Mumbai: To mark its 50th golden jubilee anniversary, Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) presented ‘Jewellers for Hope Charity Dinner’ event in association with De Beers as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Though most gems and jewellery companies do individual charity, GJEPC’s ‘Jewellers for Hope’ is the ONLY event where jewellers come together for a common cause.
Praveenshankar Pandya (Chairman, GJEPC), Bruce Cleaver (CEO, De Beers Group) and Russell Mehta (Vice Chairman, GJEPC) hosted several jewellers, celebrities and prominent personalities during the black tie sit-down dinner event with Gaurav Kapur as master of ceremonies. As part of its corporate social responsibility, GJEPC, in association with De Beers, made significant contribution of Rs. 50 lakh each (Rs. 5 mn) to two NGOs – Swades Foundation (rural empowerment) and Friends of Tribal Society (tribal welfare).
Bollywood actress Dia Mirza represented Swades Foundation along with Ronnie Screwvala (Founder Trustee, Swades Foundation) and Zarine Mehta Screwvala (Founder and Managing Trustee, Swades Foundation). Founded by Ronnie and Zarina Screwvala, the Swades Foundation operates with the single-minded focus of empowering rural India through best practices, modern technology and values.
Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Subhash Chandra (Chairman of Essel Group of Companies and noted philanthropist) also graced the occasion. Dr. Subhash Chandra is the Global Chairman of Ekal Movement comprising all the partner organizations of Ekal Movement; i.e., Ekal Abhiyan Trust, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India, Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad, Friends of Tribals Society, Ekal Sansthan, SHSS, Arogya Foundation and Gramothan Foundation.
Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Jewellers for Hope showcases the humane aspects of the gems & jewellery sector, which contributes significantly to the country in terms of human capital and key economical indicators. The ‘Jewellers for Hope’ annual charity dinner signifies GJEPC’s commitment towards the betterment of all sections of society. Through this initiative, GJEPC would like to spread the message that for businesses to be successful, society around it cannot fail. Rural empowerment and tribal welfare are very important for India’s progress. An industry built on trust, an industry involved in numerous social activities, now comes together to create awareness about the gem & jewellery sector’s philanthropic initiatives in India.”
GJEPC also unveiled a special Roman Regal 50th anniversary logo at the ‘Jewellers for Hope Charity Dinner event coinciding with the 33rd edition of GJEPC’s annual India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), from 4-8th August 2016 at the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai. With the unveiling of the 50th year logo, GJEPC will launch a series of initiatives to commemorate a significant milestone in its illustrious history.
“We, at GJEPC, shall unveil a special commemorative logo design showcasing the number 5 in a unique way inspired by the Roman digit (V) and derived from the popular Brilliant cut. Roman numerals exude an imperial, royal flair which aptly suits the grandeur of the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of GJEPC India,” Pandya added. The form symbolizes the reference to the function of the organization and the nature in which it has been nurtured over the past five decades. The composition of a Roman Five with an Indian zero is embellished with a rich golden color to highlight the golden jubilee celebrations.
Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said, “De Beers is committed to ensuring that diamonds are transformed into economic wealth, bringing with it lasting improvements in the quality of life and wellbeing of everyone touched by its businesses. As such, much of what we achieve in this field is delivered through collaborative initiatives, and we are pleased to see our partners sharing our ethos and undertaking their own highly effective initiatives, helping to amplify the great work that is done by the broader diamond industry. Today, we join hands with GJEPC to support Swades Foundation. By aiming to empower one million rural Indians every five years, the Swades Foundation genuinely has the power to transform India, and unlock the huge potential that resides here, as more and more people access greater social and economic opportunity. At De Beers we call this ‘Building Forever’ as we believe diamonds have the power to catalyze immutable and enduring positive changes in the world.”
Russell Mehta, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, added, “The Jewellers for Hope dinner provides an opportunity for all of us to come under a single roof, talk business and also work together for the enhancement of the society. Most of our trade members are extremely generous and have been associated with various CSR activities at an individual and at a company level; and we applaud the ‘act of giving’. To commemorate our 50th anniversary, we hope to donate towards worthwhile causes such as rural empowerment and tribal welfare. We are hopeful that the gems and jewellery sector’s philanthropic initiatives will many more members to come forward and support this noble cause.”
33 leading manufacturers and 260+ leading Indian retailers present at the gala dinner pledged their support to the society for commitment to good causes, besides talking business.
