A legacy that shines bright
Born on 04 May 1920, in Palanpur, from the 19th generation of the Palanpuri Vyaj Mehta lineage, Ramniklalbhai Rajmalbhai Mehta was a man of extraordinary vision, an astute businessman, a true sportsman, and a dedicated philanthropist. Entering the diamond trade at a young age, his sharp instincts and unwavering integrity earned him a distinguished reputation in the diamond market. In 1960, he joined his son, Arunkumar, in B. Arunkumar & Co., playing a pivotal role in its growth until his retirement in 1973 to focus on philanthropy.
Ramniklalbhai, alongside his wife Sushilaben, devoted his life to uplifting underprivileged communities through the Rajmal Rikhavchand Mehta Charitable Trust. Their impactful work included spearheading initiatives via the Sarvodaya Ashram, providing education for tribal children, vocational training for widows and the disabled, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. During times of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes, their efforts brought critical relief to affected communities.
Beyond his humanitarian contributions, Ramniklalbhai left an indelible mark on Palanpur’s educational, sports, and healthcare sectors. His values of compassion, service, and resilience continue to inspire future generations, as his family proudly upholds his remarkable legacy.
A visionary leader and a titan in the diamond industry, Late Shri. Arunkumar Ramniklalbhai Mehta (1940–2020) co-founded B. Arunkumar & Co. in 1960, which grew into the globally renowned Rosy Blue conglomerate. Under his leadership, the company expanded internationally, establishing its presence in Belgium in 1973 and becoming one of the most respected names in the diamond world.
Beyond business, Arunkumar’s legacy shines in his dedication to philanthropy. Through initiatives like the Vidyamandir Educational Trust and Banaskantha District Kelavani Mandal, he championed access to quality education, benefiting over 16,000 students annually. His contributions were honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council in 2007. His legacy of excellence and generosity continues through his family and the Rosy Blue Foundation.
In 2006, Late Shri. Arunkumar Ramniklalbhai Mehta received an awarded from Gujarat Govt. facilitated by the then Chief Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad. This award was given to recognise his philanthropic work and business skills. His legacy continues through his son, Russell Mehta, who now leads Rosy Blue (India). Arunkumar passed away on 14 June 2020 at the age of 80, leaving behind a monumental legacy in the world of diamonds and philanthropy.
Rosy Blue
For over six decades, Rosy Blue has stood as a hallmark of integrity, innovation, and excellence in the global diamond industry. Guided by its values of diversity, accountability, and sustainability, Rosy Blue combines economic success with meaningful societal contributions.
The Rosy Blue Foundation
Established in 2010, the Foundation amplifies the group’s commitment to community welfare. By focusing on sustainable development, education, and skill-building, it empowers communities worldwide. Notably, Rosy Blue was the first diamond company to align with the UN Global Compact, setting industry benchmarks in corporate responsibility.
Advisors & Scholarship Governance Committee
Govind Iyer is an Independent Director at Infosys and a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience. Before retiring as a Partner at Egon Zehnder, the global leadership advisory firm, he held key positions at Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and Heinz. Govind’s influence extends beyond the corporate world—he has served on the Wharton Executive Education Advisory Board and the Advisory Board of the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN). As a founding board member and Chairperson of Social Venture Partners in India, he is also deeply committed to social impact, serving on the board of GIVE India and being a #LivingmyPromise signatory. Additionally, Govind is part of Karmayogi Bharat, a DoPT initiative aimed at transforming civil service capacity through the iGOT Karmayogi platform. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Regional Engineering College, Trichy, and an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Rohan Shah is a distinguished Indian Counsel with over 35 years of litigation experience, practicing before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, various High Courts, key Tribunals, and international forums. Renowned for his taxation and regulatory expertise, he has successfully represented Fortune 500 companies and India’s largest conglomerates in critical litigation matters. He is also highly regarded for his advisory and structuring expertise in domestic and international tax and trade issues. The Government of India has appointed him to multiple committees on taxation, international trade, and foreign direct investment. His deep legal acumen and contributions to the field have been widely acknowledged. In recognition of his expertise, he was designated as a Senior Advocate by the Hon’ble Bombay High Court on August 2, 2024.
Shloka Ambani is the Director of the Rosy Blue Foundation and the Founder of ConnectFor, a pioneering digital volunteering platform that bridges the gap between volunteers and NGOs. Deeply invested in the social sector in India, Shloka is particularly passionate about education, having studied the Indian education system extensively. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Princeton University and an MSc in Law & Anthropology from the London School of Economics.
Viral Doshi, a graduate of Cornell University, is a name synonymous with educational guidance and career mentorship. As the founder of Viral Doshi Associates, with offices spanning Dubai, Singapore, London, and New York, he offers students a comprehensive range of services—from psychometric testing and career coaching to college planning for those aiming to study abroad or in India. Beyond his company, Viral serves as an advisor to several leading educational institutions worldwide and sits on the boards of the Tata Education Trust and NDTV. His insights on education regularly feature in prominent magazines, newspapers, and online platforms, and he is a sought-after speaker at schools and conferences. Viral Doshi is also the co-author of the national bestseller, Indian Roots, Ivy Admits: 101 Essays that Got Indian Students into the Ivy League and Stanford.
The Scholarship Governance Council
Russell Mehta, is Managing Director of Rosy Blue (India) Pvt. Ltd. He has more than 40 years of experience within the diamond industry and transformed a family managed business into professionally run Rosy Blue (India) Pvt. Ltd., which is now represented in over 14 different countries. Mehta serves on the Board of Rosy Blue Foundation (est. 2010); as Chairman of Vidyamandir Trust, Palanpur, as Trustee of Banaskantha District Kelavani Mandal, working to further develop the quality and access to education. Mehta is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization (Gold, Mumbai Chapter), past member of Bharat Diamond Bourse Management Committee and past Vice-Chairman of The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council. Mehta is a Commerce Graduate from Mumbai University and has a Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) Diploma in Diamonds. He joined the GIA Board of Governors in August 2022.
Ashish K. Mehta is a partner of M/s. Kantilal Chhotalal, one of the leading companies in the field of Diamonds and Jewellery in India. M/s. Kantilal Chhotalal is one of the pioneers of diamond and jewellery industry in India having been established in 1941. Ashish has been a Trustee of Vidyamandir Trust, Palanpur since 1993, and has served as Managing Trustee for the past several years. He’s also served the board of the Bombay International School, one of the most renowned schools of Mumbai.
Bijal Ajinkya is a senior partner in the Direct Tax, Private Client and Investment Funds practice groups in the Mumbai office with over 24 years of experience. She serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the firm. Bijal regularly features on an annual basis in the Chambers & Partners (Asia – Pacific), Citiwealth Leaders List, Asia Law, Legal 500, International Tax Review (Asia Pacific), Who’s Who Legal Corporate Tax Guide, Private Client Global Elite, Expert Guides – Tax 2018, Indian Lawyer 250 Law Business Research as a leader in the field of taxation, investments funds and private client in India. She has recently been ranked as a Leader Tax Champion in India by Legal Era, and has also been recognised by Asian Legal Business in their 2021 ranking as Asia’s Top 15 Female Lawyers. Bijal has featured on IBLJs future legal leaders list for India, 2021. Bijal is the first Indian qualified lawyer to be admitted as an international fellow to the The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).
Megha Kothari holds a Bachelor's degree in Management Studies and a Postgraduate degree in Commerce. She is also a NET-qualified professor, deeply passionate about education and empowering young minds. Her teaching journey includes positions at prestigious institutions like HR College of Commerce and Jai Hind College in Mumbai, where she has inspired countless students. In addition to her academic career, she finds motivation and balance through yoga and connecting with nature.
Samina Hamied represents the third generation of the founding family of Cipla, a global healthcare major headquartered in Mumbai with operations in 80 countries, including significant footprints in India, the United States, and Africa. In her former role as Cipla’s Executive Vice Chairperson from 2016 to 2025, she championed a period of unprecedented growth, doubling the company’s revenue and tripling value while navigating one of the most challenging chapters in its history. Samina has a Master's in International Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Prior to joining Cipla, she worked in Investment Management with Goldman Sachs, across their London and New York offices.
Viral Kothari is a graduate of Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in Global Studies. With five years of experience on the investment teams at various funds across Mumbai, Brussels, and Hong Kong, Viral brings a global perspective to financial strategy and operations. Currently, he is leveraging his expertise in his family business, Jewelex Group, a prominent diamond and jewellery manufacturing company based in Mumbai. As a key leader within the organization, Viral oversees critical sections of the supply chain and contributes to the sales function, driving growth and efficiency. Beyond his professional pursuits, Viral is passionate about sports and outdoor activities. He enjoys reading, playing football, basketball, and Muay Thai, as well as hiking in nature.