GJEPC has helped raise funds for 14 NGOs over the last 8 years, positively impacting numerous lives
India, 12th August 2024: At a magnificent occasion attended by influential figures in the industry and philanthropists, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) proudly held the 9th edition of their famous charity dinner, “Jewellers for Hope.” Supported by GIA and powered by Associate Partners De Beers and the World Gold Council, the ‘Jewellers for Hope’ charity event attracted a resounding response from jewelers, diamond exporters, retailers, and international groups.
The Miam Charitable Trust, which aims to improve the social conditions of tribal, rural, and urban populations in India, and the Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF), which organizes social interventions, especially in times of major crisis, received the proceeds of the charity dinner.
This year, GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope event was graced by the stunning and inspirational actress, philanthropist, and UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate, Kareena Kapoor Khan.
The check was presented to Ms. Nitu Joshi, Trustee, MIAM, and to Sanjay Kothari, Managing Trustee, GJNRF by Vipul Shah, Chairman of GJEPC, Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman of 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.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Kareena Kapoor Khan remarked, “The gem and jewelry industry is defined by its deep compassion and generosity, which is reflected in Jewellers for Hope.” Seeing how GJEPC is paving the way for a better future for so many underprivileged individuals is incredibly touching.
GJEPC Chairman Vipul Shah stated, “Every year, GJEPC organizes our whole industry to raise money for charities that support women’s empowerment, education, health, and the welfare of underprivileged areas. This event is called Jewelers for Hope. Jewellers for Hope was founded in 2014 and has now given lakhs to NGOs, changing the lives of countless people.
Furthermore, GJEPC has a strong commitment to the industry’s workers’ welfare. Employees of participating companies can obtain discounted health insurance under the Swasthya Ratna plan, which was put into effect in 2015. Thus far, this plan has protected the lives of an astounding 8.4 lakh people, hence ensuring the safety of many people working in the business. both jointly and individually, thanks to the work of numerous unsung heroes in the business.
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.
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 comes together and gathers 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.”
