Surat’s Diamond Industry Faces Grim Reality as Artisan Takes Own Life

Surat, Gujarat : Surat, India’s diamond hub, awoke to a tragic reminder of the industry’s ongoing crisis as a 40-year-old diamond artisan, Mansukh Sondarwa, took his own life due to financial distress. The incident occurred in Shekhpur village, Kamrej, where Sondarwa hanged himself in his kitchen. Before ending his life, he posted a heartbreaking video on social media, detailing the immense financial strain he was under due to the prolonged slump in the diamond sector.

The video has since gone viral, fueling outrage and deep concern, particularly as it marks the 66th suicide by a diamond artisan in Surat in the past year, according to the Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG). This tragedy has unfolded amid an indefinite strike in the diamond industry, further exposing the devastating impact of economic downturns on workers.

A Family Devastated by Financial Hardship

Originally from Satrava village in Amreli district, Mansukh Sondarwa was struggling to support his family. His wife, Bharti, worked in a textile packing factory to supplement their income, but it was not enough to cover their rising financial burdens.

“Mansukh often told me how helpless he felt because of the recession in the diamond industry. He had no savings left and didn’t know how to take care of our children anymore,” said Bharti, breaking down in tears.

On the day of the incident, Bharti had left for work with their son, while Mansukh also pretended to leave for his job. However, instead of heading to work, he returned home, tied a sari to the kitchen fan, and ended his life. His lifeless body was later discovered by a neighbor, Ashaben, who immediately alerted the police.

Growing Crisis in Surat’s Diamond Sector

The ongoing economic downturn in the diamond industry has pushed thousands of artisans to the brink. The Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG) has repeatedly raised concerns about the rising number of suicides among diamond workers.

“We have lost 66 skilled artisans in the last year alone. Many workers are struggling to pay rent, school fees, and even buy food. If urgent measures are not taken, we fear the situation will worsen,” said Bhavesh Tank, vice-president of DWUG.

The police have registered a case of accidental death and have launched an investigation. However, the deeper issue remains unaddressed—how many more artisans will have to take their own lives before real action is taken to support Surat’s struggling diamond industry?