Supported by the GIA endowment fund, over 50+ students graduated with GIA credentials at a ceremony held at the MKSSS Campus, Pune

GIA (Gemological Institute of America), in collaboration with the Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha (MKSSS), Pune, presented skill-enhancement training programmes, Applied Jewelry Professional™ (AJP) and SWIFT Jewellery Design, to 51 students. This training, supported by GIA’s endowment fund, concluded with a graduation ceremony for the students on August 17 at the MKSSS Campus. The event was graced by the Chief Guest Mr. Milind Marathe, owner of Marathe Jewellers; Ms. Nirupa Bhatt, Managing Director for GIA in India and Middle East; and many distinguished members of MKSSS and GIA.

“GIA’s courses offer relevant hands-on education for those seeking to enter the global gem and jewellery industry. MKSSS is doing excellent work in educating girls and young women in India. Through GIA’s endowment fund, we were able to bring GIA’s world-class skill enhancement training programmes to women looking to make a mark in the trade,” said Ms. Nirupa Bhatt. “We’re thankful for the support of MKSSS and look forward to bringing additional courses in gemmology, retail sales and design to this institution that works tirelessly towards educating women and helping them become self-reliant.”

The AJP programme trains participants to communicate product quality and value confidently to their customers. GIA’s SWIFT Jewellery Design programme teaches the basic principles of design and composition so that students can gain an understanding of what goes into designing collections.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Nitin Hadap, HOD (Fashion Designing Dept.), MKSSS, said, “GIA courses are like a satellite. It directs the graduates to find their place in the world of gemmology and jewellery design.”

Ms. Shobha Supekar, Director of Shri Manilal Nanavati Vocational Training Institute for Women – the vocational training institute of MKSSS said, “The curriculum of GIA programmes is well-designed and based on research. It is a very good blend of theory and hands-on skills. The faculty is rich in knowledge and experience. The delivery mechanism is excellent. Our students found them very interesting and informative. These programs will certainly help them to have lucrative careers in the gem and jewellery sector and make them self-reliant.”

MKSSS is a 121-year old institution committed to the “Empowerment of Women through Education” that currently runs 62 educational units exclusively for women and girls.
About GIA

Established in 1931, GIA protects the public through gemological research, education, impartial gem identification and grading services, and instrument development. The world’s foremost authority in gemology and creator of the 4Cs, GIA sets the standard for determining the quality of diamonds and performs research-based identification of colored gems and pearls. All of GIA’s activities are governed by its mission to serve the public. Visit GIA.edu or GIAindia.in.