This June, Godrej Industries is celebrating Pride Month with a series of events aimed at supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. The initiative is part of their ongoing commitment to inclusion, which has spanned over a decade. The highlight of this year’s celebration was a vibrant Pride March held at Godrej One, led by Manish Shah, Managing Director of Godrej Capital, along with other senior leaders. This march was a powerful display of solidarity with LGBTQIA+ employees and their allies, uniting voices from both India and around the world.
A key feature of Pride@Godrej 2025 was the launch of Queer Directions, a publishing imprint created in collaboration with Westland Books. This imprint aims to amplify the voices and stories of LGBTQIA+ individuals. The event kicked off with a Pitch Bazaar, where numerous unpublished LGBTQIA+ authors met with publishers and media professionals. This was followed by a Queer Bazaar showcasing products from LGBTQIA+-owned businesses, promoting visibility and economic opportunities for the community.
The celebration concluded with a delightful play, Jumkevalia, supported by Godrej Properties. The play explored themes of first love and self-discovery through the eyes of a lesbian character from the 1970s. Performed in various Indian languages, it highlighted the inclusive principles that celebrate LGBTQIA+ identities within India’s rich cultural tapestry.
Parmesh Shahani, head of Godrej’s DEI Lab, expressed excitement about moving beyond mere symbolism to create real opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community. He noted that as LGBTQIA+ writers gain confidence to share their stories with industry professionals, and as small queer-owned businesses find platforms to showcase their work, true inclusion is being achieved. Shahani emphasized that they are not just discussing diversity; they are actively creating pathways for LGBTQIA+ voices to be heard and valued.
Karthika V.K., a publisher at Westland Books, shared that the launch of Queer Directions represents a belief in the importance of good stories receiving the right platform. It is about ensuring that authentic LGBTQIA+ narratives have a rightful place in Indian literature and reach readers who need to see themselves reflected in books.
Throughout June, Godrej companies will participate in various pride-centric activities. These will go beyond symbolic gestures to bring about meaningful change. Godrej Properties will celebrate pride month with pride marches, storytelling sessions, inclusive workshops, art contests, and wall paintings across all zones. Godrej Capital is encouraging inclusion through events like street plays, panel discussions, and recruitment drives focused on LGBTQIA+ hiring and wellness programs.
Additionally, Godrej Consumer Products is leading QueeRising 2025, a global campaign that celebrates LGBTQIA+ identities through dialogue and connection. Godrej Chemicals is advancing Pride Month with awareness campaigns and workshops on LGBT+ sensitivity. Meanwhile, Godrej Agrovate Ltd is hosting employee workshops focused on inclusion in the workplace.
This year, the pride flag and other symbols of LGBTQIA+ affirmation are sparking meaningful conversations among employees and visitors alike. By fostering a culture of openness and acceptance, Godrej aims to create a more inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The commitment to inclusion does not stop here. Godrej Capital recently launched ‘Pride Capital’, an initiative aimed at promoting dialogue about LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace and onboarding talent from the community. Collaborating with the Tweet Foundation, they held a career fair that provided a platform for LGBTQIA+ candidates to connect with potential employers.
With these initiatives, Godrej Industries is not just celebrating Pride Month; they are actively building a future where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of corporate culture. By providing platforms for LGBTQIA+ voices and businesses, Godrej is paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting society, both within and beyond their company walls.
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