Two-Day GSTF International Seminar Begins in Kishangarh

Jaipur : The 10th edition of the Global Stone Technology Forum (GSTF) commenced on Thursday at the Kishangarh Marble Association auditorium. The event was inaugurated by Rajasthan’s Minister of Industries and Commerce, Shri Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, along with Water Resources Minister Shri Suresh Singh Rawat, National Organization Minister of Laghu Udyog Bharati Shri Prakash Chand, National Secretary Shri Naresh Parikh, President of Kishangarh Marble Association Shri Sudhir Jain, GSTF Convener Shri Natwarlal Ajmera, and SEEDOS Vice Chairman Shri Rakesh Gupta and CEO Shri Mukul Rastogi. The inauguration began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a warm welcome of the guests with bouquets, saplings, shawls, and mementos.

During the event, Shri Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore announced that the auction process for land in industrial areas across Rajasthan would be discontinued. Instead, RIICO (Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation) will directly allocate land to entrepreneurs for business purposes. Highlighting the state’s Investment Promotion Policy 2024, Rathore stated that the government aims to elevate Rajasthan’s economy from ₹15 lakh crore to ₹30 lakh crore. He emphasized the need for industries to adopt digital transformation, focus on research and development, and convert waste into wealth.

Water Resources Minister Shri Suresh Singh Rawat highlighted the ongoing efforts to bring water to Kishangarh and other regions of Rajasthan through the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). He praised Kishangarh’s historical and cultural significance, especially its global fame for miniature stone paintings and craftsmanship.

RIICO Managing Director Shri Indrajit Singh assured that RIICO stands in full support of industries and the government is committed to implementing all MoUs effectively.

Technical Sessions

1. “Innovations in Value Creation: Transforming Stone Industry Waste into Opportunities”
   Discussions focused on sustainable innovations in the stone industry. Shri Rajesh Kumar Sharma (CBRI, Roorkee) presented on “Sustainable Technology Innovation,” Dr. Ravindra Nagar (MNIT) highlighted “Utilizing Stone Waste for Sustainable Building Materials,” and Shri Hari Mohan Sharma (Shree Maharaja Granites) spoke on “Enhancing the Surface of Natural Stones.”
2. “Advanced Technologies in Stone Processing: Future Tools”
   Shri Yashwant Sharma (Shree Bhagwati Machinery) discussed “Multiwire Machinery and New Processing Techniques,” Shri Emmanuel D. Walker (Celanese) presented on “Latest Surface Technologies,” and Italian experts Shri Piero Bettini and Shri Sam Zawadi shared insights on robotic processing technologies.
3. “Global Growth: Export Promotion, Policies, and Skill Development”
   Speakers included Shri Pankaj Rao from the Rajasthan Export Promotion Council, Ms. Shilpa Gokhru from the Industries Department, and Shri Mohammed Kalam from the National Skill Development Corporation.

Special Features and Conclusion

The event was hosted by Shri Yogesh Gautam, former National Treasurer of Laghu Udyog Bharati. A ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurated an exhibition featuring 24 stalls showcasing the latest technologies and government schemes. Over 500 entrepreneurs from across the country participated in the seminar. Notable attendees included Kishangarh Chairman Dinesh Singh Rathore, Sub-Divisional Officer Nisha Saharan, and representatives of various units of Laghu Udyog Bharati.

The Global Stone Technology Forum 2025 promises to be a pivotal platform for driving innovation, technological advancements, and export promotion in the stone industry.