Panna is a small district in India, in Madhya Pradesh. They are all known for diamonds. In this place, people are crazy about finding those precious stones. People believe that if they find a diamond, then it’s enough to change their lives forever. It feels like a thrill crossing your body when you find a diamond. For many people, finding diamonds is not just another job but passion, dream, and addiction.
Every morning, thousands of individuals leave their houses and reach the forests and riverbanks in Panna. Digging and sieving the soil, they hope to find that one stone which could change everything. The stone is not any ordinary rock; it is a symbol of hope, wealth, and a better life. Again, is it so simple to find a diamond?
Most believe that diamonds are hiding, waiting to be discovered, underground. The excitement of finding this precious stone keeps these miners going. According to one of the miners, “The feeling of finding a diamond is incredible. It keeps me coming.” Despite the difficulties that such a job poses, the hope of finding a diamond keeps them returning for more.

Panna is home to millions of carats of diamonds. For some, years have been wasted digging in the same places and holding out for that lucky break. But the question remains: will you find a diamond? One miner described the desperation finding, at times nothing at all, after digging and digging. “You just have to keep trying,” he said.
Many families have been searching for a diamond for generations. There is a man called Kakoo who has been digging for years. His father was the same. Kakoo sets up a tent and goes out every day to dig. One day, he believes that some day he would get this great diamond that would win his life.
In the month of September 2024, miner discovers a 32.80-carat diamond. And the estimated amount of this diamond was about 1.5 crore rupees precisely or approximately $180000. And that would change his life forever. He says, “If I find a diamond, then my family will be happy. I won’t have to worry about money anymore.”
In Panna, any diamond prospector wannabe can go and try his luck to find some diamonds. For 200 rupees, the government issues mining permits. Once a person finds the diamond, he has to bring it to the government diamond office where it is valued. On selling the diamond, the government collects a 11.5% royalty. Then the rest of the money remains with the miner.
Illegal Mining: An Unacceptable Challenge to Illicit Mining
Whereas for every legal-minded miner, there are many illegal ones, who do or operate mines minus the legal requirement-license permits. According to one illegal-marketed diamond seller, “Many people are so desperate for money and will do whatever it takes to find diamonds, even if it means breaking the law.”.

The government is aware of illegal mining and is making efforts to put an end to it. They have also made efforts to improve regulation over the diamond trade. However, the reality is that many people continue to take a risk hoping to get lucky.
Stories of Transformation
For many, finding diamonds is not just about money; it is about changing their lives. Here’s the story of one man, Prakash Majumdar. He earned a very low amount of money as a laborer. But after finding diamond, the life changed completely. “I found a 7.44-carat diamond, and it sold for about 28 lakh rupees. Now I can provide for my family,” he said.
People in his village were inspired to turn around as well because of Prakash’s achievement. He now turns out to be a leader and helps those in need. “When I was poor, nobody helped me. Now, I help others as much as I can,” he boastfully mentioned.
The hope of finding a diamond makes most people wake up at 4 a.m. They leave for work, dreaming of becoming millionaires. They dig, sift, and wash soils, hoping to find that one diamond in millions that could all be different.
They return, empty-handed, but somehow still feel the thrill in hunting diamonds.

Future Diamond Mining in Panna
The more people that visit Panna to look for diamonds, the more competition there will be. Each one thinks they might find something special. The stories of those who have succeeded help to fuel the dreams of many others. Reality is, though, that finding diamonds doesn’t easily come along or overnight; many leave with nothing, but others will continue to chase their dreams.
In Panna, diamonds are not stones but represent hope and dreams for a chance to have a better life. There’s much misery in searching for diamonds, but it’s all well worth it since the challenge brings that Panna spirit back to the game.
And then should you ever be in Panna, remember that under the earth lies not just stones but dreams of many. Every dig, every sift, every wash brings one closer to hope and the brighter tomorrow.