The global meltdown has had a significant impact on the the diamond industry, which has resulted in the shutting down of many small and big diamond factories in Surat.

At present, many diamond workers are jobless and some have reportedly committed suicide.

The seminar was organised with an aim to help the diamond polishers in establishing their business in other sectors including textiles, zari and embroidery.

Thousands of diamond polishers assembled at the Sardar Patel Smruti Bhavan in Varachha on Friday afternoon.

Apart from diamond polishers, members of the Surat diamond Association and Surat Diamond Workers’ Association also participated in the seminar.

Zilla Udhyog Kendra official D M Parikh suggested various ways to the diamond workers to start their own businesses from homes.