia explored the key factors behind silver\u2019s rising demand\u2014such as its role in clean energy technologies and increased preference among jewellery buyers. He also mentioned the speculation surrounding the Russian central bank potentially including silver in its reserves. Confident in its prospects, he forecasted that silver prices could soar to USD 70 in the near future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a separate, empowering session titled \u201cLegacy to Leadership: How Traditional Jewellers Can Rule the New Era\u201d<\/em>, renowned motivational speaker and business mentor Dr. Ujjwal Patni<\/strong> delivered an electrifying keynote that resonated deeply with the audience. Through his trademark mix of insightful commentary and relatable storytelling, Dr. Patni addressed jewellery professionals facing modern business challenges, encouraging them to shed outdated practices and embrace innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His core message was clear: complacency hinders excellence.<\/strong> In a marketplace increasingly shaped by evolving customer needs and digital shifts, only businesses that maintain a strong drive for progress will succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Patni underlined that clarity, structured operations, and a clear vision<\/strong> are essential elements for success in today’s climate. He advised that traditional jewellery enterprises must balance their rich heritage with streamlined systems, efficient processes, strategic planning, and a formal vision document<\/strong> to remain competitive and scalable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also introduced his \u201csecret sauce<\/strong>\u201d for achieving business success\u2014a collection of actionable strategies crafted specifically for modern jewellery entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n