Bengaluru’s gems and jewellery education community came together on 28th August 2026 for a milestone moment: the 5th Convocation of IIG South, themed “EMERGE – Transforming Passion into Profession,” held at Godavari: The House of Heritage Experiences, the city’s celebrated Pure Vegetarian house. The evening brought graduating students, proud parents, faculty, and some of the jewellery industry’s most respected names under one roof to mark five years of purposeful, industry-first education.

A Journey That Began in 2021

The ceremony opened with a speech by Mr Surya Prabhakar, Regional Head of IIG South, who took the audience through the institute’s story so far a story built one milestone at a time. He recalled that IIG South began in 2021 with a single, clear purpose: to deliver industry-focused jewellery education that prepares students for the real world, not just the classroom.

The Milestones That Shaped IIG South

• 2021: IIG South is founded with a mission to bridge classroom learning and industry practice.
• 2023: The institute starts its own jewellery manufacturing unit, turning theory into hands-on, practical skills.
• Ongoing expansion: Learning spaces expand to cover CAD, gemology, diamond grading, and manual design and manufacturing, making education specialised and trade-relevant.
• 2024: A dedicated Annex classroom for corporate training opens, going on to train professionals from Joyalukkas, Nikhaar, Neelkanth, Tanishq, CKC, Simha Jewellers and more.
• 2025: IIG South launches its biggest initiative yet: a B.Sc. in Gems & Jewellery, a three-year degree affiliated to Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University, alongside a new Gold Appraisal training program.

Today, our students can explore pathways across gemology, diamond grading, CAD, manual jewellery designing, manufacturing, merchandising and gold appraisal, Mr Prabhakar shared, adding that learning at IIG South has never stayed confined to the classroom; students have trained at gemstone sources, toured manufacturing facilities, and gained international exposure through visits to Sri Lanka and Thailand.

He closed his address by thanking Dr Chetan Kumar Mehta and Laxmi Diamonds for their continuous support since day one. He left the graduating batch with three guiding principles: keep learning, build your reputation, and stay connected to the industry.

Chief Guest Arrival: A Message Beyond Jewellery

Following the Regional Head’s address, the ceremony welcomed its Chief Guest, Mr Shiva Prakash Devaraju, Lokayukta Superintendent of Police, Bengaluru. His speech moved beyond academics and careers to speak on something every student in the room could carry for life.

He spoke about the many ways education uplifts a person, sharpening judgement, building discipline, and opening doors far beyond employment. He closed with a firm and heartfelt appeal to the youth: stay away from drugs. He urged every graduate to become a messenger of this cause to educate their peers, siblings and friends and to use their education not just to build a career, but to build a safer, more aware community around them. It was a powerful reminder that convocation day isn’t only about certificates; it’s about the kind of individuals institutions like IIG South are sending out into the world.

Guests Who Graced the Occasion

The convocation was further honoured by addresses from:

• Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director, Laxmi Diamonds, Bengaluru
• Mr. Banu Prasad Naidu, Industrialist, Bellary
• Mr. Rahul Desai, Managing Director & CEO, International Institute of Gemology (IIG)

Among them, Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta spoke on the power of self-motivation, urging students to keep their inner fire burning as the force that drives every goal forward.

Each speaker added their own perspective on the jewellery industry’s future and the role institutes like IIG South play in shaping it, reinforcing a shared belief that structured, practical education is the strongest foundation for a career in gems and jewellery.

Certification and Awards Recognising Every Kind of Achievement

With the speeches concluded, the spotlight turned to the students. Every graduating student received their certification; students who excelled in cultural competitions were honoured with certificates, and the top performer from each division was recognised with a certificate and a memento for academic excellence.

Once the formal proceedings wrapped up, the afternoon shifted from ceremony to celebration. Graduating students took to the floor with an energetic dance performance, followed by a lively DJ party that brought the whole gathering together students, faculty, and guests alike to close the 5th Convocation on a high note of joy, music and camaraderie.

Looking Ahead

Five years since its founding in 2021, IIG South has grown from a single classroom idea into one of South India’s most recognised names in gems and jewellery education, spanning gemology, diamond grading, CAD, manufacturing, manual designing, merchandising and gold appraisal, and now offering a full-fledged B.Sc. degree. The 5th Convocation wasn’t just a celebration of what’s been achieved; it was a send-off for a new generation of professionals ready to shape the future of the Gems and Jewellery Industry.