core sector communique

Celebs walk the ramp at IIJW for a Social Cause – BETI by Gitanjali in association with Gr8

IIJW opens with a Fashion Show that makes a difference

Stunning outfits from Vikram Phadnis & Madhurima Nigam and dazzling jewellery by Nizam & Envi add a sparkle to the show

Mumbai, August 19^th, 2012: The opening show of the 3^rd edition of IIJW ‘Envi and Nizam by Gitanjali in association with Gr8 presents Beti’ was a show that went beyond glamour and glitter. It was a ‘show with a heart’ where famous TV and film celebrities along with well known corporate personalities walked the ramp for BETI - a joint initiative of Gitanjali Group and Gr8. It is an initiative which creates awareness and campaign about issues like female foeticide, acid attack and women empowerment. Taking this initiative further, this year the Beti show focussed on generating support for treatment of Sonali Mukherjee, a young victim of a horrific acid attack in Jharkhand. The celebs sported stunning outfits from renowned designers Vikram Phadnis and Madhurima Nigam with dazzling jewellery from Nizam & Envi by Gitanjali & Gemfields.

Gitanjali Group and Anu Ranjan announced the strengthening of their commitment towards a very special movement called BETI. After supporting the cause espoused by Beti for a number of years, the Gitanjali Group has now decided to take its association to a new level, and will henceforth become an integral part of the movement, aiming to take the message to an ever wider audience across the country. This notable cause is spearheaded jointly by Gitanjali Group & Mrs. Anu Ranjan, Co-publisher of ‘GR8!’ and President, The Indian Television Academy (ITA) and supported by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The star attractions on the ramp were Vivek Oberoi with his mother, Zayed Khan, Tusshar Kapoor and Raima Sen amongst other Bollywood glitterati and television stars. The show opened to the moving rendition of some soulful music by Kavita Seth.

Coming forward along with Beti and Gitanjali are fashion designers and well knozn faces sich as Mohini, Babita Malkani, Pria Kataria Puri, Neeta Lulla, Madhurima Nigam, Pallavi Jaipur, Vikram Phadnis, Lina Tipnis, Swapnil Shinde & Barkha & Sonzel. Few of their creations will be displayed for sale at IIJW to raise funds for Sonali Mukherjee’s treatment.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mehul Choksi, CMD, Gitanjali Group, "As a socially concerned corporate citizen, Gitanjali has taken up different initiatives for empowerment and upliftment of socially underprivileged sections. We are now extending our support and involvement to a new sector by espousing the cause of women who have been discriminated against. Through Beti, Gitanjali will identify causes in need of a voice and assistance and will conduct events throughout the year across cities to raise funds for them.”

Anu Ranjan, President, The Indian Television Academy (ITA) and founder of BETI said "The aim of Beti is to create awareness about issues such as female foeticide, acid attacks and other similar atrocities against women, and also to educate and change the society’s views. We are very grateful to all the celebrities who pledged their support to this worthy cause.”

The show, with a high glam quotient and an even higher emotional one, truly touched the hearts of the audience.

About Gitanjali Group

Gitanjali Group is the world’s largest integrated branded jewellery manufacturer-retailer with an annual turnover of over USD 2.5 billion.

The Group pioneered jewellery retail revolution in India by launching Gili way back in 1994. Gitanjali today owns and distributes eight out of the top ten jewellery brands in the country including Gili, Nakshatra, Asmi, D’damas, Sangini, Diya, Nizam & Parineeta.

At an International level, Gitanjali enjoys direct access to the US retail market through 111 high end stores under Samuels Jewelers Inc., a retail jewellery chain in the US which was acquired by the group in 2006.

The group has also taken the lead in introducing well known Italian jewellery to the Indian market which includes the acquisition of Italian brands - Valente, Stefan Hafner, Nouvelle Bague, IO SI and Porrati.

Today the Group’s activities are spread across the entire value chain from rough diamond sourcing, cutting, polishing and distribution, and jewellery manufacture, to jewellery branding and retail, as well as global lifestyle brands, in India and abroad.