JD Institute Of Fashion Technology Secures three wins at National Jewellery Awards 2026

Mumbai, 2nd October 2026: JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru, has secured three wins at the National Jewellery Awards (NJA) 2026, with Ms Gunavanti, B.Sc. JD 2024 batch and Ms. Hunar Jain, B.Sc. JD 2025 batch, winning in the Student of the Year category, while Ms. Mithra M., was named the winner in the Designer of the Year category. Mithra’s design was also shortlisted among the final five from over 1,000 entries submitted across India. The winners were felicitated at the NJA’26 Award Ceremony held at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.

The National Jewellery Awards (NJA) 2026, organised by the All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), celebrates excellence, creativity and innovation across India’s jewellery industry. In its 15th edition, the awards recognise emerging and established talent across various categories, including the Student and Designer categories, which acknowledge distinctive design concepts and execution with a focus on aesthetics, uniqueness and wearability. 

The recognition for JD Institute Bengaluru brings together three distinct design approaches. Gunavanti’s winning entry explored the concept of Agni, translating the idea into a jewellery design, while Hunar’s award-winning work drew from the Shruva spoon used during the Vedic ritual of Agni Ahuti. Her design interprets the ritual through three interconnected elements: an arm cuff inspired by the Shruva spoon, cascading chains representing the offering of ghee, and a bracelet symbolising the rising flames.

For Mithra M., the winning design in the Designer Category explored nature’s intelligence through a space-age design language. Her work translated the underlying phenomenon into a wearable form, combining organic gold shapes with fine gradient-paved details. 

The three award-winning entries were developed with the guidance of Ms Rupali Sarkar, HOD at JD Institute Bengaluru, whose mentorship supported the students through the stages of concept development, refinement and final execution. 

Speaking about the students’ participation at NJA 2026, Ms. Rupali Sarkar, HOD, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru, said, “Participating in NJA 2026 gave our students the opportunity to present their work on a national industry platform. Seeing their concepts and efforts receive this recognition is a proud moment, and a testament to the work they put into developing their designs.”

Speaking on the recognition, Nealesh Dalal, Founder & Managing Trustee, JD Institute of Fashion Technology and Founder, JD School of Design, said, “Industry platforms such as the National Jewellery Awards allow emerging designers to take their work beyond the academic environment and engage with the larger design community. These recognitions reflect the creativity, research and craftsmanship that our students bring to their work. At JD Institute, we remain committed to providing the exposure and opportunities that help designers take their ideas forward.” 

Commenting on the achievement, Yogesh Dalal, Trustee, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, said, “Recognition at a platform like the National Jewellery Awards is an important milestone for our students and alumni, as it places their work before the wider jewellery industry. Gunavanti, Hunar and Mithra have approached design from a different perspective, but what connects their work is the thought behind the concept and the effort to translate an idea into a considered jewellery form. At JD Institute, we encourage students to research, question and experiment, while creating an environment that enables them to push creative boundaries and translate their ideas into work that reflects their individual design vision.”

The three wins at NJA 2026 reflect JD Institute Bengaluru’s approach to connecting design education with industry exposure, giving students and alumni the opportunity to take their work beyond the classroom and present it on an industry level, while showcasing the diverse design thinking emerging from its jewellery programmes.

About JD Institute of Fashion Technology:

Founded in 1988, JD Institute of Fashion Technology is one of India’s leading design education institutions, offering specialised programmes in Fashion and Interior Design. With a strong placement record of 99.67% and 48 centres across India, JD is known for its industry-focused curriculum, extensive alumni network, and independent, founder-led legacy. The institute also operates internationally in Malaysia and Nepal and is currently expanding to Dubai.