Key Highlights:
- BDB’s Women’s Day programme centred on cybersecurity, workplace safety and awareness
- Five women employees honoured as ‘Champions of Excellence’ for long-term contribution
- Free mammography announced for women employees above 40
- Support extended to young cricketer Anisha Rout
- Rs. 6.66 lakh contributed to Roti Bank through staff and BDB support
- Industry voices emphasise the growing role of women within the diamond ecosystem
Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) brought together industry, social voices and its own workforce on March 14 to mark International Women’s Day—placing clear emphasis on safety, awareness and the evolving role of women within the trade.
The programme moved beyond symbolic celebration, addressing real concerns such as cybercrime, harassment and workplace inclusion. Among those present were Shri D. Sivanandan, former Mumbai Police Commissioner and Co-founder of Roti Bank; Dr Sheetal Gagrani of Brush of Hope; actor Padmini Kolhapure; Supreet Singh of Red Dot Foundation; and BDB Vice President Mehul Shah.
One of the more meaningful moments of the evening was the recognition of five women employees as ‘Champions of Excellence’. Each has spent over a decade at the Bourse, reflecting both continuity and the often-unseen contribution of women professionals who form the backbone of daily operations.
BDB also extended its support beyond the organisation by encouraging young sporting talent. Teenage cricketer Anisha Rout was presented with equipment as she works towards representing India—an acknowledgement of ambition at an early stage.
In his address, Mehul Shah pointed to structural inclusivity within the Bourse, noting that BDB remains the only diamond trade body with a reserved board position for a woman. With women forming nearly 30% of its workforce and a growing share of daily visitors, he underlined that participation is steadily moving from the margins to the mainstream.
A notable announcement during the event was the introduction of free mammography check-ups for women employees aged 40 and above—an initiative that signals a more practical approach to employee welfare rather than symbolic gestures.
Dr. Sheetal Gagrani drew attention to the rising risks of cyberbullying, particularly among younger users. Through her work with Brush of Hope, she emphasised that early awareness and intervention are critical, as digital harassment can have long-term emotional consequences if left unchecked.
Adding a cultural and emotional layer to the evening, Padmini Kolhapure connected with the audience in Marathi, likening women to diamonds—formed under pressure, yet resilient and valuable. The analogy resonated strongly within the context of the trade.
The discussion was taken forward through a panel led by Supreet Singh, who introduced the Safecity platform—an initiative that enables individuals to report and track incidents of harassment. The panel brought together voices from counselling, advisory and grassroots work, grounding the conversation in practical realities.
In a gesture that stood out for its collective intent, members of BDB’s security and fire safety teams raised Rs. 3,33,333 for Roti Bank through individual contributions. The Bourse matched the amount, taking the total to Rs. 6,66,666, which was handed over to Shri D. Sivanandan.
The evening concluded with a performance by the BDB Brass Band, offering a lighter close to a programme that, at its core, remained focused on awareness, responsibility and inclusion.
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