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WOMEN OF VISION AWARDS 2025: Celebrating empowered and visionary women
Pioneers who lead with purpose, inspire with resilience, and redefine possibilities.
GJC, GJS in association with JewelBuzz presented the WOMEN OF VISION AWARDS 2025 at GJS Diwali Edition September 18 2025 . This celeberation was about honouring 15 visionary women, empowered women of the GJ industry.
The Chief Guest Manisha Gupta, Commodities Editor -at CNBC-TV18 presented the awards to the worthy winners along with Rajesh Rokde, Chairman GJC, Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman GJC, Saiyam Mehra, IPC- GJC and Convenor GJS, Nitin Khandelwal, Past Chairman, GJC, Vivek Kabra, Founder and Publisher- JewelBuzz, Ashika Kabra, Co-Founder, JewelBuzz.
Speaking on the occasion, Manisha Gupta said, “I am delighted and overwhelmed to be here with all these empowered women.These women are an inspiration to all- and true champions. The GJC Women’s Wing is a move in the right direction. I will be glad to contribute in any I can to the GJC Women’s Wing.”
Rajesh Rokde, Chairman GJC, said “The WOV Awards are GJC’s tribute to empowered and visionary women in the gems and jewellery industry. More than ever, women are demonstrating exemplary leadership and driving their organizations to new heights. WOV Awards is our salute to their strength, inspiration and power of transformation.”
The glittering galaxy of award winners included:
Vandana Bhayyaji Rokde, Director -Rokde Jewels – Nagpur
With 25 years in the jewellery industry, Mrs. Vandana Rokde has been instrumental in leading the old gold division at Rokde Jewellers, overseeing operations across seven branches and spearheading its digital transformation. As the first woman in her family to join the business, she broke barriers in a male-dominated industry and continues to empower women through training and leadership opportunities. Her efforts have strengthened both processes and people, contributing to the brand’s expansion into gold, diamond, silver jewellery, and gifting.
Shital Subhash Dhomne, Director – MTD Jewellers – Wardha
With over 40 years of experience in the jewellery industry, Mrs. Shital Subhash Dhomne plays a pivotal role as Director of MTD Jewellers. She is actively involved in day-to-day inventory management and contributes strategically to the overall growth and direction of the company. Under her leadership, MTD has expanded its footprint with a new branch in Hinganghat and introduced a new brand, LOTUS, at Urich Mall, Wardha. Her commitment to excellence and innovation has helped steer the business toward sustained success. In recognition of her contributions, she was honored with Navbharat’s Powerful Woman Award.
Neha Shah, Director -Chandukaka Saraf – Kolhapur
Mrs. Neha Kishorkumar Shah is a leading force behind Chandukaka Saraf & Sons Pvt. Ltd., a legacy jewellery brand with roots dating back over 199 years in Baramati. Inspired by her father, Late Sheth Nemchand Hirachand Shah (Mumbai), and father-in-law, Late Sheth Jindtta Chandulal Shah (Baramati), she upholds a tradition of purity, trust, and excellence in gold craftsmanship.
Vandana Saraf, Director, Aisshpra Gems and Jewels– Lucknow
Vandana Saraf is a creative force and visionary leader in the jewellery industry. As the first woman in the Saraf family to take on a leadership role, she has been instrumental in the transformation of Hari Prasad Gopi Krishna Saraf into the modern brand Aisshpra Gems & Jewels. With a keen eye for design, she has led key initiatives in marketing, merchandising, and manpower, while nurturing the next generation of leadership within her family. Vandana is also deeply involved in CSR and social initiatives, and balances her time between business, family, and creative exploration through travel.
Varuna D Jani – Mumbai, Founder and Creative Director -Varuna D Jani Fine Jewellery
Renowned for her avant-garde style, Varuna D Jani blends 1920s glamour with modern luxury to craft haute couture jewellery. Born into the iconic Popley family, she carries forward a legacy of fine craftsmanship through her brand, redefining how women wear their dreams.Her versatile creations have been adorned by icons like Kareena Kapoor, Sushmita Sen, and Zeenat Aman, and featured in collaborations with Audi and Falguni & Shane Peacock. Celebrated globally, she has received multiple awards for her creativity, brand leadership, and design excellence.
Vandana Jagwani, Creative Director, Mahesh Notandass Fine Jewellery – Mumbai
Vandana Jagwani is a luxury industry leader and sustainability advocate, best known for founding Vandals—India’s first designer brand for lab-grown diamond jewellery. As Creative Director at Mahesh Notandass, she’s modernizing a legacy brand with innovation and purpose.
Named in the LuxeBook Top 50 (2024), Vandana champions eco-conscious design, AR-powered retail, and women’s entrepreneurship. She blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge tech to build brands rooted in beauty, responsibility, and progress.
Seema Kothari, Director- of Karan Kothari Jewellers -Nagpur”
Seema Kothari is a visionary business leader and social advocate, heading one of Vidarbha’s most trusted jewellery brands. She blends tradition with innovation, expanding Karan Kothari Jewellers across Nagpur, Yavatmal, and Chandrapur. Known for her commitment to ethical business and authentic craftsmanship, Seema also champions education and empowerment—having adopted four schools and led numerous women-focused initiatives.
Hema Shah, Creative Head House of Sparsh – Mumbai
Hema Suken Shah brings over 9 years of creative leadership to House of Sparsh, where she leads design, content, and brand strategy. Known for blending tradition with trend, she introduced innovations like pastel jadau, nature-inspired motifs, and Vedic-inspired wearable art for Gen Z. Her standout collections — Twilight and Tutti Fruity Cappuccino — reflect her bold, contemporary aesthetic. An advocate for ethical sourcing and artisan welfare, Hema has received accolades including the IJ Awards, GJEPC Brilliant Bharat Award, and The Artisan Award.
Chhaya Jain, Founder & Creative Director, Sensuel Jewels – Mumbai
In 2011, she co-founded Sensuel Jewels with her brothers, scaling it from a 20-member team to 250+. She has worked with leading jewellery houses such as Tanishq, TBZ, Mehta & Sons, and Khanna Jewellers, holding roles from Design Head to Product Developer.
Durga Tulsyan,Director, TJ Impex – Mumbai
With 17 years at T J Impex, Durga Tulsyan has shaped the company into a trusted partner for jewellery retailers across India, specializing in diamond manufacturing and innovative collections. She leads design, production, quality control, marketing, and client engagement, empowering family jewellers with certified, ready inventory.
Anju Talla,Director-Talla Jewellers, Jammu
With over 10 years in the jewellery industry, Mrs. Anju Talla leads product innovation and customer relationship management at Talla Jewellers. She has introduced lightweight gold and diamond jewellery and revitalised the company’s silver jewellery line—an often-overlooked segment. These initiatives have significantly strengthened customer trust and engagement. Kind supporter of GJC & GJS initiative as a buyer at the shows from past 13 years, strong hand at Talla Jewellers.
Kamana Jobanputra, Co-Founder & Executive Director – Sequel Logistics Private Limited– Bengaluru
With over 20 years in logistics, Kamana leads business development and client growth at Sequel Logistics, driving its rise as a market leader in precious logistics. She has aligned the company with global standards (LBMA, RJC, TAPA) and champions sustainability through EV fleet integration. Committed to social impact, she supports education initiatives and fosters a people-first culture built on trust and learning. Under her leadership, Sequel has earned multiple awards, including Best Logistics Service Provider at the India Gold Conference for 11 years.
Suhani Garg, Founder, Nishani Studio– Jaipur
Suhani Garg is the creative mind behind Nishani Studio, India’s first truly customizable jewellery brand. She leads design, product strategy, and brand storytelling—pioneering modular jewellery with mix-and-match chains, locks, and charms. Her vision transforms jewellery from a static accessory into a personal narrative, empowering women to express themselves through evolving designs. Recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2025), Suhani blends innovation, craftsmanship, and community engagement to build a deeply connected customer base.
Disha Pokharna,Creative Head – Product & Merchandising,Pure Platinum – Mumbai
A trailblazer in platinum design, Disha Pokharna leads innovation and merchandising at Pure Platinum, curating contemporary collections that blend craftsmanship with storytelling. She’s behind standout launches like Zulu, celebrating women’s strength, and has expanded the brand into luxury men’s accessories with unique designs and advanced techniques. Recognized as a Next Gen GJS Member and speaker at the GJC Women Entrepreneurs Seminar (2024), Disha Pokharna continues the legacy of her father, Mr. Vijay Pokharna at Pure Platinum.
Shradha Keshri,Director of Operations -Hira Panna Jewellers-Patna
With 44 years in the business, Shradha Keshri oversees all aspects of operations at Hira Panna Jewellers, from supply chain and sales to marketing and finance. She has implemented structured workflows, digital tools, and strong SOPs to ensure efficiency and consistency across departments. A pioneer in Bihar’s jewellery industry, Shradha has elevated the brand’s reputation for professionalism and trust, while driving modern retail practices and customer-centric innovation. She led the launch of EcoFacets – Lab Grown Diamonds, introducing sustainable luxury to the region.
The awardees- an eclectic mix of designers, members of their companies’ leadership, creative directors and more-are not just achievers; they are catalysts of change, architects of transformation, and torchbearers of progress. With their courage, wisdom, and unwavering spirit, they uplift communities, shape industries, and inspire the next generation of women to take up leadership.
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JAS 2026 Opens To A Grand Start; Jaipur & Dubai Strengthen Jewellery Trade Partnership
The Opening Day Witnessed An Exceptional Business Atmosphere, With Packed Exhibition Aisles, Continuous Buyer Interactions, and Enthusiastic Participation From Hosted Buyers
The 20th edition of JAS and its 7th B2B Edition, organised by the Jewellers Association Jaipur, commenced today (on 3rd July 2026 on a grand and enthusiastic note at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), Sitapura. The inaugural day witnessed an overwhelming response from the trade fraternity, with exhibition halls bustling with buyers, retailers, manufacturers and industry professionals from across India and overseas, setting the stage for three days of vibrant business networking and sourcing.
The show was inaugurated by K. P. Abdul Salam, Group Vice Chairman, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, in the august presence of Surjit Bhujabal, Member, Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC); Tawhid Abdulla, CEO, Jawhara Jewellery, Dubai; and Pramod Kumar Agrawal Derewala, Chairman, National Gems & Jewellery Council of India (NGJCI), as Guests of Honour.
The distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by Raju Agarwal Mangodiwala, President, Jewellers Association Jaipur; Ajay Godha, Honorary Secretary; Ashok Maheshwari, JAS Convenor; along with the office bearers and executive committee members of the Association.
One of the defining moments of the inaugural ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Jewellers Association Jaipur (JAJ) and the Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG), paving the way for enhanced cooperation in trade, education, market development, business networking and international collaboration between the gems and jewellery industries of Jaipur and Dubai. Following the signing, Shri Tawhid Abdulla, CEO, Jawhara Jewellery, presented a commemorative memento to Shri Raju Agarwal Mangodiwala, President, Jewellers Association Jaipur, celebrating a new chapter in India-UAE jewellery relations.
A special welcome was extended to the visiting Dubai delegation comprising Anurag Sinha, Managing Director, Al Liali Jewellery; Ashish Garg, Head – Business, KGK Group; Mamtha Maria Francis, General Manager, Dubai Jewellery Group; and Tirth Jasani, General Manager, Lumin Luxe LLC, reaffirming the growing strategic partnership between Jaipur and Dubai.
Addressing the gathering, K. P. Abdul Salam applauded Jaipur’s unmatched expertise in coloured gemstones, stating that the city has earned global recognition as the finest centre for gemstone cutting and craftsmanship. He encouraged the industry to continue innovating and strengthening its international presence while creating greater value for global buyers.
Tawhid Abdulla welcomed stronger collaborations between Jaipur and Dubai. He encouraged Jaipur’s gemstone sector to work towards developing globally recognised branded gemstone grading and certification systems, which would further elevate consumer confidence and international acceptance. He also invited Jaipur’s manufacturers and exporters to explore greater business opportunities in Dubai, assuring the industry’s wholehearted support in building stronger trade relations and opening new avenues for collaboration.
The opening day witnessed an exceptional business atmosphere, with packed exhibition aisles, continuous buyer interactions and enthusiastic participation from hosted buyers, domestic retailers and international delegates. Exhibitors reported encouraging enquiries and strong business interest from the very first day, reflecting the confidence the industry places in JAS as one of India’s leading B2B jewellery exhibitions.
With an outstanding inaugural response and tremendous energy across the show floor, JAS 2026 has set a strong foundation for the next two days, promising even greater business opportunities, meaningful networking and international collaborations for the global gems and jewellery fraternity.
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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.