ITV News
First World Diamond Day shines spotlight on stories behind gems
Global initiative celebrates emotion, legacy and craft of natural diamonds
MUMBAI: The inaugural World Diamond Day saw people across India and beyond come together to celebrate the emotional value of natural diamonds, shifting the spotlight from sparkle to story.
Launched by the Natural Diamond Council, the initiative aims to position diamonds not just as luxury items, but as markers of personal milestones, heritage and memory. From heirlooms passed down generations to modern-day celebrations, the campaign encouraged individuals to share what their diamonds truly represent.
The movement quickly gained traction online, with social media platforms turning into a repository of personal stories under hashtags such as #WorldDiamondDay and #NaturalDiamonds. Participants ranged from consumers to artisans and retailers, reflecting the full spectrum of the industry.
In India, the celebration blended tradition with contemporary aspiration. Leading trade bodies including the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council and the Bharat Diamond Bourse joined the initiative, alongside manufacturers and diamantaires who highlighted the journey of a diamond from its natural origin to a finished piece.
Prominent industry voices such as Richa Goyal Sikri, Archana Thani, Nitya Arora and Arundhati De Sheth also contributed, sharing insights and personal perspectives that added depth to the campaign.
Natural Diamond Council managing director Richa Singh said, “World Diamond Day is a platform for people to share what their diamonds truly mean to them. At a time when consumers, especially younger audiences, are looking for more meaningful ways to celebrate, this initiative offers a reason to pause and honour those moments.”
Beyond marketing, the day underscored a broader shift in consumer behaviour, where emotional connection and authenticity are becoming as important as product value. For the diamond industry, this narrative-led approach could help strengthen relevance among younger buyers.
As the first edition draws to a close, the message is clear. A diamond may be forever, but it is the story behind it that truly makes it shine.
ITV News
Paroma Dayal joins dentsu as VP, sports, e-sports, gaming & live experiences
Senior leader to steer brand partnerships and live experiences in fast-evolving space
MUMBAI: Paroma Dayal has taken on a new role at dentsu as vice president for sports, e-sports, gaming and live experiences, signalling the agency network’s sharpened focus on high-growth content ecosystems.
In her new position, Dayal will lead strategic expansion across sports and gaming, working at the intersection of brand partnerships, live experiences and integrated marketing solutions. The mandate reflects a broader industry shift where fandom, content and commerce increasingly converge.
Dayal brings over 15 years of experience spanning digital platforms, broadcast networks and advertising sales. Most recently, she served as senior client partner for APAC at Quora, where she worked on business strategy and client growth across the region.
Before that, she was associate director at MX Player, overseeing monetisation and brand solutions for MX Player and MX Takatak. Her earlier stint at Viacom18 Media Private Limited saw her rise to senior manager and group head north for ad sales and brand solutions across youth, music and English entertainment channels.
She also held roles at Viacom, managing advertising sales for brands such as MTV, VH1 and Comedy Central, and began her career with stints at Star India Pvt Ltd, India Today and NDTV.
Academically, Dayal completed an executive MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management in 2024, adding formal training in brand management and digital marketing to her hands-on industry experience. She is also a graduate of Jesus and Mary College in New Delhi.
Her appointment comes at a time when brands are doubling down on sports and gaming as cultural touchpoints, not just media channels. With Dayal at the helm, dentsu appears set to play a more active role in shaping how brands show up in these fast-moving arenas.
