Oct 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
Honourable Governor of Maharashtra, Ramesh Bais, inaugurated the Indian jewellery industry’s most-awaited all-purpose event, India Gem and Jewellery Show (GJS), in a glittering ceremony held at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, on Saturday, 30th September 2023. The guest of honour for this Diwali edition of GJS event was Mr Suvankar Sen, MD and CEO of Senco Gold Ltd, and Dr Saurabh Gadgil, MD and CEO of PNG Jewellers.
The Diwali edition of GJS show is being organized from 30th September 2023 to 3rd October 2023. The inaugural session was attended by around 450 industry leaders and enthusiasts, among others who made the difference and are capable of setting directions for the growth in the future.
Speaking on the occasion, Honourable Governor of Maharashtra, Mr Ramesh Bais, said, “Gems and jewellery industry has been a major pillar of economic growth of our country. India has been progressing well towards a New India under the able leadership of the Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi. We have established India as a strong and responsible country on the global scale with successful hosting of G20 Summit, which focusses on cultural and economic development. I have heard a lot about Dubai Shopping Festival. However, I am surprised that we have not organised a Mumbai Shopping Festival of the similar structure. I would interact with the gems and jewellery industry to organise a similar kind of festival from the next year.”
Strategically scheduled ahead of the wedding and festive season, the India Gem and Jewellery Show (GJS) has become a must-attend event, providing multiple reasons for participants to showcase their innovative ornament designs, and unique craftsmanship ahead of this peak demand season. This Diwali edition of GJS is designed to serve all classes of people and fulfil jewellers’ quests for trend-setting jewellery pieces for retailers, wholesalers, and consumers.
GJS will also honour jewellers at GJS Nite, which was celebrated on the evening of 30th September 2023. Six exhibitors have been scheduled to showcase their exquisite innovative jewellery designs at the GJS Nite, with renowned and glamorous models walking the ramp. The premier industry body, GJC, will be organizing this event.
The significance of this grand B2B GJS event can be gauged from the fact that it is purposefully scheduled to commence 12 days ahead of Navratri, 21 days ahead of Dussehra, 30 days ahead of Dhanteras, 35 days before Diwali, and 45 days ahead of the first day of the wedding season this year. GJS is aligned with the latest jewellery fashions in India and abroad.
Integrated with the latest fashion trends, the Diwali edition of GJS will bring together all segments of the jewellery value chain and aim to cater to the demands of jewellers ahead of the festive and wedding seasons with a dazzling array of stunning, innovative, and exquisite jewellery pieces. The Diwali edition of GJS, renowned as India’s most viewed jewellery exhibition, offers a unique platform for jewellery manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to showcase their finest creations and boost sales. Participants will have the opportunity to place orders for jewellery sourcing, ensuring timely delivery for all buying seasons.
In addition to the sparkling innovative jewellery pieces, dazzling models at the GJC Nite and the presence of leading jewellers displaying unique craftsmanship will be the newest attraction at GJS. Additionally, the key attraction of this event will be the world-class venue carrying the best infrastructure and ideal ambience for networking, seamless entry and exit for exhibitors and visitors, complimentary meals, over 2000 room nights in 5-star properties for premium buyers, tie-up with 5-star hotels to budget hotels, shuttle services to and fro venue and many more.
Artisans have passionately crafted innovative designs with modern-day aesthetics, catering to various occasions, festivals, and contemporary tastes for displaying at the GJC event. GJS presents a world-class platform for all sectors of the jewellery industry to connect with leading players and stay abreast of ongoing business trends. Experience matters, and at the Diwali edition of GJS, they have committed to making your visit seamless from entry to exit like the last edition. GJS is known for taking care of all aspects, from parking and accommodations to transportation and dining, which all the guests have appreciated GJC for.
Mr Saiyam Mehra, Chairman of GJC and Convenor of GJS expressed satisfaction over preparations for the Diwali edition of GJS and evinced excitement. “We thank the honourable Governor of Maharashtra to have consented to inaugurate this event. There will be several centers of attraction at this event including leading models walking the ramp, leading jewellers displaying their innovative designs etc. We invite jewellers and visitors to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity and boost their revenue for the present and the future.”
Mr Rajesh Rokde, Vice Chairman, GJC stated: “This event offers a unique opportunity for jewellery lovers to fulfil their needs ahead of the festive and wedding seasons. Consumers who deferred their purchase plans either because of high bullion prices or on-time buying habits will be surprised to see the sparkling ornaments on display. Participants will be able to execute bilateral deals for future growth.
Mr Nilesh Shobhawat, Co-Convener of GJC, said, “The Diwali edition of GJS aims to bring pan India jewellers on one page. GJS has uninterruptedly strived for the betterment of the jewellers, karigars, traders, wholesalers, and retailers, and will continue its endeavour in future as well. Our efforts have yielded positive results with jewellers increasing sales even during challenging times. It will be a unique experience for India’s most desirable jewellery sourcing exhibition and indulge in a world of elegance and craftsmanship.”
Oct 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) welcomed a high-level G7 delegation that came to India from 27th to 29th September 2023. The delegation comprised members from the U.S. State Department, U.S. Department of Treasury, European Commission, Prime Minister’s office of Belgium, Foreign Trade Department of Belgium, and the Japan Embassy in India.
The delegation visited Mumbai and Surat to learn more about the Indian gem and jewellery industry to explore ways of helping it meet G7 sanctions requirements with minimal or no disruption to the sector.
The G7 delegation met and Indian trade members, represented by GJEPC and the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB). The G7 delegation expressed their intent to gain insights into the industry’s ground realities and identify potential approaches to sanctions compliance and implementation. In response, GJEPC reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating cooperation to address the G7’s concerns with regards to industry compliance.
The delegates understood the ground realities of the small-scale diamond traders in India from their visit to the Mumbai Diamond Merchants’ Association (MDMA). The delegates also had a fair understanding of the Customs procedures followed during a visit to Precious Cargo Customs Clearance Centre (PCCCC) and got valuable insights into the trading and cross-border shipment ecosystem through their interaction with Customs. On 28th September, the delegation proceeded to Surat, where they visited both large, medium and micro diamond processing units, the state-of-the-art Surat Diamond Bourse, and met with local SME associations, workers’ representatives and artisan union leaders to understand the trading and manufacturing processes.
The team also had a very productive meeting with Ministry of Commerce officials on 29th September along with leaders of trade where the way forward was discussed and both sides committed to find practical solutions in future. They also visited the GIA laboratory at Mumbai and jewellery manufacturers at SEEPZ Special Economic Zone.
The G7 delegation’s visit to India proved to be a productive and informative engagement. They gained a comprehensive understanding of India’s diamond industry, its challenges, and potential solutions for compliance with G7 sanctions.
Oct 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
The highly anticipated ‘Olympics in Reel Life’ – A Festival of Films and Photographs, marked its grand inauguration at the iconic National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai’s Nariman Point this Sunday evening. Presented by Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) in partnership with the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, the festival has set a new benchmark in thematic showcases. It masterfully brings to life the dynamism of sports and the soul of the Olympics through a curated collection of some of the most outstanding sports documentaries and photography. This harmonious blend of sports and artistry promises to captivate attendees, unveiling its visual treasures from the 1st to the 7th of October in Mumbai.
The star-studded opening ceremony on October 1st was a grand affair graced by the presence of Olympic Bronze medalist MC Mary Kom as the Chief Guest.
The evening commenced with a welcome from Mr. Khushroo N. Suntook of NCPA and an introduction by the FHF Director, Shivendra Singh Dungarpur (SSD). Additionally, Celebrated Indian Icon Amitabh Bachchan made a special virtual appearance, enriching the event with his words during the opening address, followed by an enlightening speech by Yasmin Meichtry from the Olympic Foundation. A compelling montage film titled ‘India at the Olympics’, chronicling India’s remarkable journey through the Olympics over the decades, and insights from acclaimed photographers, Lorenzo Vitturi and Dana Lixenberg, added further depth to the event.
The spirit of Olympism was truly embodied when several eminent Indian Olympians, including MC Mary Kom, Aparna Popat, Manisha Malhotra, and Anjali Bhagwat along with Farzana Cama Balpande of BookASmile, the charity initiative of BookMyShow, graced the stage for an engaging conversation moderated by SSD. Further, representatives from the Odisha government & Abhinav Bindra Foundation highlighted their innovative Olympic Based Value Education initiative in schools. The ceremony wrapped up with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Albert Almeida of NCPA.
Another significant highlight of the inaugural day was the riveting preview of Olympism Made Visible – an international photography project by the Olympic Museum – at the NCPA’s Open Air Plaza. The walkthrough of this exhibition was graced by the presence of acclaimed photographers Dana Lixenberg and Lorenzo Vitturi, whose exceptional work is featured in the photo exhibit. Their collective display eloquently captures the quintessence of sports and its profound transformative impact on global communities, emphasizing both the universal spirit of the Olympics and the significant role sports play in fostering societal progress and harmony.
Furthermore, a special unveil took place of Paulomi Basu’s evocative “Champions of Tomorrow” series, shot in Odisha during summer 2023. This series accentuates the transformative potential of sports in young lives, providing a localized Indian touch to this international sports and art gala. Notably, the subjects of Basu’s photographs, children from Odisha State Schools, graced the event as esteemed guests.
Olympism in Reel Life has three content rich strands, including a cinematic marathon featuring 33 Olympic-themed movies and 10 series spanning a century since 1912, sourced from the IOC and Olympic Channel archives. These restored films, screening daily at NCPA starting 10 AM, chronicle human sporting pursuits as well as their broader cultural, political and societal evolutions through the lens of celebrated directors like Kon Ichikawa, Leni Riefenstahl, Carlos Saura and Milos Forman amongst others.
In a significant collaboration, the festival has also joined hands with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). A curated collection of photographs from the IOC will be prominently showcased in 15 key locations throughout Mumbai city. These evocative images, going live throughout the festival week, spotlight India’s illustrious athletes and their memorable moments at the Olympic Games across various eras. They stand not merely as testaments to India’s sporting legacy but also as enduring symbols of inspiration for countless city residents.
Chief Guest Mary Kom, Olympic Bronze medal winner, former World #1 boxing champion echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the festival’s holistic portrayal of the sacrifices behind sporting glory. She added, “The Olympics in Reel Life festival sheds light not just on the moment of glory but also the toil, grit and resilience that underlies any sporting endeavour, alongside highlighting the unifying capabilities of sports. And it was heartening to see sports persons and Olympic athletes celebrated for their years of relentless hard work and dedication, as well as for their achievements. Being a part of this festival brought me immense joy, and I hope to see many more such festivals in the future!”
Yasmin Meichtry, Associate Director – International Olympic Committee Culture and Heritage Department, further added, “I am delighted that such a rich, wide selection of Official Films and series from the International Olympic Committee’s archives as well as the powerful work of photographers Dana Lixenberg, Lorenzo Vitturi and Poulomi Basu in the Olympism Made Visible exhibition will see the light of the day at the NCPA for a week through this exceptional festival. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Indian visitors to uncover the enduring legacy of the Olympics on film and through photographs that continue to inspire numerous Indian athletes even today.”
Meanwhile, Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Filmmaker, Archivist, & Founder-Director of Film Heritage Foundation, emphasized the timeless emotional resonance of visual arts in preserving the spirit of the Games. He mentioned, “We are delighted to finally lift the curtain on this much-anticipated festival that showcases the best of Olympic film heritage over a century and the culture and values of this remarkable sporting event through the extraordinary photography exhibition – Olympism Made Visible. This shows the power of the moving image both as a visual record of the world’s sporting history including the achievements of Indians at the Olympics as well as a source of inspiration and learning for future sports stars of India.
The week-long festival is supported by BookASmile, the charity initiative of BookMyShow, the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, the State Government of Odisha, Qube Cinema Technologies and Hyperlink, in partnership with NCPA. Olympics in Reel Life will also be presented at India International Centre (IIC) in Delhi post its Mumbai leg from October 7 – 14, 2023. This international event also acts as a precursor to India’s new Olympic horizon, preparing for its first International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in 40 years and discussions about India bidding to host the Olympics in the future.
Oct 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
On the onset of winter wedding, House of Surya, India’s leading fashion brand, dazzled the fashion world with its exotic bridal collection- ‘Sajda.’ Surya today launched the much-anticipated launch of its latest bridal collection- ‘Sajda.’ This collection marks a significant milestone for the brand, as it continues to redefine premium and luxury bridal wear.
With the bridal season in full swing, House of Surya invites brides-to-be, fashion enthusiasts, and connoisseurs of timeless elegance to explore a captivating array of bridal couture that combines tradition with contemporary aesthetics. This new collection promises to elevate the bridal experience to new heights.
“With the launch of ‘Sajda,’ we reinforce our commitment to reinventing creativity, craftsmanship, and classical elegance. Our design team has poured their passion and creativity into crafting each piece, ensuring that brides radiate timeless beauty on their special day. From intricate embroidery to sumptuous fabrics, every detail has been meticulously curated to create a harmonious blend of classic and modern bridal styles,” said Mr Raghav Mittal, Chief Creative Director and Managing Director, House of Surya.
Acknowledging the new trend of marriages, Surya has aligned its ‘Sajda’ collection perfectly with this wedding season. Sarees and Lehangas under ‘Sajda’ boast a color palette that is perfect for the wedding season. While families of pastels, pinks, and ivory are popular for bridal wear, Surya’s new collection also includes families of yellows, mustards, ice blues, and light greens.
‘Sajda’ manifests elegance and artistry, featuring a diverse range of silhouettes, from flowing ball gowns to sleek mermaid cuts, tailored to suit the unique personality and style of every bride. Each gown is a masterpiece, meticulously adorned by House of Surya’s skilled artisans with handcrafted embellishments, including delicate lace, shimmering crystals, and intricate beadwork. The collection embraces opulence with its selection of premium fabrics, such as silk, satin, and chiffon, ensuring brides revel in luxurious comfort. Beyond the timeless classics of white and ivory, the collection offers a versatile color palette, providing subtle variations to allow brides to express their individuality while respecting tradition.
To celebrate this launch, House of Surya hosted an exclusive preview event- Fashion Show on the 24th of September, 2023, at its flagship boutique. The event offered the first look at the collection, as well as the opportunity to consult with its expert stylists and designers to create a bridal look that truly reflects each bride’s dreams. House of Surya’s commitment to excellence in bridal fashion has made it a trusted name in the industry, and this new collection promises to raise the bar even higher.
Oct 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, celebrated on 1st October 2023, Adhata, the Institution Partner of the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024 (TMM), hosted a vibrant and empowering event dedicated to senior citizens. The event took place at Carters Road, Bandra and saw enthusiastic participation from seniors, past TMM participants, and members of the Adhata team.
The day commenced with an invigorating Zumba session that set the tone for a lively and energetic gathering. Participants, ranging from seasoned athletes to newcomers, danced to the rhythm of fitness and camaraderie.
Following the Zumba session, Adhata’s team provided valuable insights into the Senior Citizen Run (SCR) category at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024. Elders present at the event were assisted in the registration process while past TMM participants shared their inspiring stories and experiences, emphasizing the transformative power of running in their lives.
The event took a melodious turn with a captivating drum circle performance and encapsulated TMM’s commitment to promoting active ageing and supporting elders in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Adhata, as the Institution Partner of TMM 2024, has been at the forefront of these efforts, working to create opportunities for senior citizens to embrace physical fitness.
Sep 30, 2023 | Uncategorized
Empowering women through education and employment has been a steadfast commitment at Bharti Foundation. Being the philanthropic arm of Bharti Enterprises, the Foundation has always extended its efforts by bringing change through the work that they do, especially for females in rural India who have limited facilities in their ambit. Being a changemaker in the education sector, the Foundation has been persistently working towards cultivating a diverse workplace where women are empowered to make significant contributions to the organization’s growth and simultaneously excel in their careers. 76% females are employed as teachers in Foundation’s Satya Bharti Schools with 61% females in leadership roles. Moreover, quite a few Satya Bharti School (flagship program of Bharti Foundation) alumni have returned as teachers in the schools they have studied, setting examples in the community. This serves as a testimony to the fact that the Foundation has proved itself to be a beacon of support for the children through education.
Bharti Foundation is proud to have supported women, especially in the rural sector, through education, employment, and professional advancement opportunities. It has strong processes wrapped in fairness and transparency, providing them the opportunity to innovate and build entrepreneurial spirit. Recently, the Foundation has been recognized as ‘India’s Best Workplaces for Women 2023’ by Great Place To Work®, a global authority on workplace culture and employee engagement. More than 80% women employees of the Foundation shared positive feedback about the organization in the Great Place to Work Survey.
In this year for India, based on a rigorous evaluation methodology, 100 organizations have been recognized as ‘India’s Best WorkplacesTM for Women 2023’. These organizations particularly excel both in people practices and proactively work on building a High Trust Culture. This recognition, among other accolades highlight Bharti Foundation’s system efficiency, quality standards and its unwavering commitment towards creating a safe and conducive work environment, especially for women, leading to successful programs through which it has been able to impact lives of nearly 3 million children in rural India.
