Tips from Microsoft and Godrej executives on how to build inclusive workplaces in India

At Rainbow Literature Festival, one of India’s first queer and inclusive lit fests, two Indian executives offered lessons on the benefits of hiring more LGBTQ employees, and making workplaces inherently inclusive. Rashmi Handa, business engagement manager at Microsoft, and Parmesh Shahani, vice-president of Godrej Industries and head of the Godrej India Culture Lab, were in conversation with Srini Ramaswamy, co-founder of diversity and inclusion consultancy Pride Circle, about how far Indian organisations have travelled on the road to being diverse and inclusive. This panel on workplace diversity was part of the literature festival that was held in New Delhi on Dec. 6 and 7.