The opening show at the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) 2013, was entitled Beti, where India’s leading jewellery brands Nakshatra, D’damas, Gili, Asmi and Envi by Gitanjali and Gemfields presented an array of new designs.

‘Beti’ is a joint initiative of Gitanjali Group and Anu Ranjan and is focused on empowering women, as well as aiding those who have suffered from acid attacks and other atrocities. At the show Beti, brand ambassador Anushka Ranjan was joined by the leading names from the television fraternity, socialites, industrialists etc who extended their support to the Beti movement.

Appearances on stage included D’damas brand ambassador Sonakshi Sinha and Akshay Kumar, her co-star in Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara, 80 celebs from different walks of life, Miss India International 2011 Ankita Shorey in a fashion sequence presented along with designer Mohini where models showcased some dazzling ornaments from the presenting jewellery brands.

Sonakshi Sinha exhibited a diamond studded choker necklace from the new collection from D’damas, while Ankita Shorey wore jewellery from Nizam, along with other models wearing deisgns from Nakshatra, Asmi, Gili and Envi.

Also seen on ramp was Sonali Mukherjee, a victim of an acid attack, who received help from Beti for her treatment and rehabilitation. She shared both her charm on the ramp and appreciation for the support she had received. Mohini’s new collection displayed a range of contemporary fashion wear. The entire show was presented in different sequences interspersed with performances by singers Rahul Vaidya and Palak Mucchal. A mélange of contemporary and classical dances all very relevant to the campaigns undertaken by Beti.

Beti founder Anu Ranjan expressed her appreciation of the support her platform has received from the jewellery industry and the film and TV fraternity. “With their help and backing we have been able to make a real difference to the lives of so many disadvantaged women,” Gitanjali Group Chairman Mehul Choksi added, “Industry today has an important role to play in nation building. We have undertaken different CSR programmes and joining hands with Beti is part of these initiatives.”