A Lucky Find: Friends Discover Life-Changing Diamond in Central India

On a chilly winter morning in Panna, a diamond-rich region of central India, two childhood friends made a remarkable discovery that they believe could transform their lives. Satish Khatik and Sajid Mohammed stumbled upon a stunning rock on a land parcel they had leased just weeks prior, leading to an extraordinary turn of events.

The Discovery

After taking the stone to the city’s official diamond evaluator, they learned they had uncovered a gem-quality diamond weighing 15.34 carats—one of the finest types of natural diamonds. “The estimated market price of the stone is around five to six million rupees (approximately $55,000 – $66,000),” Anupam Singh, the diamond evaluator, informed local media. This remarkable find is set to be auctioned soon, attracting buyers from across India and beyond.

The auctions, held quarterly by the government, draw significant interest, and prices fluctuate based on the dollar exchange rate and benchmarks from the respected Rapaport report, a key resource in diamond market analysis.

Dreams of a Better Future

Overjoyed, both Khatik and Mohammed expressed their happiness about their newfound fortune, saying, “We can now get our sisters married.” Coming from economically challenged backgrounds, Khatik, 24, operates a small meat shop, while 23-year-old Mohammed runs a fruit stall. They are the youngest sons in their families, who have long sought their luck in diamond mining, a common pursuit in the Panna district.

Panna, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is one of India’s underdeveloped districts, grappling with challenges like poverty, water scarcity, and high unemployment rates. However, it is also home to most of India’s diamond reserves, making it a prime spot for aspiring diamond hunters.

While India’s diamond reserves are relatively small compared to global leaders, they carry historical significance. Although the federal government manages most mines, state authorities lease small plots annually to local residents at minimal costs. With limited job prospects, many locals hope for a lucky find to change their fortunes, though most often, they leave empty-handed.

A Long Family Tradition

Mohammed shared that his father and grandfather spent decades digging through these plots, uncovering little more than “dust and slivers of quartz.” His father, Nafees, believes they are finally being rewarded for their perseverance and hard work.

Desperation partly drove the friends to lease a plot in search of diamonds, as their modest incomes struggled to cover rising household expenses, much less the costs associated with marriages. They embarked on their diamond-hunting adventure by sifting through heaps of dirt after work, dedicating hours whenever they could spare time from their day jobs.

The Mining Experience

Like many locals, Khatik and Mohammed manually searched for diamonds, digging pits, removing soil and stones, washing them through sieves, and carefully examining thousands of tiny stones post-drying. Ravi Patel, the district mining officer in Panna, remarked on the luck of the two friends, noting, “They leased the plot on November 19, and it’s remarkable that they found a gem-quality diamond within just a few weeks.”

While they have yet to receive payment for the diamond, Khatik and Mohammed remain optimistic. They shared, “We are not thinking about buying land, expanding our businesses, or relocating to a larger city; right now, our focus is on getting our sisters married.”

Conclusion

This discovery not only presents a significant financial opportunity for Khatik and Mohammed but also symbolizes hope and dreams fulfilled amid challenging circumstances. Their story serves as a reminder that perseverance, coupled with a bit of luck, can indeed change lives.