Empowering Society: The Role of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group in the FICCI DE&I Conclave

Keynote Addresses: A Call for Inclusive Growth

Dr Anish Shah, President of FICCI, highlighted the global shift towards recognising DE&I as essential for sustainable growth. “Studies show that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, productive, and resilient,” he noted, underscoring the importance of these principles in driving corporate success.

Padma Bhushan Rajashree Birla, Chairperson of the FICCI Aditya Birla CSR Centre for Excellence, described the event as a milestone, emphasising the need for a collective roadmap to embed DE&I processes in workplaces and beyond, highlighting the long-term benefits of such initiatives.

Leadership and Vision: Keshav Suri's Perspective

Keshav Suri, Chairperson of the FICCI DE&I Task Force and Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group reflected on the journey since the DE&I committee's inception in 2019, which included three distinct subgroups focusing on gender diversity, the LGBTQIA+ community, and persons with disabilities. "We have made significant progress," Suri stated, "but there is still a long way to go to achieve a truly diverse and inclusive world, with equity being the most crucial element in this journey."

Suri emphasised the importance of empathy in realising DE&I goals, stating, “I firmly believe that corporations and India Inc. have the tools to empower marginalised communities at various intersections. At The LaLiT, we have created a microcosm of the world we wish to see on a larger scale, shaping the future for the rest of the nation.” He encouraged extending these conversations to homes and communities to build a genuinely inclusive world.

Celebrating Achievements: DE&I Awards Launch

A significant highlight of the Conclave was the announcement of the ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Awards’. This pioneering initiative by FICCI aims to recognise and celebrate organisations that have made substantial contributions to promoting DE&I within their workplaces.

Also Read: The Dynamic Growth of the Hospitality Industry

Insightful Conversations: Fireside Chats

The Conclave featured two captivating fireside chats. The first brought together Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & MD of Bharat Hotels Limited and Past President of FICCI, and Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson and CEO of Salesforce India. Dr Suri, who also mentors the FICCI DEI Committee, remarked, “The FICCI DEI Conclave has been a testament to our collective commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate India.”

The second fireside chat gathered notable figures from the Indian film industry, moderated by renowned film critic and journalist Rajeev Masand. Panellists included director Faraz Arif Ansari, actor and singer Sushant Divgikr (Rani Ko He Nur), director Tushar Tyagi, and screenwriter Gazal Dhaliwal, who discussed DE&I in the arts and media.

In-Depth Discussions and Engaging Performances

Throughout the Conclave, various critical topics were discussed, such as ‘Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)’, ‘Supplier Diversity and Procurement Practices’, the importance of Data and Metrics’, and ‘Navigating a Multigenerational Workforce’. These sessions provided actionable insights and strategies for participants to implement within their organisations.

The event concluded with a stunning performance by the Dancing Queens, India's first transgender dance group. Their vibrant and powerful presentation highlighted the essence of diversity, equity, and inclusion that the Conclave sought to promote.

The 2nd edition of the FICCI DE&I Conclave at The LaLiT Mumbai was marked by vibrant discussions, actionable insights, and a shared commitment to advancing DE&I initiatives across industries. It was a testament to the progress made and the journey ahead in building a more inclusive future for all.