JD Institute Bengaluru Secures Three Wins at NJA 2026
JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru, has secured three wins at the National Jewellery Awards (NJA) 2026.
Ms Gunavanti, B.Sc. JD 2024 batch, and Ms. Hunar Jain, B.Sc. JD 2025 batch, won in the Student of the Year category. Meanwhile, Ms. Mithra M. won the Designer of the Year category.
Mithra’s design also secured a place among the final five shortlisted entries from more than 1,000 submissions across India.
The winners received their awards at the NJA’26 Award Ceremony at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
NJA 2026 Celebrates Jewellery Design Talent
The National Jewellery Awards (NJA) 2026, organised by the All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), recognises creativity, excellence and innovation across India’s jewellery industry.
The 15th edition celebrates emerging and established talent across multiple categories. These include the Student and Designer categories, which recognise distinctive concepts and execution based on aesthetics, uniqueness and wearability.
Three Award-Winning Jewellery Concepts
The three winning entries from JD Institute Bengaluru showcased distinct approaches to jewellery design.
Gunavanti’s winning entry explored the concept of Agni and translated the theme into a jewellery design.
Meanwhile, Hunar Jain’s award-winning work drew inspiration from the Shruva spoon, which features in the Vedic ritual of Agni Ahuti.
Her design interprets the ritual through three interconnected elements. An arm cuff draws inspiration from the Shruva spoon, cascading chains represent the offering of ghee, while a bracelet symbolises rising flames.
For Mithra M., the winning Designer Category entry explored nature’s intelligence through a space-age design language.
Her work translated the underlying phenomenon into a wearable form. It combines organic gold shapes with fine gradient-paved details.
Mentorship Supports Award-Winning Designs
The three entries were developed under the guidance of Ms Rupali Sarkar, HOD at JD Institute Bengaluru.
Her mentorship supported the students through concept development, refinement and final execution.
Speaking about the students’ participation at NJA 2026, Ms. Rupali Sarkar, HOD, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru, said:
“Participating in NJA 2026 gave our students the opportunity to present their work on a national industry platform. Seeing their concepts and efforts receive this recognition is a proud moment, and a testament to the work they put into developing their designs.”
JD Institute Highlights Industry Exposure
Speaking on the recognition, Nealesh Dalal, Founder & Managing Trustee, JD Institute of Fashion Technology and Founder, JD School of Design, said:
“Industry platforms such as the National Jewellery Awards allow emerging designers to take their work beyond the academic environment and engage with the larger design community. These recognitions reflect the creativity, research and craftsmanship that our students bring to their work. At JD Institute, we remain committed to providing the exposure and opportunities that help designers take their ideas forward.”
Commenting on the achievement, Yogesh Dalal, Trustee, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, said:
“Recognition at a platform like the National Jewellery Awards is an important milestone for our students and alumni, as it places their work before the wider jewellery industry. Gunavanti, Hunar and Mithra have approached design from a different perspective, but what connects their work is the thought behind the concept and the effort to translate an idea into a considered jewellery form. At JD Institute, we encourage students to research, question and experiment, while creating an environment that enables them to push creative boundaries and translate their ideas into work that reflects their individual design vision.”
Connecting Jewellery Education with Industry
The three wins at NJA 2026 highlight JD Institute Bengaluru’s approach to connecting design education with industry exposure.
The recognition gives students and alumni an opportunity to take their work beyond the classroom and present their concepts on a national industry platform.
It also showcases the diverse design thinking emerging from JD Institute’s jewellery programmes.
