Navinchandra Jewels Inspired Employees to Enjoy Vegan Food Through a Vegan Meal Cooking Challenge

14th February 2025

Cooking Up Change: How a Vegan Meal Challenge Transformed Office Culture

At N. Navinchandra Jewels, a company renowned for its leadership in the jewelry industry, an inspiring transformation is happening—one that combines creativity, health, and sustainability. Recently, the company hosted an exciting and unique event that highlighted their commitment to both their employees’ well-being and the planet: a vegan meal cooking competition.

The elaborate event, organized by the HR team, spanned two days and saw 44 participants, with 22 people participating on each day. It was a well-coordinated affair led by Mr. Punit Mehta, the CEO of N. Navinchandra Jewels, whose personal passion for veganism was a driving force behind this innovative initiative. The competition brought employees together in an engaging and fun-filled way, celebrating plant-based food and encouraging creativity. What made the event even more inspiring was witnessing the company’s core team members, who have embraced a vegan lifestyle for years.

The energy in the air was electric as employees, their families, and a panel of distinguished judges gathered to witness and partake in this one-of-a-kind culinary challenge. Palak Mehta, the founder of Vegan First, was one of the honored judges at the event, and she couldn’t hide her excitement as she sampled the various dishes presented. The dishes were an eclectic mix of flavors and ingredients, showcasing the versatility and delicious potential of plant-based cooking.

Fostering an Ethical and Compassionate Culture

Under Mr. Mehta's excellent leadership, the initiative was far more than just a cooking competition. It was a reflection of the company’s deeper values. The staff at N. Navinchandra Jewels, which operates from a state-of-the-art facility, are provided plant-based meals daily at their office canteen, which serves over 1,150 employees. Not only does the company ensure that these meals are nutritious and satisfying, but they are offered at a nominal cost, making it accessible to everyone.

N. Navinchandra Jewels is not just a leader in the jewelry industry with a presence in the USA, Europe, and the Middle East, but also a pioneer in integrating ethical and sustainable practices into their operations. The company’s commitment to sustainability is clear from its impressive achievements, such as being the first company in SEEPZ (Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone) to obtain the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC) certification and GMP certifications.

However, their dedication to sustainability doesn’t end with ethical sourcing of materials. It extends to every aspect of their operation, including food practices. By offering plant-based lunches, they not only promote a healthy lifestyle but also reduce their environmental footprint and help the planet. This initiative stands as a testament to their belief in making choices that benefit both people and the planet.

A Step Towards a Healthier and Sustainable Future

The plant-based cooking competition wasn’t just a fun event—it was a chance for employees to explore the impact of their choices on the environment. It was an invitation for them to embrace compassion, sustainability, and creativity in their everyday lives. By fostering an open space for creativity around plant-based meals, the company encouraged employees to think differently about the food they eat and how it impacts their health and the world at large.

The participation of family members in the event was also an important aspect of the initiative. It showcased how plant-based living can extend beyond the workplace and into employees' homes, helping them develop a lifestyle that aligns with the company’s values of sustainability, compassion, and health.

Ultimately, this competition was more than just an opportunity to celebrate delicious vegan food. It symbolized the company's mission to lead by example, showing that businesses can thrive while making choices that positively impact people and the planet.

As the world increasingly turns its attention toward sustainability, N. Navinchandra Jewels is showing that there is a way to blend innovation, ethics, and compassion—one meal at a time.