About Us

About GJNRF

The ‘Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation’ has been the spearhead of coordinated social intervention by the Indian gem & jewellery industry since 1999, assisting entire communities within the country during times of national calamities, and providing aid and other support to a number of other worthy causes.

For many decades prior to that, a number of diamantaire families had already been devoting a percentage of their earnings to various social and charitable causes – establishing and running schools, hospitals, orphanages, senior citizen homes, conducting medical camps and even supporting shelters (panjrapoles) for old and disabled animals.

In 1999, these individual efforts were taken to a new level with the formation of a trust that would ensure coordinated action for heightened impact with support from the entire industry.

Gem & Jwelery 2009 Broucher New (091109).cdr

The trust took shape in the aftermath of Kargil War, when some leading members of the trade came together to support the families of those who were martyred during the war and other defence personnel. They floated a trust, Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF), registered under Mumbai Trust Act, 1950 on 1 August 1999.

Since then, GJNRF has executed projects across India, responding to the needs of people in different parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Assam and other locations across India. During this period, the Trust has supported victims of natural calamities (earthquakes, floods, cyclones, the tsunami, drought, Covid-19), and of acts of terrorist violence. The efforts have included both short term relief programmes and long-term infrastructure development that have had widespread social impact and helped in rehabilitation of entire communities.

GJNRF has been supported by members of the Indian G&J industry as well as, in some cases, international trade organisations such as the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, International Diamond Manufacturers Association, Antwerp-Indian Association, Anglo-America, De Beers, Rio Tinto, Argyle and others.

Vision & Mission

To take collective, positive, well-directed and timely action to provide relief and rehabilitation to victims of national calamities, including both natural and manmade disasters.

To assist in bettering the lives of the victims who suffer as a result of these calamities.

To support other causes that help needy and underprivileged sections of society.

Major Partners and Donors

Partner Organisations

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB)
GIA India Laboratory Private Limited (GIA)
International Gemological Institute (IGI)
Platinum Guild India Private Limited (PGI)
Shrimad Rajchandra Mission
Bhansali Trust

International Donors

Rio Tinto / Argyle Diamond
De Beers
World Federation of Diamond Bourses
Anglo American Foundation
World Diamond Council
International Diamond Manufacturers Association
Jayzum Foundation
Diamond Empowerment Fund
Antwerp Indian Association

History / Timeline

1999 GJNRF formed; Aid to Kargil War martyrs’ families; Development of educational infrastructure for families of defence personnel.

2000 Major relief and rehabilitation campaign in areas affected by Odisha Cyclone.

2001 - 03 Coordinated relief and rehabilitation projects in Kutch following devastating Earthquake.

2004 Aid to communities in regions affected by the massive Tsunami that hit South India.

2005, 2006, 2008 Support to those devastated by massive flooding in Mumbai, Surat and Bihar.

2006 and 2008 Aid to victims of Mumbai bomb blasts / terror attacks.

2009 Scholarships to children of Ratnakalakars laid off due to global crisis; Sewing kits to women.

2011 Aid to Bomb blast victims - Mumbai Zaveri Bazaar and Opera House.

2014 - 17 Drought relief projects in Maharashtra.

2014 Emergency Medical Centre established at BDB/ BKC.

2014 Relief work in J&K.

2016 Aid to widows of those killed in Uri attack.

2018 Water Management projects in Gujarat / Maharashtra.

2019 Flood relief activity in Assam and Kerala.

2019 Donation to Maharashtra CM Fund.

2019 Multiple initiatives: Womens’ empowerment / Blood donation camps / Roti Foundation / BMC educational projects.

2020 - 21 Covid pandemic campaigns – food to migrants and other disadvantaged sections during lockdowns; support to frontline workers; strengthening of medical infrastructure.