The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) held the 11th edition of its Jewellers for Hope CSR initiative in Mumbai on August 6, with funds raised this year earmarked for education.

Held at the Grand Hyatt, the event brought together jewellery industry leaders, retailers, banking partners, government representatives and philanthropists. Rahul Narwekar, Speaker of the Maharashtra State Legislative Assembly, attended as Chief Guest, alongside actor and philanthropist Madhuri Dixit.

Established in 2014, Jewellers for Hope has raised more than ?11 crore across 11 editions for over 16 organisations. Its areas of support have included girl child education, healthcare, tribal welfare, sanitation, disability support, maternal care, mental health services and armed forces welfare.

This year’s funds will be channelled through the Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF), with the objective of supporting education and taking long-term responsibility for children’s educational needs over the next three to four years. The contribution was received by GJNRF Chairman Praveenshankar Pandya.

GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali said, “Giving back has always been an integral part of our industry's values.” He added that the council had supported communities through Jewellers for Hope and the Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation.

The event also featured a “Dinner with an Icon” auction, offering guests an opportunity to spend an evening with Dr Saurabh Gadgil. Proceeds from the auction went to Access Life, which supports children undergoing cancer treatment and their families