The 2nd edition of the FICCI DE&I Conclave, in collaboration with the Keshav Suri Foundation and The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, served as a catalyst for change. It gathered leaders and professionals from various sectors to discuss and explore strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace and society at large. Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, Bharat Hotels says, "Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values is essential for creating a more just and vibrant society. At the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, we believe that embracing DE&I not only enhances our organisational culture but also drives innovation and growth. Through our continued efforts and collaborations, we aim to set a benchmark in building inclusive environments where everyone can thrive."
Dr. Jyotsna Suri’s Vision and the Conclave's Impact
Dr. Jyotsna Suri, mentor to the FICCI DE&I Committee, commented on the Conclave, saying, “The FICCI DE&I Conclave has been a testament to our collective commitment. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we can drive meaningful change.” The collaboration and innovative ideas generated here will be instrumental in driving meaningful change and building a more inclusive future for all. "The pursuit of DE&I is not merely a corporate agenda but a societal imperative that demands our collective efforts and an unwavering commitment," emphasises Dr. Jyotsna Suri.
The Conclave delved into practical aspects of building an inclusive environment. "By cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives converge, we lay the foundation for innovation and sustainable progress," remarks Dr. Jyotsna Suri. Additional sessions during the two-day conclave also explored topics like ‘Employee Resource Groups (ERGs),’ which empowers employees from similar backgrounds, ‘Supplier Diversity and inclusive Procurement Practices’ that expand opportunities for businesses of all sizes, and the ‘Importance of Data and Metrics’ in tracking progress towards DE&I goals. These discussions aimed to equip attendees with actionable insights and strategies to implement DE&I initiatives within their organisations.
DE&I: Beyond Rhetoric, Towards Everyday Practice
“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is not just a rhetorical statement. It is something that must become a part of our DNA, our everyday lives, and businesses,” asserts Dr. Jyotsna Suri. This calls for embedding DE&I into organisational culture and influencing every decision that is taken. Imagine a workplace where diversity is celebrated, actively seeking talent from various backgrounds and fostering innovation through diverse perspectives. This requires dismantling unconscious bias and creating an inclusive environment.
Equity ensures everyone has the resources and opportunities to succeed, involving targeted training, mentorship initiatives, and flexible work arrangements to remove barriers. "Inclusion is about creating an organisational culture where psychological safety is paramount, allowing diverse voices to flourish without fear," emphasises Dr. Jyotsna Suri. It means creating a space where everyone feels valued and empowered to participate. This involves open communication, fostering psychological safety, and celebrating differences to unlock the true potential of a diverse workforce.
Equal Opportunities for Marginalised Communities
"We must go beyond tokenism and create robust frameworks that integrate marginalised communities into the fabric of our workforce," states Dr. Suri. Highlighting the importance of inclusion for marginalised communities, she stressed that people with disabilities and those who are differently abled should be given equal opportunities to join the workforce and be treated as equals. “We should not have any patronising attitude towards them but bring them into the fold,” adds Dr. Suri.
In conclusion, the FICCI DE&I Conclave underscored the necessity of embedding DE&I into the core of organisational culture and societal norms. "Our journey towards a truly inclusive society is a continuous one, requiring persistent efforts, empathy, and a steadfast dedication to DE&I principles," Dr. Jyotsna Suri concludes. Her insights and the collaborative efforts of all participants highlighted the importance of driving meaningful change through diversity, equity, and inclusion. By committing to these values, we can drive meaningful change into our daily lives and business practices, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in an equitable environment.
The 2nd edition of the FICCI DE&I Conclave, in collaboration with the Keshav Suri Foundation and The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, served as a catalyst for change. It gathered leaders and professionals from various sectors to discuss and explore strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace and society at large. Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, Bharat Hotels says, "Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values is essential for creating a more just and vibrant society. At the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, we believe that embracing DE&I not only enhances our organisational culture but also drives innovation and growth. Through our continued efforts and collaborations, we aim to set a benchmark in building inclusive environments where everyone can thrive."
Dr. Jyotsna Suri’s Vision and the Conclave's Impact
Dr. Jyotsna Suri, mentor to the FICCI DE&I Committee, commented on the Conclave, saying, “The FICCI DE&I Conclave has been a testament to our collective commitment. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we can drive meaningful change.” The collaboration and innovative ideas generated here will be instrumental in driving meaningful change and building a more inclusive future for all. "The pursuit of DE&I is not merely a corporate agenda but a societal imperative that demands our collective efforts and an unwavering commitment," emphasises Dr. Jyotsna Suri.
The Conclave delved into practical aspects of building an inclusive environment. "By cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives converge, we lay the foundation for innovation and sustainable progress," remarks Dr. Jyotsna Suri. Additional sessions during the two-day conclave also explored topics like ‘Employee Resource Groups (ERGs),’ which empowers employees from similar backgrounds, ‘Supplier Diversity and inclusive Procurement Practices’ that expand opportunities for businesses of all sizes, and the ‘Importance of Data and Metrics’ in tracking progress towards DE&I goals. These discussions aimed to equip attendees with actionable insights and strategies to implement DE&I initiatives within their organisations.
DE&I: Beyond Rhetoric, Towards Everyday Practice
“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is not just a rhetorical statement. It is something that must become a part of our DNA, our everyday lives, and businesses,” asserts Dr. Jyotsna Suri. This calls for embedding DE&I into organisational culture and influencing every decision that is taken. Imagine a workplace where diversity is celebrated, actively seeking talent from various backgrounds and fostering innovation through diverse perspectives. This requires dismantling unconscious bias and creating an inclusive environment.
Equity ensures everyone has the resources and opportunities to succeed, involving targeted training, mentorship initiatives, and flexible work arrangements to remove barriers. "Inclusion is about creating an organisational culture where psychological safety is paramount, allowing diverse voices to flourish without fear," emphasises Dr. Jyotsna Suri. It means creating a space where everyone feels valued and empowered to participate. This involves open communication, fostering psychological safety, and celebrating differences to unlock the true potential of a diverse workforce.
Equal Opportunities for Marginalised Communities
"We must go beyond tokenism and create robust frameworks that integrate marginalised communities into the fabric of our workforce," states Dr. Suri. Highlighting the importance of inclusion for marginalised communities, she stressed that people with disabilities and those who are differently abled should be given equal opportunities to join the workforce and be treated as equals. “We should not have any patronising attitude towards them but bring them into the fold,” adds Dr. Suri.
In conclusion, the FICCI DE&I Conclave underscored the necessity of embedding DE&I into the core of organisational culture and societal norms. "Our journey towards a truly inclusive society is a continuous one, requiring persistent efforts, empathy, and a steadfast dedication to DE&I principles," Dr. Jyotsna Suri concludes. Her insights and the collaborative efforts of all participants highlighted the importance of driving meaningful change through diversity, equity, and inclusion. By committing to these values, we can drive meaningful change into our daily lives and business practices, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in an equitable environment.
