Navrattan Kothari, Chairperson, KGK Group – the legacy jewels and gems brand – was recently awarded with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jewellery World Awards held at JGT Dubai (Jewellery Gem Technology Dubai).

Gems and jewelry giant KGK Group has been leading the industry for a hundred years now. Spearheading the brand since 1962, Navrattan Kothari has shaped the beauty of the brand as it is today – refined standards and state-of-the-art craftsmanship. From diving into the potentials of the gemstone industry to enriching its glory with every curation, Navrattan has elevated the brand to new heights – earning him the Lifetime Achievement Awards at JWA 2022.

PEAKLIFE gets in candid conversation with the patriarch on receiving the honor, his inspiring journey, aspirations, and much more.

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1.) Who inspired you the most during your journey?

My grandfather, Shri Kesrimal Ji, and Father, Shri Gheesilalji, and their values were not just inspiring but motivated me throughout. They were fighters armed with business instincts, values, and ethics.

Picking up the ropes of the gems trade while following their religious customs and tradition defined their remarkable ability to sustain and grow. They expanded their business from India to Burma but retained their traditions, customs and lifestyles wherever they expanded. Their zeal is unmatched and their principle formed the underpinning for the entire group.

2.) What was your first reaction when you heard the news about receiving this lifetime achievement award?

I was elated when I heard the news! It is an immense pleasure and a great sense of honor to receive a LifeTime Achievement Award amidst industry stalwarts. This humbling recognition is an ode to the diligence of the entire KGK team. Today when I revisit my journey of starting as a gems trader to becoming a Chairman and now Patriarch of KGK Group, I could duly weigh my success on KGKs founding principles of faith, respect and integrity. This proud moment truly marks that passage of time by recognizing my lifetime of learning.

So, the heart of the matter is that if you have faith in yourself, respect for humanity and you conform to integrity then there can’t be a better lifetime achievement goal for future generations to inherit.

3.) Some activities you like to recommend being more productive?

Reading is my all-time favorite. With reading and exploring deep insight of any subject one can persevere himself towards their ultimate aim.

For me the passion and zeal to serve the human race came in through good books. It was the books that made me learn a lot about the sacrifices and contributions made by Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and Helen Keller towards the holistic living and sustainable development of the underdeveloped nations. Same way, I always wanted to contribute my bit towards the healthcare and employment structure of the Indian economy as I think they are underrated or less concerned topics in our country. Books gave me the right direction to follow my vision and thoughts in both commercial and noncommercial spaces.

4.) What are the obstacles you had during the difficult times and how did you overcome them?

There was a time when KGK was a clear dominion in coloured stone business and digressing from the ancestral coloured stone business to diamond trading was a big risk for the entire group. The diamond business was altogether a different turf huddled by Gujarati businessmen. Taking on the established Gujarati cartel was no less than the ‘mission impossible. But all I knew was that only diamond trading can take us to the next orbit of growth. Slowly but steadily I started cornering diamond deals. Following my business acumen and ever-undulating energy, I succeeded in creating a niche in the highly competitive diamond market along with continuing to lead in the color gemstone business. With the passion to be on the top, I never saw the rearview mirror. I just drove my dreams towards realization.

5.) What was your dream for your company, when you started?

I joined the company with a dream to follow my father and grandfather’s vision to the next level and fulfill their dreams. I dreamt to grow business manifolds without deviating from the core, in order to create a legacy that the future generation would be proud of.