The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has caused widespread suffering, not only in the regions directly involved but also in far-off places like India. One such place feeling the effects is Surat, a city famous for its diamond industry. The combination of the war and the sanctions placed on Russia by Western countries has created a difficult situation for diamond workers in Surat. Sadly, this has led to an alarming increase in suicides among these workers.
The Heart of the Diamond Industry
Surat is known as the diamond capital of the world. In fact, it processes nearly 80% of the diamonds that are traded globally. For many years, the industry has provided stable jobs and livelihoods for thousands of workers. People from all walks of life have come to Surat in search of better opportunities, and for many, polishing diamonds was a reliable way to support their families.
However, everything changed in February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine. This act of war prompted countries in the West, including the United States and members of the European Union, to impose strict sanctions on Russia. These sanctions targeted many sectors, including the diamond trade. As a result, diamonds that were mined in Russia and shipped through third countries could not be exported anymore. This cut off a crucial supply of diamonds that many workers in Surat relied on for their jobs.
The sanctions began to take effect in March 2022. Almost overnight, the industry in Surat faced a crisis. With the flow of diamonds drying up, the businesses that depended on them started to struggle. Orders from international clients disappeared, and workers who had once felt secure in their jobs suddenly found themselves unemployed or underpaid. The vibrant factories that used to buzz with activity became quiet and empty, and the bright lights of opportunity dimmed.
A Tragic Personal Story
Among those affected was a man named Shailesh Bhavuben. He was a 32-year-old diamond polisher who worked hard to support his wife and two young children. Shailesh was known to be a gentle and soft-spoken man, always dedicated to his job. However, the financial pressures he faced became overwhelming as his income dropped significantly.
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According to his sister, Dhabi, Shailesh often expressed concern about not being able to provide for his family. He would say things like, “My work isn’t going well, and I can’t support my family.” This worry weighed heavily on him. One day, after sharing lunch with his wife, Shailesh made a heartbreaking decision. While she went to work, he stayed home. Hours later, he took his own life. His family was left in shock, as they had no idea he was feeling this way.
Shailesh’s story is not an isolated incident. Over the past 17 months, reports indicate that at least 63 diamond workers in Surat have died by suicide. This tragic trend has been closely linked to the collapse of the diamond industry due to the sanctions. The sadness and despair among workers have reached alarming levels, casting a dark shadow over a trade that was once associated with prosperity.
The Ripple Effects of Sanctions
The sanctions on Russian diamonds have created a ripple effect that extends beyond just the loss of jobs. Families who relied on the steady income from diamond polishing are now struggling to make ends meet. With many workers suddenly jobless, they face dire financial situations. The anxiety of not knowing how to pay bills, feed children, and meet other basic needs has taken a significant toll on their mental health.
The diamond industry had been a source of pride and economic stability for Surat. It brought hope and opportunities to thousands. Now, as the industry faces a crisis, the sense of hopelessness among workers has risen dramatically. Many people are afraid to talk about their struggles, which can make the situation even worse. Stigma around mental health often prevents individuals from seeking help or expressing their feelings.
The community in Surat is now grappling with the loss of life, the pain of families left behind, and the uncertainty of the future. The once-bustling diamond markets are filled with despair, as workers look for ways to survive amidst the chaos caused by global conflicts.
