Business

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Reaffirms Commitment to Values, Transparency & Responsibility


Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s largest jewelry retailers, has reaffirmed its dedication to ethical conduct, cultural sensitivity, and transparency in an internal message to its 27,500 employees.

In an email seen by this publication, the company expressed immense pride in being rooted in India’s cultural heritage and guided by its core values of integrity, trust, and respect. “Our foundation of trust is built on values and strengthened by responsibility,” the company stated, adding that these principles define its identity and guide every decision.

The message came amid recent online discussions concerning a past marketing engagement that had generated strong public reactions. “Certain online narratives have circulated incomplete or misleading interpretations about the intent and context of a past marketing engagement, leading to impressions that do not reflect our true ethos or the principles that guide us,” the company clarified.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds also noted that upon learning of the issue, it acted immediately to discontinue the association and terminate the vendor relationship responsible for the campaign. “As an Indian brand, we consider it our moral duty to act with sensitivity, transparency, and respect,” the statement read.

This follows the Bombay High Court’s decision to grant ad-interim relief to Malabar Gold & Diamonds, directing the deletion of all defamatory social media posts, materials, and stories that made false claims against the company.

Reaffirming its identity as a brand that celebrates India’s craftsmanship and diversity, Malabar said, “Being Indian is reflected not only in our products and presence but in our mindset and moral compass. Our decisions are guided by principles, never by prejudice, and we deeply respect the varied perspectives expressed by our stakeholders.”

The company reiterated that it will continue to communicate with clarity and act responsibly. “We reaffirm our commitment to accountability, cultural sensitivity, and maintaining public trust. Malabar Gold & Diamonds will continue to uphold the values that have defined our brand since its inception.”

Established in 1993, Malabar Gold & Diamonds operates over 410 showrooms across 14 countries and employs more than 27,500 people globally. With a turnover of US$7.36 billion in FY 2024–25, it stands among the world’s top five jewelry retailers. The company’s continued growth is underpinned by its unwavering dedication to ethical practices, transparency, and social responsibility — values that remain at the heart of its success.

Events in Goa

19th Global Communication Conclave of PRCI Concludes Successfully in Goa


The 19th Global Communication Conclave of the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) concluded with great success in Goa on September 27, 2025. Held over two days at a vibrant venue, the conclave drew eminent personalities from government, business, media, academia, and the creative industries, all united by a shared commitment to shaping the future of communication.

The Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, inaugurated the conclave, stressing the importance of credibility, authenticity, and ethics in modern communication. He spoke about communication’s growing influence in governance and business, and its power to build trust and transparency.

Later that evening, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa graced the Chanakya Awards function, congratulating participants and underlining how this year’s theme—“Power of PR: Emerging Waves of Communication”—captures the shift towards digital innovation, purposeful storytelling, and engagement that is real, timely, and impactful. He encouraged all present to raise the bar in ethical communication.

Mr. M B Jayaram, Chairman Emeritus of PRCI, praised the conclave’s successful execution and the quality of discourse, calling it a milestone for the communication fraternity. National President Ms. Geeta Shankar echoed this sentiment, commending the organizers and highlighting the value of such events in uniting professionals and inspiring progress.

The conclave featured lively panels and talks on topics such as Public Relations and Technology, Political Communication, PR and Leadership, Youth Engagement, and Global Communication Trends. Renowned speakers included corporate leaders, TEDx speakers, and academicians like Professor Mathew Hibberd from Switzerland. Other prominent guests included film producer Pramod Shetty, Rtn. Dr. Srinivasan, and Kaayan Kalthia of KosolEnergie.

The Chanakya Awards recognized top achievers in the field. Dr. Siba Prasad Mohanty of Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd. was awarded CEO of the Year (Joint Ventures), while Irfan Rashid of REC Limited received the Jury Special Award for Promising Corporate Communicator of the Year. VSR Naidu was inducted into the PR Hall of Fame, acknowledging his lasting contributions to the field.

Alongside, the PRCI Excellence Awards 2025 drew entries from over 100 leading corporates, celebrating creativity, impact, and innovation in corporate communication. The awards ceremony was honored by Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

A special cultural performance titled “Gomantarang” was showcased by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, adding a vibrant, traditional touch to the conclave’s atmosphere.

The conclave’s success was made possible by the efforts of the PRCI Goa Chapter, under the leadership of Chairman Deepak Narvekar and his dedicated team including Waman Prabhu, Gurunath Pai, Nikhil Wagh, Kalika Bapat, Nikita Chodankar, John Agular, Anant Joshi, John Samuel, Raj Britto, Vrundavan Raikar, and Sandeep Kamble. Their tireless work ensured a meaningful and memorable experience for all attendees.

The 19th Global Communication Conclave reaffirmed PRCI’s mission to foster excellence, encourage dialogue, and advance the profession of communication across sectors. It stood as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the industry, and its potential to lead meaningful change in society and business.

National

19th Global Communication Conclave in Goa to Spotlight ‘Power of PR’


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) – Goa Chapter launched the much-awaited 19th Global Communication Conclave with a curtain raiser press meet and logo unveiling at Terminal Banquets, Caculo Mall, Panaji on September 3, 2025. The conclave, to be hosted in Goa, will revolve around the theme “Power of PR: Emerging Waves of Communication,” highlighting how public relations continues to evolve in a rapidly digitizing world.

The event was graced by key dignitaries including PRCI Chairman Emeritus and Chief Mentor M B Jayaram, National President Geetha Shankar, PRCI YCC President Chinnmayee Praveen, Secretary and Director General Council Dr. T Vinayakumar, Vice Chairman Waman Prabhu, and Goa Chapter leaders Deepak Narvekar and Nikhil Wagh.

Speaking at the launch, M B Jayaram emphasized the conclave’s role as a global forum for knowledge exchange among industry leaders, young professionals, and academicians, pointing out how communication today extends far beyond traditional formats, being reshaped by digital innovation and changing audience expectations.

Geetha Shankar echoed this sentiment, urging professionals to balance innovation with ethical responsibility, stating that while technology accelerates communication, credibility and trust remain paramount. Goa Chapter Chairman Deepak Narvekar expressed confidence that the conclave would serve as a key platform for collaboration, learning, and recognition of excellence in PR.

The conclave is expected to attract top communication professionals, corporate leaders, media experts, and students from across the country and abroad, featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities that explore the evolving landscape of public relations, corporate communication, digital engagement, and media ethics.

As anticipation builds, the conclave promises to be a defining event for the industry, offering fresh perspectives and shaping the future of the profession.