The week-long observance saw the IIG community engage in a series of thoughtful and immersive activities — from design competitions to plantation drives — all centred on the theme of nature as both muse and mentor. The event reflected the institute’s belief that jewellery, as an art form rooted in the Earth’s elements, carries a deep responsibility to honour and protect the natural world.

“Nature is not only our life source; it is also our deepest source of inspiration,” said Ms. Gunjan Sapra, COO and Head of the Department of Jewellery Design at IIG, in her inaugural address. “Every branch, every bloom, every element of nature holds within it a design story waiting to be discovered.” Her words resonated with students, who were encouraged to engage with nature through the lens of design and sensitivity.

Mr. Rahul Desai, CEO and Managing Director of IIG, further reinforced the institute’s environmental vision. “It is the responsibility of every individual and every organization to do their best for the environment. At IIG, we integrate sustainability not just in ideology, but in tangible practices — from digitising course materials to reducing plastic use across campuses.” He also highlighted the institute’s long-term environmental goals embedded within its infrastructure and academic philosophy.

A key highlight of the celebration was the Nature-Inspired Jewellery Design Competition, where students translated elements of the natural world into striking pieces of contemporary jewellery. The winning entry, a necklace by Kritika Jiwnani, took inspiration from the Aurora Borealis, using Alexandrite to recreate the shifting colours of the northern lights — a piece that merged technique with poetic abstraction.

Adding to the atmosphere, students curated visual installations across campus, with soft boards decorated around themes of forest life, biodiversity, and sustainability. These visual storytelling walls became a collective voice for conservation and harmony.

The celebrations concluded with a symbolic tree plantation drive, followed by the distribution of green gifts to all participants — a gesture that served as a reminder of shared responsibility toward the environment.

For IIG, Van Mahotsav is more than an annual event — it is a reflection of the institute’s founding values. As it continues to shape future leaders in the gem and jewellery industry, IIG remains committed to promoting design excellence that is as conscious as it is creative.