Global Convocation with Purpose: Rahul Desai’s Message to the Industry’s Future

Introduction:-

On the grand occasion of the 31st Global Convocation Ceremony of the International Institute of Gemology (IIG), Mr. Rahul Desai, CEO & Managing Director of IIG, delivered a heartfelt and visionary address to the graduating class of 2025. Held at the prestigious Oyster Hall, Sahara Star, and graced by the presence of Chief Guest Mr. K. Srinivasan, the event marked a significant milestone in the journey of young professionals stepping into the gems and jewellery industry. This Global Convocation was not just a celebration of academic accomplishments, but a symbol of IIG’s commitment to nurturing talent that resonates beyond borders. Mr. Desai’s speech was a powerful message about purpose, values, and the transformative role of education in shaping future leaders.

Speech by Mr. Rahul Desai:-

“Respected Chief Guest, Mr. K. Srinivasan, Distinguished dignitaries, esteemed faculty, proud parents, industry leaders, and most importantly… our remarkable graduates of the Class of 2025.”

Today is not just a day of celebration, but an evidence to the dedication, endurance, and resilience that each of you has shown throughout your journey. This day marks the culmination of countless hours of hard work, an acknowledgment of your growth, and an homage to the courage it takes to dream and to stay committed to that dream through every challenge and obstacle.

As I stand here today, I am filled with immense pride, not just in what we’ve built at IIG, but in who we’ve built it for…. students like you. Your journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge the dedication that has brought us here. We celebrate you today not just as graduates, but as professionals who will go on to lead, innovate, and shape the future of our industry.

At IIG, we have always believed in creating an environment that goes beyond just education. Our vision has always been to shape professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who understand the true value of learning and the importance of applying that knowledge in the real world. We don’t offer standard solutions. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every program we design, every course we offer, and every student we nurture is treated with the individual care and attention they deserve.

We believe education is not a fixed product but a craft, shaped, reshaped, and molded to meet the evolving needs of our students and the demands of the industry. It’s not just about just giving knowledge; it’s about providing context, relevance, and real-world exposure. Our curriculum is always evolving, always keeping pace with the industry’s dynamic changes, ensuring that you are always prepared for what lies ahead.

Our commitment to education for all is not just a tagline; it’s a responsibility. We’ve built inclusive systems, adaptable formats, and a culture that embraces every learner, from international students to working professionals, and from first-generation learners to specially-abled individuals. We’ve been privileged to teach specially-abled students who now stand tall as professionals. To me, this inclusivity is the very soul of what IIG represents.

Through the years, we have worked relentlessly to build a network, a global web of relationships with some of the finest retailers, manufacturers, and professionals in the world. And today, I am proud to say that these relationships are translating into real opportunities for all of you. Whether it’s placements, internships, or collaborations, IIG has been committed to ensuring that your journey doesn’t end here. We are not just your alma mater; we are your partner in growth, your platform to success.

Beyond that, I continue to build learning tools for you in every format I can. Through our Instagram and LinkedIn, through IIG’s blog, through our podcast Loupe Insight, through columns I write in magazines, and through new educational resources. And today, I’m deeply excited to share a new one: Diamond Fundamentals, a dialogue-driven learning resource crafted specifically for trade professionals and organizations. It’s our next step toward helping the industry learn in real time, at their pace, with practical depth.

Beyond IIG, I started RD Consultancy as a bridge for you. Because the journey doesn’t end with graduation. The real world can be challenging, but you’re not alone. With RD Consultancy, we aim to continue guiding you through the complexities of your professional journey, providing business mentoring, strategic insights, and real-world guidance.

To me, IIG has never just been an institute. It has been a platform… a launchpad for your dreams and aspirations. And as you step into the next chapter, I promise you that the doors of IIG will always remain open. Not just as alumni, but as partners in growth.

IIG is more than just three letters; it represents a powerful message: Intellect, Integrity, and Growth. These three pillars form the foundation of everything we stand for and serve as the guiding principles for your success.

Intellect is the foundation of knowledge, but wisdom comes when that knowledge is applied with purpose. Integrity ensures that you stay true to your values, even when faced with challenges. And Growth, both personal and professional, is the result of continuously striving to be better, learning from every experience, and never being afraid to evolve.

In the real world, these principles are not just ideals; they are the forces that shape success. Embrace them, live by them, and let them be the compass that guides you through every decision, every opportunity, and every challenge.

In your journey ahead, I urge you to always remember that sustainability is key. Not just in your work, but in your values, in the way you treat others, and in the way you approach your craft. A sustainable mindset asks, “Does this decision serve just me, or does it serve the world, precisely the industry I’m part of?” This is the question I hope you carry forward into your careers.

And when times get tough, and they will…  remember that perseverance is what will carry you through. True perseverance is not about avoiding failure, but about rising stronger each time you fall. It’s what will allow you to face challenges head-on, to refine your vision, and to stay true to your path.

Any work done with passion, dedication, and hard work will always be more admirable and will bring you the greatest happiness and success. Let this principle be your guiding light, for it is these qualities that lead to true fulfillment.

We have always been about more than just education. We have been about transformation. As you step out into the world, know that you carry not just a degree, but the knowledge, ethics, and power to make a difference. I am confident that each of you will go on to be not just job seekers, but value creators, problem solvers, and changemakers.

To our respected Chief Guest, Mr. K. Srinivasan, your presence here today is an honor. Your leadership and integrity have shaped this industry, and your wisdom will undoubtedly inspire our students as they embark on their own journeys.

To our faculty, operations team, curriculum developers, and everyone who has contributed behind the scenes…  thank you. You have played a significant role in making today possible. And to the families gathered here today… Thank you for your support, sacrifices, and belief in your children. Your role in shaping these graduates is immeasurable.

To the graduates of the Class of 2025… as you take this first step into the professional world, know that the world is watching. It’s waiting for you to lead it with grace, with grit, and with greatness. Carry with you the lessons you’ve learned, the values you’ve built, and the spirit of IIG. Let me end by saying this: Degrees can open doors. But it is your values that will keep them open. Your skills will build success, but your spirit will build significance. So walk ahead with pride, with compassion, and with the quiet fire of someone who knows what they are capable of.

Congratulations, Class of 2025. The future isn’t just waiting…  it’s already watching. Go forth and lead it with authenticity, passion, and purpose. Thank you.”

Conclusion:-

As the echoes of the applause faded, what remained was a deep sense of inspiration. Mr. Desai’s message to the graduates was not just motivational—it was a blueprint for navigating the real world with intellect, integrity, and growth. His words serve as a reminder that while education lays the foundation, it is values, perseverance, and passion that truly build a legacy. The 31st Global Convocation was more than a ceremony; it was a call to action for the Class of 2025 to become not just professionals, but global changemakers. As they step forward, the spirit of IIG walks beside them—shaping the industry, one graduate at a time.