GJEPC’s CSR initiative ‘Jewellers for Hope’ hosted its Annual Charity Dinner event in association with De Beers and handed over donations worth Rs 1 crore, on the occasion, to two NGOs – Swades Foundation, which focuses on rural empowerment; and Friends of Tribal Society, whose activities are centred around tribal welfare.

The event, held on the opening day of IIJS 2016, is taking place during an important milestone year for the Council – its 50th anniversary celebrations. The Council has planned a series of initiatives to commemorate this historic anniversary.

The formal black tie sit-down dinner event, hosted by Praveenshankar Pandya (Chairman, GJEPC), Bruce Cleaver (CEO, De Beers Group) and Russell Mehta (Vice Chairman, GJEPC) was attended by 33 leading manufacturers and 260+ leading Indian retailers, as well as many prominent celebrities.

Bollywood actress Dia Mirza represented Swades Foundation along with Ronnie Screwvala (Founder Trustee, Swades Foundation) and Zarina Mehta Screwvala (Founder and Managing Trustee, Swades Foundation). The Foundation operates with the single-minded focus of empowering rural India through best practices, modern technology and values.

Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Subhash Chandra (Chairman of Essel Group of Companies and noted philanthropist) also graced the occasion. Dr. Subhash Chandra is the Global Chairman of Ekal Movement comprising all the partner organisations of Ekal Movement; i.e., Ekal Abhiyan Trust, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India, Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad, Friends of Tribals Society, Ekal Sansthan, SHSS, Arogya Foundation and Gramothan Foundation.

Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Jewellers for Hope showcases the humane aspects of the gems and jewellery sector, which contributes significantly to the country in terms of human capital and key economic indicators. The Jewellers for Hope  annual charity dinner signifies GJEPC's commitment towards the betterment of all sections of society. Through this initiative, GJEPC would like to spread the message that for businesses to be successful, society around it cannot fail. Rural empowerment and tribal welfare are very important for India’s progress.”

Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said, "De Beers is committed to ensuring that diamonds are transformed into economic wealth, bringing with it lasting improvements in the quality of life and well being of everyone touched by its businesses. As such, much of what we achieve in this field is delivered through collaborative initiatives, and we are pleased to see our partners sharing our ethos and undertaking their own highly effective initiatives, helping to amplify the great work that is done by the broader diamond industry. Today, we join hands with GJEPC to support Swades Foundation. By aiming to empower one million rural Indians every five years, the Swades Foundation genuinely has the power to transform India, and unlock the huge potential that resides here, as more and more people access greater social and economic opportunity. At De Beers we call this 'Building Forever' as we believe diamonds have the power to catalyse immutable and enduring positive changes in the world."

Russell Mehta, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, added, “The Jewellers for Hope dinner provides an opportunity for all of us to come under a single roof, talk business and also work together for the enhancement of the society. Most of our trade members are extremely generous and have been associated with various CSR activities at an individual and at a company level; and we applaud the ‘act of giving’.”