Arun R. Mehta, widely seen as the doyen of the Indian diamond industry, has passed away. He was 80.
The history of the Indian diamond industry would have been different without his key contributions, an industry statement said.
In the late 1970s he was one of the pioneers of its modernization and rapid growth phase, allowing him not just to grow the company he founded – Rosy Blue – but also the industry as a whole.
With his vision and business acumen, he was able to seize opportunities but above all else he always prioritized high integrity and business ethics, helping the industry, like Rosy Blue, gain a favourable and trustworthy reputation.
His participation and efforts in a number of trade organisations contributed immensely to the growth of the whole industry. He was a member of the Managing Committee of the Bharat Diamond Bourse for a long period.
He was also associated with the Bombay (now Mumbai) Diamond Merchants Association and was a member of the Working Committee of The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council for over 20 years.
Arun R. Mehta lived a life of service which in later years became dedicated philanthropy. He supported causes like education and medicine, and as a devout Jain, encouraged religion as well.
