Nitin Shankar’s wondrous journey from retired electronics engineer at age 71 to working with laser machines cutting diamonds began when he met Dr Bernold Richerzhagen, CEO and founder of Synova SA in 2010. The timing was propitious. Bernold’s company produced laser cutting machines based on his patented technology that combined a laser beam with a water jet. He had finetuned the process to be able to cut diamonds. The process elicited the interest of diamond manufacturers from Surat.

‘The Synergy of Light and Water’ is the author’s personal story about the challenges in introducing this new laser technology to diamond processors in Surat. It was a learning experience fraught with frustrations and failures. The book’s chapters describe how bad luck and teething problems were compensated by sheer determination and hard work. If the process ultimately proved to be successful, it was thanks to the dedicated support of Surat’s laser technicians.

This book is also about relationships. The author was fortunate to work closely with entrepreneurs in the diamond industry. These industry captains took risks in experimenting with unproven technologies. They showed patience when results were slow in coming. Thanks to their vision and ability to absorb the latest technologies, Surat cuts and polishes 85% of diamond gems sold in international markets.

This book also traces the arduous path from invention to commercialization of a process. It demonstrates how innovation drives the economy. If you are interested in learning how a company creates a culture of constant innovation, you must read this book.