Mobile Science Exhibition programmes have proved as the best way to connect with people living in rural areas to develop their level of science consciousness and enable them to integrate modern technologies in their daily life, Director General of the National Council of Science Museums, G S Rautela said.
Rautela was speaking about the significance of MSE programmes here today at the Golden Jubilee Celebration of MSE, a flagship programme of the NCSM launched in 1965.
The purpose of MSE was to popularise science and make people of far-flung areas familiar with it and to familiarise science and technology in rural India, he said.
The first MSE bus was flagged off in 1966 from Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Kolkata. Now there are 23 MSE buses which have travelled a distance of 14,88,297 km and more than 6,45,19,367 people have visited these buses.
This has made MSE the largest and longest running non-formal science education programme in the country.
A new MSE bus with the theme "Digital India" was also inaugurated on this occasion.
Speaking on the successful completion of the 13th edition
of GJIIE, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, "The Gems and Jewellery sector in India went through a tough patch last year, owing to a number of global and economic factors. At the same time, it also saw the evolution of the sector from an unorganised to an organised one. The jewellery sector adds about 8% of India's GDP, and South India which is deemed to be the hub for precious and semi-precious studded jewellery, handmade jewellery, casting jewellery and lightweight gold jewellery is also a major consumer of gold and diamond jewellery. These factors really augured well for the show as well as the jewellery sector as a whole. With GJIIE 2017, one of the four-city jewellery shows (Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Delhi) hosted throughout the year by UBM India, we look to reclaim the lost glitter and sheen in 2017. The overwhelming industry response further validates the industry's need for such a large trade platform to tap the potential of South India's market, for both exhibitors and visitors."
The three day GJIIE 2017 was the second largest gems and jewellery B2B exhibition in India with participation of over 300 exhibitors that include wholesalers, retailers, importers and exporters, jewellery manufacturers, machinery manufacturers, diamond, gemstone, pearl suppliers and traders, precious metal and jewellery mounting traders and suppliers, and representatives from trade and governmental bodies. It was a gateway to the Indian jewellery market, with a special focus on South India's range, and provided an excellent platform for buyers and suppliers to connect, network, exchange ideas, discover upcoming trends and generate business opportunities.
The expo was successful in attracting well-reputed local
and overseas buyers, reinforcing the expo's position as a proven and trusted sourcing hub for the industry. In addition to Tier I, II and III cities in India, the exhibition witnessed delegate representation from New York, Dubai, Singapore and Malaysia, thus substantiating the international reach and presence of GJIIE 2017.
At the fair, the exhibitors showcased an array of merchandise including diamonds, pearls, gemstones, studded jewellery, exquisite South Indian gold jewellery including Temple Nakshi Jewellery, Stone Studded Jewellery, and Bridal Jewellery such as Manga Malai, Kasu Mala and Pachhi Designs, to name a few. Latest machinery used in the manufacturing process and other related products and services were also on display.
Some of the notable exhibitors who participated at the exhibition this year included leading players from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Surat and others. The exhibitor names include leading players like Mohanlal Jewellers Pvt. Ltd, Laxmi Jewellery Chennai Pvt. Ltd, Jai Gulab Dev Jewellers, JC Jewellers (Chennai) Pvt Ltd, Mukti gold, Krizz, Emerald Jewel Industry India Ltd, Unique Chain Pvt Ltd,White Fire Diamonds India Pvt Ltd, Prakash Gold Palace Pvt Ltd, Vijay Gems & Jewellery, Grurukrupa Exports, Peeyar Manufacturers, Gitanjali Jewellery Retail Limited, Swarnshilp Chains & Jewellers Pvt Ltd, Chain N Chains, ORO, JKS Jewels, Anmol Swarn, Matushree Gold and Mehta Gold amongst others.
This year, for the first time GJIIE conducted an 'All TN
President and Secretary Meet' and 'GJF Zonal Meet' with key associations and apex bodies that discussed the key achievements and challenges of the trade in the state. With young consumers looking less at gold and jewellery as an asset class, and preferring understated, stylish and wearable pieces, the expo with its two-day technical seminar by GIA provided significant insights to those involved in the trade. The 'Gemmology and Spotlight on Synthetics' showcased the array of lab created stones that have similar appearance, as well as chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural ones. One day technical seminars by MSME and SBI on 'Schemes in Jewellery' and 'Metal Gold Loan' provided significant options for those looking at trading in precious metals and stones. Panel discussions on 'Innovative Thinking' and 'Jewellery Technology Transformation' by thought leaders proved useful for new entrants in the industry.
The expo scored high on the visual and aspirational aspect too with a 'Hall of Fame', an eye-catching display of miniatures made from precious metals and gem stones of famous originals.
The show also featured a 'Swarowski Gallery', that displayed its new collection of glittering crystals. A fashion show on the evening of Day 2 showcased astonishing pieces of jewellery, capturing the trends of the season which was followed by a networking night for the exhibitors.
