Bakul Limbasiya, Founder of Bhathwari Technologies has been conferred the prestigious APO National Award, a national-level honour that recognises outstanding individual contributions to productivity excellence, innovation, and leadership in India. The award, instituted by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) and administered in India by the National Productivity Council (NPC) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, is regarded as one of the highest recognitions for advancing productivity and competitiveness across sectors.

This recognition holds particular significance as it not only celebrates Bakul Limbasiya’s individual achievements but also marks a defining moment for India’s lab-grown diamond industry. Historically conferred upon eminent industrial leaders such as Anil Naik of Larsen & Toubro and Dr. Verghese Kurien, the APO National Award carries a legacy of honouring visionaries who have driven transformative change across India’s industrial landscape. The inclusion of the lab-grown diamond sector among its awardees reflects a growing institutional acknowledgement of the industry’s strategic, economic, and technological relevance.

A pioneer in the global lab-grown diamond (LGD) space, Bakul Limbasiya has been associated with the sector since 1998 and is widely credited with producing India’s first-ever lab-grown diamond in 2004. His early innovations and technological breakthroughs laid the foundation for what has evolved into a globally competitive, innovation-led LGD ecosystem in India.

Over the years, Limbasiya has played a pivotal role in positioning India as a global hub for lab-grown diamonds by championing advanced manufacturing technologies, responsible production practices, and export-oriented growth. His contributions have helped elevate productivity benchmarks, accelerate innovation in diamond growing and processing, and strengthen India’s standing in sustainable diamond manufacturing—aligned closely with the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Commenting on the honour, Bakul Limbasiya said, “This recognition goes beyond personal achievement; it is a validation of India’s lab-grown diamond community that is shaping the future of the global diamond industry. Positioned at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and value creation, our sector reflects India’s unique ability to lead this global transformation.”

The award also underscores the broader transformation underway within the diamond ecosystem, where lab-grown diamonds are emerging as a powerful driver of employment, export growth, and technological advancement, while offering a sustainable alternative to conventionally mined diamonds.

The APO National Award thus stands as a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to productivity excellence and its leadership in next-generation manufacturing sectors.