National News
AKGSMA State President Demands GST Reduction on Gold 1%; Announces Free Gold Ear Piercing Event in Ernakulam
K. Surendran, State President of the All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association (AKGSMA), has urged the central government to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on gold from the current 3% to 1%. Speaking at the inauguration of the AKGSMA Ernakulam District Committee meeting, K. Surendran pointed out that the current GST rate, introduced when gold prices hovered around Rs.20,000, is disproportionately high now that gold has crossed Rs.79,000 per 10 grams.

“Consumers are now forced to pay more than Rs.2,500 in GST alone for purchasing gold. This has become a significant burden, especially on the common man,” said Surendran. He also demanded the introduction of Equated Monthly Installments (EMI) options for gold ornament purchases, which would make it more accessible to middle and lower-income families
The meeting was presided over by Cyriac V. Joseph, who also serves as the newly elected General Secretary of the Ernakulam District Committee. Prominent state-level leaders including AKGSMA General Secretary Adv. S. Abdul Nazar, Treasurer C.V. Krishnadas, Working President P.K. Ayamuhaji, and Working General Secretaries B. Premanand and M. Vineeth addressed the gathering.
Free Gold Ear Piercing Event on September 17
In a unique community outreach initiative, the AKGSMA Ernakulam District Committee announced that it will organize a Free Gold Ear Piercing Ceremony (Kathukuthi Kammalidal) on September 17. As part of the event, gold earrings will be provided completely free of cost to children.
Parents of eligible children are requested to register in advance by contacting:
- District General Secretary Cyriac V. Joseph at 99958 30328
- District Treasurer Sameer Fathoom at 77369 99997
New Office Bearers Elected for AKGSMA Ernakulam District Committee

During the meeting, the following office bearers were elected to lead the Ernakulam District Committee of AKGSMA:
- President: Shafiq A. (AGD Gold and Diamonds, Kochi)
- General Secretary: Cyriac V. Joseph (Cyriac Diamonds)
- Treasurer: Sameer Fathoom
- Working President: Benny Kuriakose (Abhishekam)
- Vice Presidents: Shihab (Nakshatra) and Job T.R
- Secretaries: Arun Sangeet and Shaan Alain
The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of gold and silver merchants across Kerala while also promoting customer-friendly initiatives and transparency in the sector.
National News
MMTC-PAMP Appoints Sidharth Malhotra As Brand Ambassador
As Part Of The Association, Sidharth Will Lead MMTC-PAMP’s New Integrated Campaign, ‘Purest And More,’ Showcasing The Brand’s Expanding Portfolio Across Physical Precious Metals, Digital Investments and Responsible Gold Recycling.
MMTC-PAMP, India’s only London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)-accredited Good Delivery Gold & Silver refiner, today announced acclaimed actor Sidharth Malhotra as its Brand Ambassador, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s journey to strengthen its connection with a new generation of consumers. As part of the association, Sidharth will lead MMTC-PAMP’s new integrated campaign, ‘Purest And More,’ showcasing the brand’s expanding portfolio across physical precious metals, digital investments and responsible gold recycling.
The integrated campaign showcases MMTC-PAMP’s complete ecosystem, from 24K 999.9+ purest gold and silver coins and bars to digital gold and silver, gold recycling, online purchasing and assured buyback services. Through relatable, everyday moments and festive celebrations, the campaign reinforces MMTC-PAMP’s position as India’s most trusted precious metals brand while making gold ownership more relevant, accessible and convenient for today’s consumers.
Announcing the association, Samit Guha, Managing Director and CEO, MMTC-PAMP said:

“We are delighted to welcome Sidharth Malhotra to the MMTC-PAMP family. Sidharth has built a strong reputation through authenticity, credibility and a modern outlook—qualities that closely reflect the values of our brand. As one of India’s most admired and influential actors, he enjoys a deep connect across generations, making him an ideal ambassador as we continue expanding the reach of MMTC PAMP among both seasoned investors and first-time buyers.
This partnership comes at an exciting phase in our growth as we continue to redefine precious metals ownership through innovation, responsible sourcing and world-class quality. Through our ‘Purest And More’ campaign, we are showcasing how MMTC-PAMP today offers far more than physical gold—from digital investments and online buying to gold recycling and assured buyback—while remaining uncompromising on purity and trust.”
The campaign film unfolds through a series of relatable family moments around a wedding celebration, with Sidharth naturally introducing consumers to MMTC-PAMP’s diverse offerings. The storytelling highlights that every MMTC-PAMP offering is backed by the brand’s commitment to purity, trust and convenience while reinforcing its promise of “Purest And More.”
Speaking on the association, Sidharth Malhotra said:
“MMTC-PAMP has built a remarkable reputation for purity, trust and innovation, while also modernising the way people invest in and experience precious metals. Whether it’s celebrating life’s milestones, building long-term wealth or embracing more responsible choices through recycled gold, the brand continues to stay relevant for today’s consumers. I’m excited to be part of this journey and look forward to connecting with people through the ‘Purest And More’ campaign.”

The association brings together one of India’s most recognised actors with one of the country’s most trusted precious metals brands at a time when consumer interest in certified physical gold, digital gold and sustainable precious metals solutions continues to grow. With Sidharth Malhotra as the face of the brand, MMTC-PAMP aims to further strengthen its leadership position while deepening engagement with a younger, digitally connected audience.
The campaign will be amplified across television, digital platforms, social media, print, retail stores and e-commerce channels, with dedicated creatives highlighting key offerings including digital gold and silver, festive gifting, Virasat recycled gold, Akshaya Tritiya, Diwali and MMTC-PAMP’s certified purity credentials.
Link to the TVC (YouTube):
Link to the TVC (Instagram):https://www.instagram.com/p/DciH4s7tim5//
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