Van Mahotsav Celebration at IIG: Nature-Inspired Creativity in Bloom

The International Institute of Gemology (IIG) proudly celebrated Van Mahotsav – the Festival of Trees – with a vibrant initiative that beautifully blended environmental awareness and creative expression. Held at the IIG campus, the celebration encouraged students to reconnect with nature and express their creativity through art, design, and hands-on participation.

The event commenced with opening remarks by Ms. Gunjan Sapra, COO & Head of Department – Design, who addressed the students on the vital importance of trees and forests. She spoke passionately about how nature serves as a lifeline for humankind and animals, and more importantly, as a timeless inspiration for artists and designers. Her words reminded everyone that true creativity often begins with observing and respecting the natural world around us.

l Desai, CEO & Managing Director of IIG, added a powerful message on sustainability, sharing insights into IIG’s eco-conscious practices.

“The conservation of forests begins with our everyday choices. At IIG, we’ve consciously reduced the use of paper by going digital across departments — from brochures to course materials. We are also phasing out plastic wherever possible. As an educational institution, we believe it is our responsibility to lead by example and instill these values in our students.”

As a key part of the event, students participated in a Jewellery Design Competition on the theme “Nature.” Designs ranged from leaf-inspired earrings to gemstone-studded floral motifs, reflecting the deep connection between design and the natural world.

Ms. Kritika Jiwnani was announced as the winner, for her stunning necklace inspired by the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). Her creative use of Alexandrite, a gemstone known for its color-changing properties, beautifully captured the mystique of the northern lights. The winner was jointly selected by Mr. Rahul Desai and senior faculty members, who appreciated the originality, symbolism, and elegance of her design.

In addition, students took the initiative to design and decorate soft boards across the campus with diverse themes reflecting Van Mahotsav. These boards became visual storytelling spaces — highlighting sustainability, forest life, biodiversity, and nature-inspired quotes — adding color and meaning to the celebration.

To bring the theme to life, all students and team members participated in a tree plantation activity, symbolizing their commitment to protecting the environment. As a heartfelt gesture, IIG also gifted a small, beautiful plant to every student and staff member — a living keepsake to nurture and remember the day by. It served not just as a gift, but as a symbol of growth, responsibility, and rootedness in nature.

Through initiatives like Van Mahotsav, IIG continues to build a culture where design meets consciousness, empowering the next generation of jewellery professionals to create with meaning, purpose, and a lasting respect for our planet.

In today’s world, where climate change, deforestation, and environmental degradation are urgent global challenges, initiatives like Van Mahotsav at IIG are more than just symbolic gestures — they are a call to action and reflection. As an institute shaping the future of the gem and jewellery industry, IIG believes that true luxury lies in sustainability, mindfulness, and responsible creation. By weaving environmental values into its educational framework and design thinking processes, IIG is nurturing a new generation of professionals who are not only skilled artisans and innovators, but also conscious custodians of the Earth.

This year’s Van Mahotsav celebration went beyond the classroom — it fostered a deeper connection between students, faculty, and nature. From designing nature-inspired jewellery, to decorating themed soft boards, to planting trees together and receiving green gifts as lifelong reminders, every activity was crafted to instill a sense of purpose, unity, and environmental responsibility. It was a day of creativity, collaboration, and consciousness — reinforcing the idea that in an industry so intimately tied to the natural world, preserving our planet is not just important, it is foundational. By encouraging students to think beyond aesthetics and embrace sustainability as a core value, IIG continues to create a strong bond between design, education, community, and the natural world — one that will shape not only their careers, but also their conscience.