On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2023, India Bullion & Jewellers Association (IBJA) presented the first-ever Golden Girls Awards (GGA) to recognise the gem & jewellery industry’s brave and brilliant female entrepreneurs, who defied all odds through sheer passion and determination to attain success through all the Cs such as confidence, concentration, consistency, collaboration and cooperation.

Mr. Prithviraj Kothari (National President, IBJA) hosted the glittering GGA show at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai, in the august presence of Ms. Hetal Vakil Valia (National Chairperson, Ladies Wing-IBJA) and distinguished stalwarts from the industry such as: G&J Industry Icon Mr. Sanjay Kothari (former Chairman-GJEPC), Dr Chetan Mehta (National Vice President – IBJA), Mr. Surendra Mehta (National Secretary- IBJA), Mr. Ashish Pethe, (of Waman Hari Pethe and former Chairman-GJC), Mr. Rajesh Bajaj, (Head, HZ International & HZ Trade Media Group Enterprises) and Mr. Neeraj Gaba (Creative Entrepreneur & Motivational Speaker) among others. The GGA event was sponsored and supported by Laxmi Diamonds (Diamond and Jewellery sponsor), Emerald Jewel Industry India Ltd. (Branding partner) and Shringhar House of Mangalsutra Pvt. Ltd. (Mangalsutra partner).

Mr. Prithviraj Kothari (National President, IBJA)

Mr. Prithviraj Kothari (National President, IBJA), said, “IBJA is known to help its members and the community at large for the promotion & regulation of the bullion trade. India has women who are so powerful, yet  gentle, so learned and still humble, so fierce and still compassionate, so passionate, and still rational, and so disciplined, yet free. Now they march ahead carrying national sentiments and economical aspirations of India. GGA is dedicated to the talented women of India who have been instrumental in bringing the G&J industry this far in its evolutionary journey and hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Modi’s vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

Ms. Hetal Vakil Valia, National Chairperson, Ladies Wing-IBJA

By announcing GGA, Ms. Hetal Vakil Valia, National Chairperson, Ladies Wing-IBJA said, she had the utmost pleasure to announce the Golden Girls Awards by the IBJA Ladies Wing. Hetal said, “GGA is being specially crafted  for those upcoming & progressive luminaries of our Gem & Jewellery (GJ) industry who have yet to receive their due recognition.  IBJA believes that such courageous entrepreneurs deserve  true accreditation. IBJA acts as an instrument to give them their rightful due! GGA will be all about the unsung and hardworking women who work tirelessly in this tough yet exciting industry. Their existence and presence gives IBJA the opportunity to recognize and reward their work and dedication in front of their peers and industry experts.”

Dr. Chetan Mehta, National Vice President – IBJA said, “Today, women are leading in an every field, including our gem & jewellery industry and trade! De facto, they are the backbone of the GJ industry in the century! They are contributing in each and every curve starting from jewellery designing  up to manufacturing! Today, our GJ industry is sparkling & glittering with successful  women entrepreneurs! We at IBJA, are proud & privileged to honour women entrepreneurs with the Golden Girls Award 2023!”

Mr. Surendra Mehta, National Secretary-IBJA, said, “Though we are slowly seeing a change in how the world sees & appreciates women, the road to true gender equality is long. But when in doubt, remember the strong women of our industry for encouragement and hope that there will be brighter days ahead!”

GJ Industry Icon Sanjay Kothari, & Ex Chair- GJEPC appreciated the creative and innovative idea to accredit & encourage our women entrepreneurs. He said, “IBJA has indicated that they are empowering them so, gender inequalities can be nullified!”

Esteemed Guest Pooja Bedi

These are the upcoming ladies in our industry & trade, such women entrepreneurs are trying to grow at sustainable levels. Mr. Kothari congratulated IBJA and especially the Ladies Wing of IBJA for such an initiative & said, “IBJA & Ladies Wing are empowering women entrepreneurs to grow to such a great extent! This shows the true character of IBJA!”

At the occasion, Ashish Pethe, Former Chair-GJC said, “This is an excellent initiative taken by IBJA. The main strength of the GJ industry has been a women’s skill since its inception. We are glad that IBJA has understood its importance and, as a result, will organise GGA. Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already a strong; it’s about changing how the world perceived that strength!”

Reena Shukla, Convener of the GGA event said, “Woman represents a full circle. Within her lies the power to create, nurture and transform. This power and beauty are being not just physical, but also emotional and intellectual in a nature.”

Mr. Neeraj Gaba, Creative Entrepreneur & Motivational Speaker said, “Female energy is the source of all creations and their nurturing to shine, and for me to be a part of this maiden voyage of IBJA’s GGA, recognising women from diverse backgrounds and expertise, is truly humbling.”

Dinesh Lakhani addressing to the audiance 

IBJA plays a key, pivotal role in interacting with all the Government departments on behalf of bullion traders, dealers and jewellers in its implementation of new policy matters, import export issues and also helps in the economic growth of the country.

IBJA addresses disputes and arbitrations between dealers, provide a neutral & correct platform for weighing precious metals acceptable to the trading community. It interacts with different executive agencies and provide reliable & correct reports of assaying of precious metals acceptable to the parties involved.