The Jewellery Division of India Bullion & Jewellers Association Ltd. (IBJA), a prominent body in promoting and regulating the bullion trade, proudly hosted the eagerly awaited 3rd edition of the Golden Girls Award (GGA) on April 26, 2025, in the lively city of Bengaluru at the Hotel Shangri-La, in collaboration with Heera Zhaveraat, the respected trade journal for the Gem & Jewellery sector.
The Golden Girls Award (GGA) was a tremendous success, enchanting attendees with its opulence and elegance. It served as a venue to honor and recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of women entrepreneurs in the industry, highlighting their relentless commitment and creative spirit.
The event highlighted the innovative flair of exceptional individuals, further enriched by the attendance of esteemed guests and sponsors from Bengaluru. Chief Guest N A Harris, MLA, along with Guest of Honor Mrs. Srilakshmi Kamat from Abraan Jewellers, and Mr. Bhanu Prasad Naidu, a distinguished industrialist from Ballari, joined several celebrated jewellers from Bengaluru such as Mr. Ram of Neelkanth Jewellers, Suresh Gan, Past President of JAB, Pratap Kamat, Srikanth Urs, GES India, Mahipal Juharmal, Sandeep Mehta, Sumesh Wadhera, Surya Prabhakar, V K Manoj, and Nitesh Jain to celebrate the award winners and promote the spirit of women empowerment within the gems and jewellery field.
At the event, 13 exceptional women entrepreneurs were honored with the esteemed “Golden Girl Awards” for their significant contributions to the industry. The host and President of the Jewellery Division, India, IBJA, Dr. Chetankumar Mehta, along with the GGA Convener, Ms. Reena Shukla, welcomed the attendees.
During his presidential address, Dr. Chetan Kumar Mehta stated, “We are delighted to have hosted the 3rd edition of the Golden Girls Award in Bengaluru. This occasion not only celebrates the remarkable successes of women in the gems and jewellery field but also underscores the importance of fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity in our industry. This third edition of the Golden Girls Award (GGA) pays homage to the extraordinary women from Bengaluru who have made significant impacts in the Gems & Jewellery (G&J) sector and possess the potential to realize Prime Minister Modi’s vision of advancing India 4.0, grounded in the ideals of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
In a video message, IBJA National President, Shri Prithviraj Kothari, remarked, “This year’s event in Bengaluru exemplifies our steadfast dedication to acknowledging the leadership and accomplishments of women in business. The Golden Girls Awards symbolize their spirit and success.”
The Golden Girls Award (GGA) celebrated a variety of talents, with nominees emerging from numerous areas within the Gems and jewellery sector, spanning design and craftsmanship to innovation and leadership. The winners, selected rigorously for their outstanding contributions, visionary leadership, and commitment to excellence, serve as an inspiration to all.
On this occasion, Chief Guest N A Haris, Chairman of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), expressed, “We extend our sincere congratulations to all the deserving recipients of the Golden Girls Award; we celebrate their passion, resilience, and creativity that motivate us all within the entire GJ industry! The contributions of women entrepreneurs in the gem and jewellery sector have been vital in making Bengaluru a prominent name on the global jewellery stage.”
In highlighting the increasing significance of Karnataka, Shri Haris stated that ‘Bengaluru’ has carved out a notable niche in the global gem and jewellery industry, largely due to the energy and initiative of its women entrepreneurs. He emphasized that acknowledging and celebrating their successes through such awards is indeed praiseworthy.
The Guest of Honor, Srilaxmi Kamat, expressed, “Our G&J sector is committed to fostering and empowering the talents of women. We believe that gatherings such as this and the Golden Girl Awards will pave the way for new opportunities for the winners and motivate other women to pursue their ambitious aspirations.”
During the event, Dr. Chetankumar Mehta, President of the Jewellers Association of Bengaluru, unexpectedly recognized Ms. Reena Shukla for her outstanding contributions to the industry throughout the last twenty years. She has traveled to 25 countries multiple times, advocating for the Gem and Jewellery sector.
Reena Shukla, the Convener of the Golden Girls Award, expressed her gratitude in her closing remarks, stating, “With Chetanbhai’s leadership, we successfully held the 3rd edition; this event is significant for the advancement and empowerment of women. Let’s unite! The cause of women empowerment transcends a single day; it is a moment to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women worldwide.”