I had been mesmerised by the compaign of DTC (read De Beers) with a catch line 'diamonds are forever' till last nite when i saw the movie 'Blood Diamond' starring Leonardo DiCaprio and others.

It is a movie based in Serra Leone (those who have prepared KBC might be able to locate it on world map). It portrays how locals were slaved, by brute force, to indulge in diamond hunting. how these diamonds were smuggled, by stiching them in alive sheep's skin, to neighbouring countires so that they get exported to markets of raw diamond. India also gets a mention in the movie. The movie portrays in very harsh manner (a better word in hindi is vibhutsa) how young boys are being forced and motivated to fight in the ongoing civil war/war-of-factions for control of this illegal trade. A touching story of the struggle of a father to get his son back from the clutches of war lords.

A must see for all diamond lovers!!!

kamlesh