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
Sonata Software CEO Samir Dhir to exit, Rajsekhar Datta Roy named successor
Samir Dhir steps down after tenure, to stay on as advisor till December 2026
BENGALURU: Sonata Software Limited has announced a leadership transition, appointing Rajsekhar Datta Roy as chief executive officer, effective May 9, 2026, for a three-year term. He will lead the company’s international business as it sharpens its focus on AI-led transformation.
Roy, a long-time company veteran, brings over three decades of experience in scaling technology practices and managing global delivery operations for enterprise clients. He has played a central role in building Sonata’s Microsoft and Dynamics practices into key growth engines, while also driving strategy and large-scale digital transformation programmes.
Over the past year, Roy has been closely involved in steering Sonata’s shift towards becoming an AI-first organisation. He has led initiatives around the company’s responsible-first AI framework and contributed to the development of its Harmoni.AI platform, alongside efforts to improve operational margins through tech-driven efficiencies.
Prior to this elevation, Roy served as chief delivery officer, overseeing global delivery and operations, and was a key member of the executive leadership team shaping the company’s transformation roadmap.
The transition follows the exit of Samir Dhir, who will step down as managing director and CEO at the close of business on May 8, 2026. He has also resigned as executive director but will continue as an advisor to the board until December 31, 2026, ensuring continuity during the transition.
The board acknowledged Dhir’s tenure, noting that under his leadership, Sonata strengthened its position as a strategic partner for clients and advanced into its next phase of growth.
Sonata Software Limited executive vice chairman Srikar Reddy said, “Raj’s promotion to CEO underscores our confidence in his leadership and strong technology vision. His deep understanding of Sonata Software will help us continue building an innovative and trusted organisation.”
Sonata Software Limited chief executive officer Rajsekhar Datta Roy added, “I am honoured to step into this role and lead the company’s international business. Our focus will remain on strengthening core capabilities and accelerating AI-led modernisation journeys for our clients.”
With this leadership change, Sonata Software is signalling continuity with a forward-looking tilt, betting on internal leadership and AI capabilities to power its next phase of global growth.
