Pure Gold Jewellers Chairman Named Philanthropist of the Year

(IDEX Online News) – Pure Gold Jewellers founder and CEO, Firoz Merchant, was named as the Philanthropist of the Year at the recent Indian CEO Awards held in Dubai.

Merchant initiated the “Forgotten Society” program in 2011, which seeks to help prisoners in the UAE, incarcerated because of their inability to pay back debts. Pure Gold Jewellers has settled debts or paid for air fare of over 5,500 prisoners – spending approximately $3 million in the process.

Merchant said that it was a great honor to be recognized by fellow Indian businessmen in the region. In receiving his award he said, “Prisoners are often the most forgotten people of the society, they suffer under the stigma of being imprisoned and isolated from their family and friends.”

“Everyone deserves a second chance and I decided to focus on this section of the society, especially those who are imprisoned because of the lack of ability to pay back their debts. I hope awards like these will shine the spotlight on their suffering and encourage more people to come forward to help them,” he added.

Other than his commitment to helping prisoners, Merchant has supported the work of the Red Crescent Society, Breast Cancer Control and the UAE Ministry of Health. He has also contributed to relief efforts in India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Myanmar, Maldives, Syria, Jordan, Germany, Lebanon and Syria for victims of natural calamities.

The evening was hosted by the BBC broadcaster and former Economist editor Andrew Neil and the guest of honor was His Excellency T P Seetharam, Ambassador of India to the UAE.