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.

Social

Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou Emphasizes Integrity and Accountability During Vigilance Week 2025


“Working with honesty and integrity in government is essential to fulfilling the very purpose of celebrating Vigilance Week,” said Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function held at the Secretariat’s Seminar Hall, Porvorim.

The event, organized by the Directorate of Vigilance, marked the beginning of Vigilance Week 2025 under the theme “Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility.” The observance commemorates the birth anniversary of India’s former Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who championed the values of accountability and service.

Dr. Candavelou emphasized that vigilance aims to ensure good, effective, and corruption-free governance. He noted that the celebration of Vigilance Week provides an opportunity to review policies, reassess administrative practices, and rededicate oneself to the ethical norms of serving people honestly.

In his address, Amarsen Rane, Director of the Department of Vigilance, stated that the government exists to serve people, and that public servants must remain vigilant, guided by conscience and the mission of the administration. “Vigilance means keeping a watchful eye on activities of personnel and taking prompt action to promote fair practices and integrity in official transactions,” he said.

Dr. Candavelou administered the oath of vigilance, reaffirming the commitment of all attendees to uphold honesty and transparency in their work. The event also featured a skit presented by artists from the Department of Art and Culture, illustrating the importance of vigilance in everyday governance.

As part of the observance, the Vigilance Department organized several public engagement activities, including skit and poster-making competitions, along with a state-level elocution competition featuring participants from colleges across Goa.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior officials including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Information and Publicity) S. S. Gill, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Revenue) Sandip Jaques, IAS, Secretary (Protocol) Sanjiv Gadkar, IAS, Secretary (Co-operation) Yatin Maralkar, IAS, and other departmental heads and staff members.

Vigilance Week serves as a reminder for public servants to introspect, reaffirm ethical conduct, and promote accountability in governance. As Dr. Candavelou highlighted, the celebration is not just symbolic but an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of public trust and uphold the values of integrity that define India’s administrative spirit.

TechPulse

Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa Appoints Third Party Auditors to Audit State IT Projects


Altinho, May 15, 2025: In a strategic move to strengthen transparency and enhance the quality of IT and ICT project implementation, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, has empanelled to Third Party Audit (TPA) agencies for IT and ICT infrastructure projects in the state.

These agencies will function as independent auditors to review and assess the implementation of technology projects undertaken by various Government departments.

Their role includes evaluating compliance with standards, verifying performance, and ensuring that project objectives are being met effectively.

This empanelment is part of the Government’s broader objective to strengthen Goa’s IT ecosystem and promote the efficient use of digital tools in delivering public services. The focus is on ensuring transparency, improving service quality, and promoting accountability in the execution of IT initiatives.

All Government departments, corporations, and autonomous bodies have been notified and are encouraged to engage with the empanelled TPAs for relevant projects.

The Government of Goa continues to advance digital governance through structured, high-quality implementation and oversight, with the ultimate goal of improving public service delivery across the state.

Books & Literature

Konkani Bhasha Mandal Hails State Information Commissioner’s Pioneering Effort


In a significant development, Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) has commended State Information Commissioner (SIC) Atmaram Barve for his groundbreaking decision to deliver a judgment in Konkani. This move has been hailed as a trailblazing effort to promote the official language of Goa.

Ratnamala Divkar, President of KBM, praised Barve’s initiative, stating, “Government departments should also follow in his footsteps and implement the Official Language Act.” This call to action underscores the importance of promoting Konkani in official contexts, ensuring that the language remains an integral part of Goa’s cultural heritage.

A Boost to Language Preservation Efforts

Barve’s decision has sent a strong message about the importance of preserving and promoting regional languages. By delivering a judgment in Konkani, he has demonstrated his commitment to upholding the linguistic heritage of Goa.

KBM’s Praise for Barve’s Initiative

KBM’s recognition of Barve’s effort is a testament to the impact that this move can have on the linguistic landscape of Goa. By promoting the use of Konkani in official contexts, KBM and Barve are helping to preserve the cultural heritage of the state.

A Step Towards Greater Transparency and Accountability

As a State Information Commissioner, Barve has been instrumental in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. His decision to deliver a judgment in Konkani is a significant step towards ensuring that government departments are more accessible and responsive to the needs of the people.

Conclusion

Konkani Bhasha Mandal’s praise for State Information Commissioner Atmaram Barve’s pioneering effort is a significant development in the promotion of Konkani language. As government departments are encouraged to follow in his footsteps, Goa takes a step closer to preserving its linguistic heritage and promoting greater transparency and accountability in governance.