The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), yesterday, officially announced that it has appointed Ms. Nirupa Pandya Bhatt as the Managing Director for India and the Middle East. %% According to Donna Baker, president of GIA, Bhatt’s role at GIA would involve expansion in India, Israel and Dubai, on-site management and in-country guidance to help set-up and manage GIA’s projects including the India Laboratory, the Dubai School, GIA’s educational offerings in Israel, and others. She would supervise the GIA schools in Dubai and India and oversee their respective school directors. For the GIA India Laboratory, Bhatt would be required to help identify and disclose the gemological character of diamonds, and gain the faith of the wearer, in gems and gemology. Bhatt would be beginning her tenure from January 1, 2008, onwards. %% Nirupa Bhatt has been recognised with a number of awards during her tenure in the industry. the Gem & Jewellery Expert Council (GJEPC) recently, a at the 34th annual awards meeting, awarded her for distinguished service to the gems and jewelry industry. She has worked with Rio Tinto Diamonds (RTD) and help facilitate the Indo Argyle Diamond Council (IADC) and Business Excellence Model (BEM). She holds a number of other accolades.