Pride Fest 2023’s ‘Samvad’ Kicks Off in Delhi

The Samvad Sessions of Pride Fest 2023, held at The LaLiT Delhi, have commenced with the aim of reaching a wider audience and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI). These sessions are part of the larger Pride Fest event, which celebrates and advocates for the rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community.

The organizers of Pride Fest 2023 recognized the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding among various communities and individuals to create a more inclusive society. The Samvad Sessions serve as a platform for engaging discussions, sharing experiences, and promoting awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.

Pride Fest 2023, one of the most anticipated events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, is set to prioritize the crucial elements of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the corporate sector. This year’s festival aims to foster a more inclusive environment for businesses and organizations, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have equal opportunities and representation.

With a deep understanding of the significance of DEI in the corporate world, Pride Fest 2023 will host engaging events, discussions, and workshops to address key issues and promote effective strategies. These efforts aim to drive positive change, enhance workplace cultures, and empower LGBTQ+ employees to thrive in their professional lives.

Pride Fest 2023 acknowledges the pivotal role that corporates play in advancing social progress and equality. By focusing on DEI, the festival aims to encourage businesses to create inclusive policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ individuals. Through collaborative partnerships with corporations, Pride Fest 2023 seeks to foster dialogue and promote understanding among diverse communities.

The event will feature prominent speakers, thought leaders, and experts in DEI, providing valuable insights and sharing best practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from successful case studies, engage in meaningful conversations, and network with like-minded professionals who are dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces.

Pride Fest 2023 is excited to host this significant event at The LaLiT Delhi, a renowned venue that embraces diversity and inclusivity. The LaLiT Delhi’s commitment to creating an accepting atmosphere aligns perfectly with the festival’s objectives of promoting DEI within the corporate sector. The venue’s state-of-the-art facilities and welcoming ambiance will contribute to the success of the event.

Pride Fest 2023 invites businesses, professionals, and individuals passionate about DEI to participate in this milestone event. By coming together, we can build stronger, more inclusive corporate environments where everyone can feel valued and empowered.

The Delhi Samvad Session witnessed powerful addresses by Harish Iyer, Rudrani Chhetri, Akshay Tyagi, Ruhie Pande, Ankur Bhagat, and other notable speakers. 

Mr. Ankur Bhagat, Vice President & Chief Supply Chain Officer at Procter & Gamble, expressed, “At P&G, we continuously strive to create an empowering workplace environment where everyone can bring their authentic selves and have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed. This ideology translates into meaningful actions and interventions, both within and outside P&G. We aim to leverage the power of visible and vocal allyship by fostering continued sensitization, establishing visible inclusion indicators such as Rainbow entrances and Ally stickers, implementing gender-neutral infrastructure, creating supportive circles of trust, and extending our inclusivity efforts beyond the workplace to the communities we serve.”

Highlighting the significance of cultivating a welcoming and inclusive work environment, Ms. Ruhie Pande, CHRO at Godrej Capital, stated, “Organizations reflect the society we live in, making it imperative for us to embrace the full spectrum of human diversity. Embracing diversity is not only the right thing to do but also a strategic advantage that fuels innovation, fosters creativity, and drives overall organizational success. A truly inclusive workplace environment necessitates a genuine commitment to fostering a culture of belonging, where individuals are empowered to bring their authentic selves to work without fear of prejudice or discrimination. We must actively challenge biases and dismantle systemic barriers that hinder the progress of LGBTQ+ individuals. At Godrej Capital, we endeavor to provide LGBTQ+ employees with equal opportunities for professional growth through internship programs, capability-building initiatives, mentoring, and employee resource groups. Organizations must also engage in external advocacy efforts to promote LGBTQ+ rights and equality beyond the workplace, creating a positive impact on society at large.”

During the Delhi chapter of Pride Fest’s Samvad Sessions, the audience was deeply moved when “Nirbhaya” and “Juhie,” two transgender individuals (dummy names), shared their personal stories of overcoming hardships and finding success as professionals in the hospitality industry at The LaLiT. Akshay Tyagi, DEI Head at The LaLiT Group, highlighted the trailblazing initiatives undertaken by the group to support the well-being and empowerment of the LGBTQ++ community, serving as a guiding light for other organizations in the DEI domain.

Speaking to the media, Harish Iyer, an equal rights activist and corporate professional, shared his thoughts on the importance of families accepting individuals as nature has intended.

Rudrani Chhetri, a transgender rights activist, emphasized that the responsibility for change should not rest solely on the LGBTQ+ community but on society as a whole. True improvement will only occur when individuals are treated equally, and marginalized communities receive acceptance regardless of labels.

Ms. Joita Sen, Director and Head of Marketing and Designs at Senco Gold and Diamonds, added, “Every color of the rainbow deserves to shine, and true pride is about lifting each other up. Senco Gold and Diamonds celebrates the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing that love is love, and everyone deserves acceptance and celebration for who they are. As an all-inclusive company, we believe in providing equal opportunities for growth and a life of dignity to everyone.”The next stop for Pride Fest’s Samvad is Bengaluru, where it is scheduled to take place on June 28th.