The Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF), the apex body coordinating the common social intervention efforts of the gem and jewellery industry in India, was conferred with the NGO Leadership Award at the prestigious 13thWorld CSR Day Awards organised by World CSR Congress and certified by the World Federation of CSR Professionals.
The award was received by GJNRF Jt. Managing Trustee Arun C. Shah and Hon. Treasurer Rajesh C. Shah at the hands of Dr. Rosanna Cavalletto Perdomo, Sustainable Dentist/Author, Sijam Clinic and Helle Lund, National Head – CSR, Partnership & Project Development & Training, Humana People to People India and other dignitaries at an award ceremony held at Bandra in Mumbai.
The awards recognise organisations that can “make a difference to the lives of others… (Through) the quality of their work, rural reach and outlook and ability to contribute value to social change”. The selection is based primarily on an organization’s ability to Make a Difference, while the breadth and depth of the impact is also considered.
The organisers state that the winners are selected through a two-stage process. Firstly an “intensely researched process is undertaken by the research cell which consists of Post Graduates in History & Management with over 5 years research experience posts their studies” and a short list is drawn up. Subsequently, the list is reviewed by a Jury comprising of senior professionals from across the globe, and the winners are finalized.
The award is an acknowledgement of the extensive work GJNRF has undertaken over the years for relief and rehabilitation of underprivileged and crisis-hit communities and its ethical approach to such philanthropical work.
Receiving the award on behalf of GJNRF, Arun Shah said, “GJNRF has been a collective effort of the industry backed by Indian and international trade bodies, individual companies from the sector and other foundations established by industry players. Its successful social interventions have been made possible by the efforts of past Chairmen and the members of the Board over the years.”
Rajesh Shah added, “Such awards are a recognition of the far-reaching impact GJNRF has had on the lives of many millions all across the country. GJNRF has carried out mega campaigns of support during times of national crises such as the Orissa Mega Cyclone, Kutch Earthquake, Tsunami, Floods and Droughts in different states over the years and again during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many projects have been focused on strengthening health, education and community welfare infrastructure in the affected regions.
“GJNRF has also provided support to the widows of armed forces personnel who lost their lives and to families of victims of terrorist violence. GJNRF has also stood by the diamond industry workers and artisans during times when the industry faced business downturns.”