surat the gemological institute of america gia the worlds foremost authority in gemology has decided to work with surat diamond association sda and southern gujarat chamber of commerce and industry sgcci to promote greater gemological education in the worlds biggest diamond cutting and polishing centre in surat and develop and retain talent in the industrywe want to bring worldclass gemological education offered by gia to surats doorsteps we are working closely with diamond companies and the trade and industry bodies for providing jewellery training of international standard to retailers and gemological education to the young professionals wanting to enter the industry said nirupa pandya bhatt managing director of gias india and middle east operations the gia india which is participating in the gems and jewellery exhibition sparkle09 is planning to work with sda and the indian diamond institute idi to develop courses that establish and meet heightened requirements for the gems and jewellery industry in surat also the institute has planned to conduct twomonth gemology courses in diamond grading and diamond assortment in the city starting from january 25 2010 in the citybhatt said the purpose is to raise gemological education standards in surat and therefore strengthen the industry here until now students aspiring for gemological education from gia had to travel all the way to the us but now the gia india is offering accredited diploma programmes at mumbai that are recognised internationally as hallmark professional credentialsrohit mehta president of sda said surat the diamond hub of the world has established its leadership position with world class manufacturing facilities now gias presence in surat in education and grading services will offer huge opportunity to enhance the skill base in the industry