Mumbai: India’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) hosted the 9th edition of its charity dinner, ‘Jewellers for Hope’, at a glittering event attended by industry leaders and philanthropists. Backed by Associate Partners – De Beers and World Gold Council; and powered by GIA; the ‘Jewellers for Hope’ charity event once again garnered overwhelming support from jewellers, diamond exporters, retailers, and global associations. Since its inception in 2014, Jewellers for Hope has contributed crores of rupees to 14 NGOs, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
The proceeds of the charity dinner were donated to two NGOs – MIAM, Miam Charitable Trust, which is committed to the social upliftment of tribal, rural, and urban populations across India; and the Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF) to coordinate social interventions, particularly during major crises.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, the stunning and inspiring actress and philanthropist graced GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope event this year.
Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Milan Chokshi, Convener, Promotions and Marketing, GJEPC; Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group; Mr. Sachin Jain, Regional CEO India, World Gold Council, Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director, GIA India, and Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC presented the cheque to Ms. Nitu Joshi (above, right), Trustee, MIAM and to Sanjay Kothari (above, left), Managing Trustee, GJNRF.
Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Jewellers for Hope is an annual event where GJEPC mobilises our entire industry to raise funds for organisations dedicated to education, health, women’s empowerment, and the welfare of marginalised communities. Since its inception in 2014, Jewellers for Hope has contributed crores to NGOs, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives”
“Additionally, GJEPC is deeply committed to the welfare of workers in the industry. The Swasthya Ratna scheme, implemented in 2015, provides subsidized health insurance to employees of member companies. To date, this scheme has extended coverage to an impressive 8.4 lakh lives, safeguarding the well-being of numerous individuals within the industry. Collectively and individually, through the efforts of many unsung heroes from the industry, we tirelessly work to uplift the underprivileged and bring about positive change in the society.”
Kareena Kapoor Khan said, “I am happy to be here at GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope event because I see jewellers having as much love here for charity as women have for diamonds. I am happy that jewellers are giving back to society for a cause which is important for the future of our country and planet. I have been involved with many of the causes that Jewellers for Hope is supporting such as basic child rights including health, home, sanitation, safety and education. These basic necessities are the backbone of every child’s progress — I believe that if my child can have them then every Indian child needs to have them. I believe that children need a voice to speak about what they feel and be more confident and assertive. The one superpower that I shall use is to bring a smile on the face of every child and make them experience true happiness.”
Speaking about diamond jewellery, Kareena said, “My husband Saif Ali Khan gifted me a stunning family jewel embedded with diamonds and emerald, which had been passed on from his great grandmother to grandmother and so on. They have so many family jewels that even a lifetime will not be sufficient for me to try on each one of them. I have gifted Saif diamond buttons or cuffs as they go very well with his ethnic wear or Western wear. I am a big fan of retro fashion from the 1960s in India wherein began the era of diamonds forever!”
Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group, said, “GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope reminds us of the power that our industry wields to change people’s lives for the better. Natural diamonds do spread hope. It is the core of our business to help create a positive impact on people and society of the areas where diamonds are found and curated. Such events enhance our industry’s reputation and reinforce a deep connection between diamonds and positive social change. I congratulate GJEPC for supporting so many causes over the last 10 years. The charity and generosity of jeweller exporters exemplify the ‘forever impact’ aspect of natural diamonds. Our journey is about seizing opportunities and making a lasting difference. The beauty of natural diamonds is about the stories of journey comprising optimism, resilience and determination as well as the hope that these diamonds spread.”
Sachin Jain, Regional CEO India, World Gold Council (WGC), said, “Charity is a way of life in India and embedded in our culture as much as spirituality is. It reflects who we are and how we give back to society. We do it for our own selves. Today businesses are judged on a holistic basis with respect to sustainability, environmental, social impact and governance; and not just profits and valuations. Individually, we are good but collectively we can all be absolutely amazing.”
Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director, GIA India, said, “GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope event is one where jewellers come together and gather to celebrate philanthropy. Our industry values craftsmanship but also embraces giving. I am proud to be part of our industry which makes a collective effort to contribute to betterment of society. We work with GJEPC on the Swasthya Kosh programmes to help thousands of workers. Every small act of kindness contributes to a larger changes. As Mahatma Gandhi said, the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of the nation.”
