GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Gala: Illuminating the Industry’s Commitment to Social Welfare
The Indian gems and jewellery industry, a global powerhouse known for its exquisite craftsmanship and significant economic contribution, consistently demonstrates a profound commitment to social responsibility. This dedication was brilliantly showcased during the evening of the opening day of the IIJS 2018, where The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) proudly hosted its annual Jewellers for Hope (JFH) gala charity dinner. This event, now a cherished tradition, underscores the industry’s unwavering pledge to give back to society, transforming success into meaningful social impact.
A Legacy of Giving: The Jewellers for Hope Initiative
Jewellers for Hope stands as the dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the GJEPC, an initiative born from a collective desire to uplift and empower. Since its inception in 2014, JFH has established a remarkable track record, consistently donating a significant sum of Rs. 1 crore (approximately $130,000 USD at the time) annually. This substantial contribution is meticulously directed towards one or more deserving non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charities. These selected organizations are recognised for their sterling, impactful work in supporting underprivileged communities across India, with a particular focus on alleviating suffering and imparting dignity to affected women and children. The JFH initiative represents more than just financial aid; it embodies the industry’s collective conscience and its proactive approach to societal betterment, ensuring that its prosperity translates into tangible positive change for the most vulnerable.
Strategic Partnerships for Enhanced Impact: IIJS 2018 Gala
The Jewellers for Hope dinner in 2018 was a testament to the power of collaboration, organized by the GJEPC in esteemed association with the De Beers Group of Companies and proudly powered by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). These strategic partnerships amplify the reach and impact of the JFH initiative, bringing together leading entities from across the global diamond and jewellery value chain committed to ethical practices and community development. The presence of such prominent names underscores the industry’s unified front in promoting social welfare. The evening was further graced by distinguished guests, reflecting the high regard in which this philanthropic endeavour is held. The Chief Guest for the momentous occasion was Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, Global Sightholder Sales, De Beers Group, whose presence highlighted De Beers’ long-standing commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Adding immense gravitas to the event was the Guest of Honour, the world-renowned Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, a towering figure who has devoted several decades of his life to the relentless cause of children’s welfare, inspiring millions globally with his tireless advocacy.
Industry Leaders Championing Social Causes
The evening’s proceedings were set into motion by Pramod Agrawal, the insightful Chairman of the GJEPC, who eloquently articulated the Indian gems and jewellery industry’s profound and continuous contributions to society and various social causes. Chairman Agrawal passionately highlighted the deep-rooted philanthropic ethos that defines the sector. He provided compelling examples of the industry’s historical and ongoing benevolence, notably citing the impactful work of the Gems & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF). This unique organization, established collectively by the industry itself, has been a pillar of support during times of crisis, extending crucial aid to victims of devastating natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes. Beyond environmental disasters, the GJNRF has also provided solace and assistance to those affected by terrorist attacks and has played a vital role in supporting war widows and their children, demonstrating an expansive and compassionate scope of relief work.
Chairman Agrawal further elaborated on the multi-faceted approach to CSR within the industry. He explained that, beyond the individual philanthropic efforts of companies and the collective work of the GJNRF, the GJEPC itself had proactively launched two significant initiatives in the CSR domain a few years prior. “We set up the Jewellers for Hope charity,” Agrawal stated, detailing how the initiative systematically collects funds to donate to organizations undertaking vital work for social welfare. This structured approach ensures sustained support for carefully vetted beneficiaries. Additionally, Agrawal proudly announced the introduction of the Swasthya Ratna scheme. This innovative program allows companies within the industry to enrol their workers in comprehensive health insurance policies, providing a crucial safety net. Highlighting the Council’s commitment to worker welfare, he added, “The Council also contributes to a portion of the policy premiums,” making healthcare more accessible and affordable for the workforce, thereby enhancing their quality of life and financial security.
The Chairman then offered a comprehensive overview of the industry’s economic stature and future aspirations, underscoring the intrinsic link between economic growth and social responsibility. “We are a US$ 41 billion industry and employ 5 million people,” Agrawal proudly stated, illustrating the sector’s substantial economic footprint. He then outlined an ambitious vision for future growth and employment generation: “By 2022, we aim to raise that figure to 7 million by creating an additional two million jobs.” This goal reflects not only economic expansion but also a profound commitment to national employment. To realize this ambitious target, Agrawal detailed strategic initiatives: “Towards realising this we are strengthening our training institutes, setting up Common Facility Centres (CFCs), and we will soon set up the first Jewellery Park in Mumbai.” These measures are designed to enhance skill development, foster innovation, and create modern infrastructure, all contributing to a robust and expanding workforce. He further noted that, as part of their standard business operations, entrepreneurs in the industry have consistently invested in establishing modern facilities, ensuring an excellent working environment for their dedicated workforce. Chairman Agrawal concluded his address with a powerful and definitive statement, encapsulating the core philosophy of the sector: “This is an industry which believes in giving back to society,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with all attendees.
Global Perspective on Industry Philanthropy
Paul Rowley, representing the De Beers Group, offered an international perspective, warmly applauding the significant philanthropic work being undertaken by the Indian gems and jewellery industry. He particularly commended the profound sense of hope being disseminated through the Jewellers for Hope initiative, recognising its vital role in community upliftment. Rowley expanded on the broader narrative of ethical sourcing and social impact, eloquently speaking about the inherent “good diamonds do in communities where the diamond industry is based the world over.” This statement resonates with De Beers’ own long-standing commitment to creating sustainable benefits in its operational regions. “We at De Beers are fortunate to be amongst the leaders of the diamond industry,” Rowley acknowledged, reflecting on the company’s prominent position. However, he quickly tempered this statement with a crucial emphasis on responsibility: “But with that comes privilege as well as responsibility.” He stressed the imperative responsibility to ensure the welfare of communities and support the less privileged wherever the diamond industry operates, reinforcing the global importance of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development within the sector.
Colin Shah, the Vice Chairman of the GJEPC, expressed sincere gratitude to both the De Beers Group and the GIA for their invaluable support in making the Jewellers for Hope event a resounding success. He highlighted the collective nature of the philanthropic effort, underscoring that the entire gems and jewellery industry had contributed significantly to the total sum earmarked for donation. “Today, those present represent a cross section of the industry,” Shah noted, emphasizing the broad participation from various segments of the sector. He further added, with evident pride, “And I must say that all the companies whom we approached came forward readily and immediately to make donations,” illustrating the industry’s unified commitment and generous spirit. This willingness to contribute collectively speaks volumes about the shared values that bind the industry members.
Vice Chairman Shah then unveiled an exciting new initiative, announcing that the GJEPC had launched a comprehensive campaign. This campaign is specifically designed to highlight and communicate the extensive social welfare work being carried out by the Indian gems and jewellery industry. The primary objective of this initiative is to build and reinforce a “positive image” of the industry, showcasing its proactive role in societal betterment. Shah passionately articulated the underlying motivation: “We want to be super positive, because we really do make a difference,” he emphasized, reaffirming the tangible impact of their efforts. He concluded with a heartfelt statement that encapsulated the industry’s spirit: “And we do that because we have hearts of gold.” This poignant metaphor beautifully captures the deep empathy and genuine desire to contribute positively that drives the Indian gems and jewellery sector.
Spotlight on Impact: The 2018 Beneficiaries
The Jewellers for Hope 2018 gala proudly announced its distinguished recipients for the year, organizations whose impactful work profoundly aligns with the initiative’s mission of empowerment and social upliftment. This year’s deserving beneficiaries were: the Giants Welfare Foundation, renowned for its diverse social service initiatives; Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), globally recognized for its pioneering work in prosthetics; and the Association for Voluntary Action (Bachpan Bachao Andolan), an organization at the forefront of child rights advocacy. Each of these entities represents a beacon of hope, making substantial differences in the lives of countless individuals. The event provided a platform to celebrate their achievements and further support their crucial endeavors.
Representatives from these esteemed organizations, alongside celebrated personalities, shared insights into their transformative work. Shaina NC, a prominent politician, social worker, and fashion designer, whose father, the late Nana Chudasama, established the Giants Welfare Foundation, eloquently spoke about the organization’s extensive work across a myriad of fields, ranging from health and education to women’s empowerment. Her presence underscored the continuity of generational philanthropy. She was accompanied by several well-known figures from the world of sports and entertainment, adding celebrity endorsement to the cause. These included celebrated cricketer Zaheer Khan, the iconic Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, and the courageous Bollywood actress and cancer survivor Manisha Koirala, all lending their support to amplify the message of hope and generosity.
Dr. D.R. Mehta, the visionary behind BMVSS, captivated the audience as he meticulously outlined the groundbreaking work of his organization in the specialized field of prosthetics. He particularly highlighted the revolutionary ‘Jaipur Foot,’ a prosthetic limb developed by BMVSS, which has transcended its original purpose to become a symbol of restored dignity and boundless possibilities for countless amputees. Dr. Mehta explained how this ingenious innovation has not only provided physical mobility but has also empowered individuals to actively participate in a multitude of daily activities and social engagements that would otherwise have been denied to them. The Jaipur Foot’s impact extends beyond mere functionality, fostering economic independence and reintegrating individuals into society with renewed confidence and self-respect.
Inspiring Voices: Kailash Satyarthi’s Call to Action
However, the undisputed highlight of the evening, and truly the man of the moment, was Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi. His powerful presence and moving address elicited an overwhelming response, earning him a standing ovation not once, but twice, from the captivated audience. Satyarthi recounted his profound and transformative journey over the decades, sharing how he made the courageous decision to forgo a promising career in engineering to dedicate his entire life to the tireless pursuit of children’s rights and their welfare. He wove his narrative with several compelling and often poignant examples drawn from his extensive years of activism, which not only provided invaluable insight into the sheer scope and challenges of his work but also served as a truly inspirational call to action for everyone present. His speech was a potent reminder of the universal responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of society and instilled a renewed sense of purpose among the industry leaders.
A Resounding Success and a Bright Future
Milan Chokshi, Convener of the GJEPC’s Promotions, Marketing & Business Development (PM&BD) sub-committee, delivered the concluding remarks, drawing the curtain on an evening that had, in every sense, cast a brilliant light on one of the Indian gems and jewellery industry’s brightest and most admirable facets – its inherent ability to spread hope, foster dignity, and bring genuine smiles to the faces of so many people in need. Chokshi’s address encapsulated the collective sentiment of pride and purpose that permeated the gala. He extended heartfelt gratitude to all the generous sponsors and contributors whose support was instrumental in the event’s success. Furthermore, he offered special thanks to the distinguished guests who had graced the occasion, acknowledging their invaluable presence and contributions which collectively helped to make the evening a resounding and memorable success, reinforcing the industry’s unwavering commitment to social betterment and a brighter future for all.
News Source: gjepc.org