GSI “adopts” Turner Road in Bandra, Mumbai
Gemological Science International (GSI), a leading international gemological laboratory, has “adopted” a major jewelry street in Mumbai to give back to the local community and to initiate a widespread street-cleaning effort.
On August 8, GSI employees, together with municipal employees of the city of Mumbai, went out on Turner Road in the Bandra neighborhood with their brooms and other cleaning equipment. “Turner Road is one of the most beautiful parts of Mumbai, but like a lot of streets it’s in need of TLC,” said GSI’s CEO Mark Gershburg, who attributed the “adoption” idea to Neeta Shah, GSI VP for Indian operations and a resident of Bandra. Neeta wants this to be a first step in a nationwide campaign to clean and beautify the streets of India, added Mr. Gershburg.
“We at GSI have a strong tradition of giving back to the community,” said Mrs. Shah. “We’re very active in trade organizations in all of our locations worldwide, however, I believe in giving back not only to and through our industry, but beyond this. I love our beautiful country, and there’s much we can do to make it better.”
Mrs. Shah acknowledged the city of Mumbai and its employees for their support, along with the Mumbai jewelers “who share our values and joined us in giving back.” These included Tara Jewelers, Gehna Jewellers, A.K. Motiwala, Orra Jewellers, and A.A. Motiwala.
Mrs. Shah and Mr. Gershburg plan to work with local jewelry associations across India to create similar campaigns in their cities.
About the author
Debbie Azar is an experienced executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries. Her entrepreneurial skills and clarity of vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide.
She began her industry career by starting her own successful costume jewelry business. She then expanded her knowledge of the industry with sales, marketing and business development roles at several companies. In 2005, she joined Mark Gershburg to establish GSI. Ms. Azar is an active member of myriad industry organizations and charities; she currently serves as a Board Member of Jewelers for Children. She is also a Forbes Business Council member.
Her strengths include working directly with retail chains and stores to help build their business and brands. She is widely known in the industry for her commitment to meeting customer needs.
