As secretary-general of the IDMA, I met Vasant Mehta more than two decades ago, when the GJEPC sent him as India’s representative to the organization.
My proximity to him allowed me to discover a man of great integrity, deep industry knowledge, and a fierce defender of the diamond industry in general and the Indian diamond industry in particular.
It also meant meeting Naina, his wife, his soulmate, and later his two children, Nirav and Pinki. My wife and I became very close to them, and he became an elder brother to me.
Meeting him was always a joy, talking first and foremost about family, our plans, and our dreams. And only then, discussing and arguing about the industry’ challenges and strategies.
For Vasant, serving the community and the industry was equally important as his successful business. Serving was his second nature, and I can say with much assurance that the Indian diamond industry owes him a huge debt of gratitude for his work with the government, pleading often successfully for the benefit of the Council’s best interests.
I can only wish that his selflessness and generosity for the benefit of the many will be carried forward by the current generation, and more importantly, by the new generation who will understand the true value of living and giving back.
Rest in peace, my friend, my brother.
Stephane Fischler,
Former President, World Diamond Council
Former President, Antwerp World Diamond Center
Former Secretary General /Treasurer, IDMA