The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council organised the 7th edition of its charity dinner ‘Jewellers for Hope’ in association with World Gold Council and De Beers, and Powered by GIA. As every year, this year too, the event raised Rs. 1 Crore from Jewellers. The proceeds of the charity dinner were donated to leading Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone’s foundation Live Love Laugh (LLL) that strives to raise awareness about mental health issues and assists those in need. Deepika Padukone personally attended this event on behalf of LLL and spoke about the organisation and the impact it has created in India. This charity dinner was hosted on August 4, at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. 

Jewellers for Hope is the charity initiative of the GJEPC, launched in 2014 to mobilise the entire industry from manufacturers, traders to miners and retailers, to raise funds for NGOs that are doing commendable work in their respective fields – be it education, health, tribal welfare, women’s empowerment and so on. Deepika Padukone, Founder, Live Love Laugh commented, "When I first started LiveLoveLaugh (LLL), my mission was to help save at least one life. Today, I am grateful that our programs and initiatives namely Mental Health Education for Adolescents, Capacity Building, Access to Mental Healthcare in Urban and Rural Communities, Public Awareness and Stigma Reduction Campaigns, and Research have made a difference in the lives of several million. I sincerely appreciate this gesture of the GJEPC and the entire gem and jewellery sector who have come together to amplify this cause that is close to my heart.”

Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “Since its inception, the gem and jewellery industry has spearheaded CSR initiatives as a way of giving back to society and uniting for a common cause. Through Jewellers for Hope, Council has supported several causes including education, women empowerment, sanitation, etc. I am happy that today through ‘Jewellers for Hope’, the industry has one again collectively contributed to a noble cause – people suffering from mental health issues, especially post the pandemic, and which requires immediate attention. I am happy we have associated with Live Love Laugh foundation to support this cause.” Somasundaram PR, Regional CEO, World Gold Council, India, said, "We are extremely proud for being part of Jewellers for Hope. We look forward for this collaboration." Sachin Jain, MD, De Beers India said, “Over the past few years, GJPEC has done some incredible work in bringing the industry together towards supporting a noteworthy cause. We feel extremely proud to be a part of Jewellers for Hope and support such a critical issue of mental health. At De Beers, we believe we have an opportunity to create a positive impact that lives long beyond the last diamond we discover. Supporting such a great cause gives us the opportunity to create a brighter future keeping in line with our 2030 Building Forever goals enabling us to make life brilliant.” Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director of GIA India said, “It’s a proud feeling to be part of the Indian gem and jewellery industry that considers philanthropy a responsibility. Jewellers for Hope embodies the belief of the industry and the charitable contributions go a long way in making a difference to countless lives. GIA is proud to be able to support noble causes, including the LiveLoveLaugh foundation that offers hope and resources to people experiencing stress, anxiety and depression.”

In the past ‘Jewellers for Hope’ has supported NGOs like Make A Wish Foundation, Swades Foundation, Friends of Tribal Society, working towards girl child education, sanitation, etc. Also, the Voluntary Action Association run by Nobel Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi working with a mission to end all forms of exploitation among children in India; Giants Welfare International run by Social Activist Shaina NC; Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayta Samiti or Jaipur Foot; Army Welfare; Tribal Integrated Development and Education Trust (TIDE); and Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care (SRLC).