The National Jewellery Awards  2024 was special with a spark this year as Ms Shruthi Jain, a student of the Fine Jewellery Design program at JD Institute of Fashion Technology, shone brightly in the event. With pride, we declare that Shruthi has emerged as the winner of “Student of the Year.” With this win, JD Institute regains the NJA win for the fourth time running. This win is not just about projecting the talents of Shruthi Jain, but it also reaffirms the commitment of JD Institute towards grooming the best designers in the future. On this prestigious occasion, Mr Yogesh Dalal, Trustee and Ms Payal Dala, Director- JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai were there to support Ms Shruthi Jain. a

A Mentor’s Masterstroke

Every budding designer has that one great mentor who steers ahead and drives him to extra mile. And for Shruthi Jain, the conductor of this symphony is Ms. Rupali Sarkar. From the very first day, Rupali Ma’am was more than just a teacher in our lives, she was a great guide, motivator, and support system to all of us. Shruthi’s Heartfelt words say it all: “I’m grateful to Rupali Ma’am for her support in my journey since day one. Her involvement for all of us to learn, encouragement and guidance helped me improve my skills and believe in myself. This award reflects her dedication as a mentor. I am truly grateful to JD Institute for bringing us this kind of mentor whose effort is always for us to grow in designing and in life “.

Ms Rupali Sarkar’s mentorship approach is radically profound and inspiring: “Whatever you do in life, think it’s the first and last time and there are no more chances after that. Therefore, perfection and self-fulfilment are only the keys to excellence.”, she said.

The Art of Innovation: Shruthi’s Design Journey:

Shruthi-winning designs are more than any jewellery. They are traditions intertwined with innovation. She presented them by utilizing sharp, proper, time-lapse details and intense craftsmanship. She does not fall into the trap of imitation; rather, she recreates heritage within the context of the modern world to produce something that will stand out on today’s market, stunning and sourced ethically. Her work stands as a testament to the fact that one can infuse cultural inspiration with all of the techniques designed and jewellery can very well be etched from history and fresh in its point of view.

However, I don’t have such an exclusive course like Fine Jewellery Design offered at the JD Institute of Fashion Technology especially designed to coax the best from students like Shruthi. The course has classroom learning sessions, hands-on sessions and industrial visits all within one year. A two-week-long program at Jaipur, Rajasthan treasure trove of jewellery heritage enables them to imbibe the art and culture that inspires them to excel in their creativity. High-intensive exposure teaches not only a mastery of the craft but also builds a deeper appreciation of the heritage and innovation behind jewellery design.

It is through the legacy of excellence that a bright future can be seen.

The JD Institute’s performance record in the National Jewellery Awards bears testimony to this statement. Since 2021, the institute has topped this ranking consistently, from second place in 2021 to first place and runners-up in 2022 to the top in both 2023 and 2024. It’s not so much about winning but making it challenging for students to push even more, to be adventurous with new ideas, and encouraging them to be leaders in the industry.

Led by Managing Trustee Mr. Nealesh Dalal, Director Sandra D’Souza and faculties of conviction like Ms. Suma, JD Institute could bring together tradition and innovation, classroom learning and real exposure, creativity and technical skills into one program that will ready its students to do more than just win competitions, making their mark in this industry of jewellery design.

Making a Mark on Jewellery Design

From May 2024, JD Institute has been an active member of the All India Gems and Jewellery Domestic Council. Innovation, sustainability, and professional development have been at the helm of the curriculum. Victory to NJA by Shruthi Jain is just one example that shows how the institute works towards giving shape to the jewellery designers of tomorrow.

The way of life – indeed, not only Shruthi Jain but also the entire JD Institute community – has been marked by the ones and only a few milestones these days. What awaits us in 2024 at Jio World Centre in Mumbai will surely be a very special award ceremony of NJA. As Shruthi steps onto that stage and collects that hard-earned award, it will once again remind us of the power of mentorship, dedication, and the huge potential lying in each student. All cheers to Shruthi Jain, the gems of design for tomorrow, and the path of JD Institute of Fashion Technology inspiring and educating them.