DiamondBuzz
Malabar Group Announces Scholarships for Over 3,900 Girl Students, Reinforces its Vision for Women Empowerment
Malabar Group, a leading Indian business conglomerate and the parent company of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, announced its Educational Scholarships for girl students in Telangana for the 2024–2025 academic year.
The announcement was made during an event at The Telangana State IAS Officers Institute in Somajiguda, Hyderabad. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the Group’s flagship CSR initiative, the Malabar Scholarship Programme, which underscores its commitment to supporting girls’ education. The event was inaugurated by Smt. D Anasuya Seethakka Garu, Minister for Panchayat Raj & Rural Development (including Rural Water Supply), Women & Child Welfare, Government of Telangana. The Group’s top leadership, including, Mr Asher O, MD – India Operations – Malabar Group, Mr. Siraj PK, Retail Head – Rest of India – Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Mr. Mohammed Shareej K, Zonal Head, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Mr. Shanib K, Zonal Head, Malabar Gold & Diamonds were also present at the event along with other management team members of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, customers, well-wishers and students. This year, the scholarship program in India has earmarked a budget of ₹16 crore to support the education of over 21,000 girl students. In Telangana, a total of ₹3.14 crore has been allocated to assist the education of more than 3,900 girl students across 116 colleges in the state.
Since its inception, Malabar Group has demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusive growth through its social welfare activities. In 1999, the Malabar Charitable Trust (MCT) was created to structure and expand these efforts. The group allocates 5% of its profits to CSR initiatives, which span education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation, focusing on empowering marginalized communities.
The Malabar National Scholarship Programme, launched in 2007, is a flagship initiative under its CSR framework. To date, over ₹60 crore has been contributed to support the programme, providing financial aid to more than 95,000 girl students across India & over ₹13.74 crore has been contributed to the support of more than 22,400 girl students in Telangana State. By focusing on girls’ education, Malabar Group aims to uplift not just individuals but entire communities, ensuring future generations are equipped with the tools for social and economic progress.
In addition to the scholarship programme, the Malabar Group’s Hunger-Free World Project provides nutritious meals to the underprivileged across the country. Supported by a strong network of volunteers and partnerships with local NGOs, the initiative is committed to eradicating hunger and ensuring food security for all. Currently, over 60,000 food packets are distributed daily in 81 cities across 17 states in India. Additionally, 10,000 food packets are provided every day to school students in Zambia. Malabar Group aims to scale the project to serve 100,000 people daily at 200 centres. The Hunger-Free World Project is being implemented in collaboration with Thanal, a voluntary organisation, which is active in social service.
The Malabar Group has also launched the Grandma Home project, which provides free, fully equipped accommodation for destitute women, offering them protection and care. Currently, homes are operational in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, with plans to expand to major cities in Kerala, as well as Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai.
We have also established 581 micro-learning centers across 12 states, dedicated to educating dropout students. To date, we have supported over 25,800 students.
The Group’s CSR initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized communities include medical aid for the underprivileged, support for housing construction, and financial assistance for the marriages of women in need. To date, the Malabar Group has invested over ₹282.29 crore in various social responsibility projects, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development.
Malabar Group’s continued focus on impactful initiatives such as education and hunger relief exemplifies the company’s belief that sustainable growth is only possible when communities are empowered and supported in every way possible. This dedication will remain at the heart of all future endeavours as the Group continues to expand both its business and social responsibilities.
Speaking about the initiative, MP Ahammed, Chairman, of Malabar Group, said, “Education is the most powerful tool to change the world. Our scholarship programme is a direct reflection of Malabar Group’s deep-rooted belief that education unlocks opportunities and transforms lives. We are committed to removing barriers for young girls so they can fulfil their educational aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Namibia on July 9, part of a five-nation tour that also includes Ghana, Argentina, Brazil, and Trinidad and Tobago. The trip marks Modi’s first official visit to the Southern African nation and underscores New Delhi’s ambition to deepen economic ties in the diamond sector.
While Indian firms such as Ankit Gems and KGK already run cutting and polishing units in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, rough stones currently reach India indirectly via other global trading hubs. Modi’s visit is expected to pave the way for more direct diamond shipments, streamlining trade flows between the two countries.
Namibia ranks as the world’s fifth-largest diamond producer by value and volume, according to Kimberley Process data, and is especially known for its rich marine diamond reserves, estimated at over 80 million carats.
The agenda extends beyond gemstones. Modi is also set to discuss cooperation on critical minerals and uranium—resources vital to India’s clean energy ambitions and energy security. During the visit, he is scheduled to address the Namibian Parliament, signaling the strategic importance New Delhi places on closer engagement with Africa’s resource-rich economies.
DiamondBuzz
De Beers Unveils ‘Origin’: Blockchain-Backed Diamonds for a New Era of Transparency and Trust
De Beers Group has officially launched Origin, a pioneering initiative that brings blockchain technology to the heart of the natural diamond trade, offering consumers an unprecedented level of traceability, authenticity, and ethical assurance.
Each diamond in the Origin collection is individually verified and traceable, allowing customers to follow its journey from deep earth formation to expert craftsmanship and final retail presentation. The initiative is powered by tamper-proof blockchain technology, ensuring a secure and transparent record of each diamond’s provenance.
“As a brand, we understand that modern consumers value not just beauty, but also trust and purpose,” said De Beers during the launch. “Origin is our vision for a diamond industry that is transparent, ethical, and built on authenticity.”
The Origin platform not only affirms the diamond’s natural origin but also highlights its social and environmental impact—detailing the positive contributions made in the local communities where the stones are mined.
A Retailer-Ready Revolution
For retail partners, Origin offers more than just ethically sourced brilliance. It comes bundled with:
- Experiential merchandising solutions
- Custom marketing assets
- Retail staff training tools
These assets are designed to connect with today’s values-driven consumers, who seek deeper meaning and verified ethical sourcing in luxury purchases.
Origin also integrates seamlessly into retailers’ loose diamond portfolios, offering flexibility alongside elevated consumer confidence in the integrity and ethical story behind every stone.
The launch aligns with De Beers’ broader mission to lead the natural diamond industry toward a more responsible, transparent, and future-ready standard—where luxury is inseparable from accountability.
The global diamond industry is showing signs of revival in 2025, following two years of sluggish demand. According to Susan Jacques, President and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the gem and jewellery sector faced significant headwinds after a brief boom in 2021, which was fueled by pandemic-era shifts in consumer spending and travel behavior.
While 2022 saw strong pricing and demand, a downturn took hold through 2023 and 2024. Now, a renewed sense of optimism is emerging. “The recovery was expected, and we’re beginning to see positive momentum return,” Jacques noted.
A key driver of this rebound is India, whose cultural affinity for diamonds continues to underpin strong consumer interest. Over the past two decades, India’s share of global diamond demand has surged from just 2% to nearly 11%, positioning it as the world’s second-largest market for natural diamonds—trailing only the United States, which remains dominant with around 55% of total sales.
Pritesh Patel, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at GIA, remarked that the US market has remained stable in early 2025, and industry stakeholders are optimistic about sustained demand. In India, he observed a notable shift: interest in diamonds is expanding well beyond major metropolitan areas.
“Tier-2 and tier-3 cities are now driving growth, alongside established hubs,” Patel said. He added that demand is strong across India’s southern, northern, and western regions, signaling a broad-based recovery in diamond jewellery purchases.
The global industry is cautiously optimistic as it navigates 2025, buoyed by emerging markets and a renewed appetite for luxury adornments.
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