The gem and jewellery fraternity gathered for the 11th edition of Jewellers for Hope, GJEPC’s flagship charitable initiative, in Mumbai on 6th August. While the ballroom sparkled with some of the industry’s most distinguished names, the true brilliance of the evening lay in its purpose, transforming compassion into meaningful action.
Hosted by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the evening was presented in association with De Beers Group and the World Gold Council, powered by GIA, with HRD Antwerp as Co-Partner. Since its inception in 2014, Jewellers for Hope has channelled over ₹10 crore towards causes ranging from education and healthcare to child welfare, sanitation, disability support and mental health, proving that the industry’s greatest legacy extends beyond jewellery.
The evening commenced with a welcome address by Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, who reflected on the industry’s enduring commitment to giving back. His address set the tone for an evening built on generosity, responsibility and shared purpose.
The spotlight then turned to the evening’s Chief Guest, Shri Rahul Narwekar, Hon’ble Speaker of the Maharashtra State Legislative Assembly. He was felicitated by Kirit Bhansali, joined on stage by Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, and Anil Virani, Convener – Accounts & Finance, GJEPC. Shri Narwekar’s presence underscored the significance of an industry coming together in support of social change.
Industry leaders representing the event’s partners followed with inspiring addresses. Shweta Harit, Senior Vice President, De Beers Group, and CEO of Forevermark, spoke of purpose-driven partnerships that elevate both people and industry. Sachin Jain, CEO, World Gold Council India, reaffirmed the Council’s long-standing association with initiatives that strengthen the sector’s social impact. Amit Pratihari, Managing Director, GIA India, highlighted the importance of trust and education, while Paul De Wachter,
CEO, HRD Antwerp, reflected on the enduring relationship between Antwerp and India’s diamond industry.
A specially curated film tracing the remarkable journey of Jewellers for Hope offered a moving reminder of the lives transformed through the initiative over the past eleven years.
The evening acquired an unmistakable touch of cinematic elegance with the arrival of Madhuri Dixit. Revered across generations for her artistry and grace, Madhuri also brought with her a deep commitment to philanthropy, making her presence especially meaningful. Following a warm felicitation by Kirit Bhansali, she shared heartfelt reflections before engaging in an intimate fireside conversation with host Siddharth Kannan, that resonated with warmth, authenticity and compassion.
At the heart of the evening came the announcement that funds raised through Jewellers for Hope 2026 would be channelled through the Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF) towards adopting a school and furthering the cause of education.
For the ceremonial cheque presentation, the stage filled with an eminent gathering comprising Madhuri Dixit; Kirit Bhansali; Shaunak Parikh; Anil Virani; Shweta Harit; Sachin Jain; Pritesh Patel, Chief Operating Officer and President, GIA; Ramakant Mitkar, Managing Director, HRD India; Ashish Borda, Convener – PMBD, GJEPC; Mansukh Kothari, Convener – Events, GJEPC; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC. The contribution was formally received by Praveenshankar Pandya, Chairman, GJNRF, symbolising the collective commitment of the industry towards meaningful and lasting change.
The evening seamlessly transitioned into another special moment with the launch of Choosing Gold, a book by Dr. Saurabh Gadgil, Chairman and Managing Director of PNG Jewellers. Joined on stage by Madhuri Dixit, Kirit Bhansali, Shaunak Parikh, and Yogesh Lakhani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bright Outdoor Media Ltd., the unveiling celebrated not just a publication, but a legacy of leadership, values and entrepreneurship.
One of the evening’s most anticipated highlights followed—the Dinner with an Icon auction. Guests enthusiastically bid for the opportunity to spend an evening with Dr. Saurabh Gadgil. Every contribution supported Access Life, the NGO championed by Madhuri Dixit, extending the evening’s philanthropic spirit even further.
Jewellers for Hope 2026 was an elegant reminder that while India’s gem and jewellery industry is admired worldwide for what it creates, its most enduring brilliance lies in what it gives.