(Press Release) Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), in association with De Beers, presented the second edition of the “Jewellers for Hope” gala charity dinner with an aim to collaboratively contribute for educating and empowering girl child on the evening of July 27 (inaugural day of IIJS 2017). Smt. Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Actor Arjun Kapoor graced the occasion. Checks amounting to Rs. 1 crore were presented to three NGOs – with Rs. 33 lakhs each to Girl Rising and Make a Wish and Rs. 34 lakhs to Nanhi Kali Foundation. Noted singer Rekha Bhardwaj regaled audiences with a soul-stirring live performance. The event was hosted by the inimitable Mandira Bedi.
Praveenshankar Pandya (Chairman, GJEPC), Russell Mehta (Vice Chairman, GJEPC) and Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, Global Sightholder Sales, De Beers Group, hosted several jewelers, celebrities and prominent personalities expressed their views on aiding & empowering girl child during the black tie sit-down dinner. Manoj Dwivedi, Joint Secretary, Dept. of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India and many other prominent personalities from the gems & jewelry sector attended the event.
Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC, says, “CSR is the fabric of the gems & jewelry industry to help those in need and share happiness and we want to take it one step further to focus on collaborative social responsibility. The gem & jewelry industry has been involved in large-scale philanthropic and charitable activities particularly in the field of education and health long before CSR became mandatory. This year, our industry has collectively come together through Jewellers for Hope in association with De Beers to fund three leading NGOs – Nanhi Kali and Girl Rising devoted to empowerment of the girl child; and Make a Wish dedicated to granting the most cherished wish of children between 5-15 years. Giving Back to the Society will make a big difference and transform the lives of many. I am overwhelmed by the contribution by the industry donors and convey gratitude to De Beers, whose support made this event successful.”
Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, Global Sightholder Sales, De Beers Group, said, “At De Beers and Forevermark, we have a strong focus on the upliftment of women as we know how important they are to all aspects of our business – as employees, as government partners, as consumers, as community stakeholders, as ambassadors and as inspirations. They are a huge part – in fact by far the largest part – of our future success and we see it as a clear priority to improve the prospects of women and girls around the world.”
Russell Mehta, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Purchasing Jewelry is a joyous occasion in itself and the gem & jewelry industry serves joy and happiness with every purchase. CSR is a step further in spreading happiness in the lives of people but more importantly through Jewellers for Hope, we focus on Collaborative Social Responsibility rather than corporate social responsibility. Consolidated efforts will give an impetus to the magnification of the impact of each one who takes up the challenge of making a difference. Jewelry industry has a heart and we are here to spread happiness.”