National News
IBJA’s Golden Girls Award celebrates and honours women entrepreneurs in the GJ industry
Jewellery Division of India Bullion & Jewellers Association Ltd. (IBJA), a leading organisation in the promotion and regulation of the bullion trade, proudly presented the highly anticipated 3rd edition of the Golden Girls Award (GGA) on April 26, 2025, in the vibrant city of Bengaluru at the Hotel Shangri-La in the Association with Heera Zhaveraat, the esteemed trade journal for the Gem & Jewellery industry.
The Golden Girls Award (GGA) was a resounding success, captivating attendees with its splendour and grace. It served as a platform to honour and acknowledge the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs in the industry, a testament to their unwavering dedication and innovative spirit.
The event showcased the innovative spirit of exceptional individuals, which was further enhanced by the presence of esteemed guests and sponsors from Bengaluru. Chief Guest N A Harris, MLA, Guest of Honor. Srilakshmi Kamat of Abraan Jewellers, and Bhanu Prasad Naidu, eminent industrialist from Ballari, along with several prominent jewellers fromBengaluru such as Ram of Neelkanth Jewellers, Suresh Gan, Past President JAB, Pratap Kamat, Srikanth Urs, GES India, Mahipal Juharmal, Sandeep Mehta, Sumesh Wadhera, Surya Prabhakar, V K Manoj and Nitesh Jain graced the occasion to applaud the award winners and to promote the spirit of women empowerment in the gems and jewellery sector.
At the ceremony, 13 distinguished women entrepreneurs were felicitated with the prestigious “Golden Girl Awards” for their outstanding contributions to the industry. The Host and President of the Jewellery Division, India, IBJA, Dr. Chetankumar Mehta, and the Convener of GGA, Ms. Reena Shukla, welcomed the guests.

Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta expressed in his presidential speech, “We are thrilled to have hosted the 3rd edition of the Golden Girls Award in Bengaluru. This event not only honors the remarkable achievements of women in the gems and jewellery sector but also emphasizes the need to cultivate a culture of empowerment and inclusivity within our industry. This 3rd edition of the Golden Girls Award (GGA) is a tribute to the extraordinary women of Bengaluru who have significantly influenced the Gems & Jewellery (G&J) industry and hold the potential to advance Prime Minister Modi’s vision of catalyzing India 4.0, rooted in the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
IBJA National President, Prithviraj Kothari, said in his Video message, “This year’s edition in Bengaluru showcases our unwavering commitment to recognising the leadership and achievements of women in business. The Golden Girls Awards stands as a testament to their spirit and success.”

The Golden Girls Award (GGA) celebrated diverse talent, with nominees representing various facets of the Gems and jewellery industry, from design and craftsmanship to innovation and leadership. The winners, chosen rigorously based on their exemplary contributions, visionary leadership, and commitment to excellence, inspire all.

On this occasion, Chief Guest N A Haris Chairman of Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) said, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the deserving winners of the Golden Girls Award; we honour their passion, resilience, and creativity that inspire us all, the whole of the GJ industry! The contribution of women entrepreneurs in the gem and jewellery industry has played a crucial role in making Bengaluru a shining name on the global jewellery map ”
Highlighting Karnataka’s growing prominence, Haris remarked that ‘Bengaluru’ has secured a significant place in the world’s gem and jewellery sector, thanks largely to the dynamism of its women entrepreneurs. Recognizing and celebrating their achievements through such awards, he said, is truly commendable.
Guest of Honor Srilaxmi Kamat stated, “Our G&J industry is dedicated to enhancing and empowering women’s talents. We believe that events like this and the Golden Girl Awards will create new opportunities for the award winners and inspire other women to fulfill their ambitious dreams.”

At the Juncture, Dr. Chetankumar Mehta, President of the Jewellers Association of Bengaluru, unexpectedly awarded Ms. Reena Shukla for her outstanding contributions to the industry over the past twenty years. She has traveled to 25 countries numerous times, promoting the GJ Industry.









National News
Kerala Chief Minister’s Presence Marks Grand Finale Of KJIF 2026 As State’s Jewellery Industry Charts New Growth Vision
Three-Day B2B Fair Concludes With Record Participation, Strong Business Momentum and Unprecedented Government Support.
The fifth edition of the Kerala Jewellery International Fair (KJIF) 2026 concluded on an exceptional note, reinforcing Kerala’s position as one of India’s most influential jewellery markets. Organised jointly by the Kerala Gold & Silver Merchants Association (KGSMA) and United Exhibitions, the three-day B2B exhibition witnessed remarkable business activity, record industry participation, knowledge-sharing initiatives and an unprecedented level of government engagement.

The grand finale of the exhibition was marked by the Kerala Jewellers State Convention, where Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V. D. Satheesan, addressed an audience of more than 5,000 jewellers, manufacturers, retailers, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the state. His presence elevated the stature of the convention and reaffirmed the Government’s recognition of Kerala’s jewellery sector as a vital contributor to the state’s economic development.
In his keynote address, the Chief Minister acknowledged Kerala’s longstanding leadership in the gold and diamond industry, describing the sector as a major driver of employment, entrepreneurship, exports and wealth creation. He highlighted the industry’s resilience, craftsmanship and global reputation while encouraging greater adoption of technology, innovation, responsible business practices and international competitiveness. Expressing confidence in Kerala’s jewellery fraternity, he called upon the industry to continue playing a transformative role in shaping the state’s economic future.
The State Convention also provided an important platform for meaningful interaction between policymakers and industry leaders, facilitating discussions on the future of the jewellery trade, sustainable growth, evolving consumer expectations and policy support required to strengthen one of Kerala’s most vibrant business sectors.



Distinguished Dignitaries Throughout the Three-Day Event
KJIF 2026 witnessed the participation of several eminent dignitaries throughout the exhibition, reflecting the growing importance of the jewellery industry within Kerala’s economic landscape.
The exhibition was formally inaugurated by Shri P. C. Vishnunadh, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism and Culture, while the official unveiling of KJIF 2026 was performed by Shri P. K. Kunhalikutty, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, IT & AI, who appreciated the exhibition’s contribution towards promoting business, manufacturing excellence and industrial growth.
The inaugural evening concluded with the spectacular KJIF Fashion Nite & Gala Dinner, graced by Shri Roji M. John, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, who interacted with industry members and appreciated the creativity and craftsmanship displayed by exhibitors.
On the second day, Smt. Shanimol Usman, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, visited the exhibition and commended the industry’s continuous contribution towards employment generation and entrepreneurship.
Day 2 concluded successfully with the presence of Shri Ramesh Chennithala, Hon’ble Minister of Home Affairs and Vigilance, who shared his memories of interacting with Malayalee karigars across other states and stressed the importance of bringing that employment and craftsmanship back to Kerala while developing the state into India’s jewellery export hub.
The exhibition concluded with the Kerala Jewellers State Convention, where Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri V. D. Satheesan delivered the valedictory address, making the closing ceremony one of the most memorable moments in the history of KJIF.
Alongside the Chief Minister, Shri Benny Behnan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Roji M. John, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, KGSMA State President Shri K. Surendran, State General Secretary Adv. S. Abdul Nazar, State Treasurer Shri C. V. Krishna Das, Shri V. K. Manoj, Project Director of United Exhibitions, Shri Varghese Alukka, Managing Director of Jos Alukkas Jewellery, along with the Vice Presidents and Secretaries of KGSMA, were present on the dais.
Outstanding Business Response
KJIF 2026 recorded an overwhelming response from jewellery retailers and trade buyers from every district of Kerala. The exhibition witnessed a strong influx of quality business visitors, resulting in productive interactions between exhibitors and buyers.
Exhibitors expressed high levels of satisfaction with the quality of footfall, reporting encouraging order enquiries, advance festive bookings and significant business generated across gold, diamond, bridal and contemporary jewellery collections. The exhibition once again established itself as Kerala’s most preferred sourcing platform ahead of the festive and wedding seasons.
Knowledge-Driven Industry Engagement
Beyond business, KJIF 2026 continued its commitment to industry development through a series of well-attended knowledge sessions.
The Banking Seminar brought together leading financial institutions and jewellery entrepreneurs to discuss banking solutions, working capital support, digital banking and financial best practices.
The seminar titled “Jewellery Business for Today & Future” featured eminent industry experts who shared valuable insights into changing consumer behaviour, organised retail, digital transformation, branding strategies and emerging opportunities within the jewellery sector.
The Youth Wing Seminar focused on preparing the next generation of jewellery entrepreneurs through discussions on leadership, succession planning, innovation and business sustainability, inspiring young professionals to take the industry forward.
Fashion Walk Adds Glamour to Opening Day
Adding elegance and excitement to the inaugural evening was the Fashion Walk Powered by Malayala Manorama, which presented exquisite jewellery collections through a professionally curated runway showcase. The event beautifully blended craftsmanship with contemporary design, providing participating exhibitors an exclusive platform to unveil their latest collections before Kerala’s leading retailers and industry professionals.
KJIF Strengthens Its Position as South India’s Premier B2B Jewellery Exhibition
The overwhelming response from exhibitors, visitors, trade associations and business partners reaffirmed the Kerala Jewellery International Fair as one of South India’s most influential B2B jewellery exhibitions.
By successfully integrating business networking, government participation, knowledge exchange and premium lifestyle experiences under one platform, KJIF 2026 once again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening Kerala’s jewellery ecosystem and creating new opportunities for manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers alike.
With record participation, strong business outcomes, impactful industry discussions and the distinguished presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, KJIF 2026 concluded on a historic note, setting new benchmarks for the jewellery industry and paving the way for an even stronger, more innovative and globally competitive future for Kerala’s gold and diamond sector.
The next edition of the Kerala Jewellery International Fair (KJIF) will be held from 2nd to 4th July 2027.
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