The Dholakia Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hari Krishna Group, inaugurated the CIBJO Lake on March 22, 2026, marking World Water Day and CIBJO’s 100-year milestone.

The lake was inaugurated by Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation, in the presence of senior government representatives and industry stakeholders. Attendees included Shri Kaushikbhai Kantibhai Vekariya, Minister of State, Government of Gujarat; Shri Bharatbhai Sutariya, Member of Parliament, Amreli; and regional MLAs.

Developed in 2023 in Luvariya village under the Gagadiya river rejuvenation initiative, the lake spans 15 acres and has a storage capacity of 156 million litres. It supports five villages and benefits approximately 12,000 farmers in the drought-prone Saurashtra region.

Improved water availability has enabled multi-cropping and contributed to increased groundwater levels, impacting agricultural productivity and local ecosystems.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri said, “Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘I have a dream.’ In the same way, Shri Savjibhai Dholakia had a dream — and today, we see that dream turning into reality. What was once barren land has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem of water, greenery, wildlife, and community life.”

He added, “What the Dholakia Foundation has achieved here is truly remarkable. This work stands as proof that industry can lead with conscience — that growth and responsibility can coexist.”

Shri Savjibhai Dholakia highlighted ongoing water conservation initiatives in Kutch across 13 talukas, implemented in collaboration with local communities. He noted that improved water availability and rainfall have enabled up to three cropping cycles annually, compared to a single crop earlier.

The event was attended by an international delegation including representatives from CIBJO, Kering Group, and diplomatic missions from multiple countries.

The initiative reflects increased focus within the jewellery industry on sustainability, community impact, and responsible development across the value chain.