Fred Meyer, Navratan Kothari and Sanghavi Brothers IDCA 2009 Award Recipients

The Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association (IDCA) board of directors has announced the three honorees for 2009. They are Fred Meyer Jewelers - Retailer of the Year; Navratan Kothari, chairman of KGK Group - Pioneer Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award honorees are Vasantbhai Sanghavi, chairman Sanghavi Exports Intl. Pvt. and Chandrakant Sanghavi, director, Sanghavi Exports.

"Fred Meyers Jewelers has become the third largest chain in the US, thanks to a commitment to provide quality, value and service to its customers," the board said about its Retailer of the Year award recipient.

"Few have achieved such widespread recognition and respect as Navratan Kothari, a true pioneer the diamond industry and beyond.  His vision and leadership of KGK Group began in the 1960’s when he joined the family business.  Over the years, he was responsible for moving the company into a global organization that now operates in 15 countries," the board wrote about KGK's development, noting that the group has two DTC Sightholder companies.

"Mr. Kothari is also admired in India and around the world for his deep and generous work to help others.  His philanthropic contributions include giving his personal time and support to help cancer patients and advance research as well as significant contribution to expand training and education to move than 18,000 students in India.  He also is responsible for helping more than 4,000 students in Jaipur, South Africa and Russia learn the skills needed to enter and advance in the diamond and jewelry business." 

About the Lifetime Award honorees the IDCA board wrote that brothers Vasantbhai and Chandrakant Sanghavi's achievements are impressive and numerous. "Vasantbhai Sanghavi counts among his distinguished efforts the growing of Sanghavi Exports from 15 employees to over 10,000 employees with the status of DTC Sightholder. Under his leadership and that of his brother, Chandrakant Sanghavi, the company has consistently been a leader in innovation and is recognized as one of the most fully integrated firms across the entire sphere of the diamond and jewelry business.  The company has been recognized with countless awards around the world including being the top export award winner in India for seven years. 

"Chandrakant is dedicated to fulfilling the vision of the company to be a leader in the cutting, polishing of diamonds and manufacturing of diamond jewelry.  He also commits his time and considerable energy to help the industry and society.  He serves in the important position of chairman of the India Diamond Institute as well as regional Chairman of the Gems & Jewelry Exports Promotion Council, and Regional Convener of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme."

The 2009 IDCA Awards will be presented at a gala diner during the JCK show on May 30, at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.