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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Pride@Godrej 2025: Beyond Symbolism, Empowering LGBTQIA+ Voices and Businesses
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 12: This year, Pride@Godrej builds on a decade-long project of cultural inclusion within the Godrej Industries Group, to create a meaningful platform for authentic queer storytelling, entrepreneurial spirit and artistic expression. The Group recently hosted a vibrant Pride March at its headquarters, Godrej One, led by Manish Shah, Managing Director of Godrej Capital, and joined by senior leaders across the organization. This march was a powerful demonstration of solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, including Godrej's queer employees in India and globally, alongside their allies. A key highlight of Pride@Godrej 2025 was the launch of Queer Directions--a pioneering publishing imprint in collaboration with Westland Books, dedicated to amplifying queer voices and narratives. The event began with the Pitch Bazaar, where over a dozen unpublished queer writers connected with publishers and media professionals. In parallel, a Queer Bazaar showcased products from queer-owned small businesses, fostering visibility and economic opportunities. The celebration culminated in a delightful performance of Jhumkewali, a play supported by Godrej Properties Limited, which explores themes of lesbian first love and self-discovery set in the 1970s. Performed in multiple Indian languages, the play embodied the event's inclusive ethos, celebrating the intersection of queerness with India's linguistic and cultural diversity. This day-long celebration seamlessly blended culture, conversation, and community through thoughtfully curated experiences. "What excites me most about this celebration is how we moved beyond just rainbow flags to create real opportunities," said Parmesh Shahani, Head of the Godrej DEI Lab and author of Queeristan. "When queer writers feel confident enough to pitch their stories to industry professionals, when small queer businesses get a platform to showcase their work, that's when you know inclusion is working. We are not just talking about diversity; we are actively creating pathways for queer voices to thrive." "The launch of Queer Directions represents our belief that great stories deserve great platforms," said Karthika V.K., Publisher at Westland Books. "This isn't just about publishing--it's about ensuring that authentic queer narratives find their rightful place in Indian literature and reach readers who need to see themselves reflected in books." Throughout June, the Group companies will engage in a series of impactful Pride-focused initiatives, moving beyond symbolic gestures to drive meaningful change. Godrej Properties is celebrating Pride Month across its zones with Pride marches, storytelling sessions, inclusive workshops, and creative activities such as art contests and wall painting. Godrej Capital is fostering inclusion through events at Pride@Godrej One, including Nukkad Nataks, allyship panels, LGBTQIA+ hiring drives, and wellness programs. Godrej Consumer Products is leading QueeRising 2025, a global campaign celebrating queer identity through conversations, connections, and inspiring change. Godrej Chemicals is championing Pride Month with awareness campaigns and LGBT+ sensitization workshops, while Godrej Agrovet Limited is organizing employee workshops focused on workplace allyship. This year too, a Pride flag and other queer-affirming signage have sparked meaningful conversations among employees and visitors alike, reflecting the organization's evolving commitment to visibility, dialogue, and genuine inclusion. About the Godrej DEi Lab The Godrej DEI Lab empowers inclusion ecosystems both within and outside the Godrej Industries Group. About Godrej Industries Group Godrej Industries Ltd. is the holding company of the Godrej Industries Group (GIG). We are privileged to serve over 1.1 billion consumers globally through our businesses with market leadership positions in the consumer products, real estate, agriculture, financial services and chemicals industries. About Westland Books Westland Books is an award-winning Indian publisher with a diverse and exciting range of books from popular and literary fiction to business, politics, biography, spirituality, popular science, health and self-help. Its key publishing imprints include Context, Ekada, Tranquebar, Westland Sport, Westland Business, IndiePress, IF and Red Panda.
Malaysian Reserve
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Pride@Godrej 2025: Beyond Symbolism, Empowering LGBTQIA+ Voices and Businesses
MUMBAI, India, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This year, Pride@Godrej builds on a decade-long project of cultural inclusion within the Godrej Industries Group, to create a meaningful platform for authentic queer storytelling, entrepreneurial spirit and artistic expression. The Group recently hosted a vibrant Pride March at its headquarters, Godrej One, led by Manish Shah, Managing Director of Godrej Capital, and joined by senior leaders across the organization. This march was a powerful demonstration of solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, including Godrej's queer employees in India and globally, alongside their allies. A key highlight of Pride@Godrej 2025 was the launch of Queer Directions—a pioneering publishing imprint in collaboration with Westland Books, dedicated to amplifying queer voices and narratives. The event began with the Pitch Bazaar, where over a dozen unpublished queer writers connected with publishers and media professionals. In parallel, a Queer Bazaar showcased products from queer-owned small businesses, fostering visibility and economic opportunities. The celebration culminated in a delightful performance of Jhumkewali, a play supported by Godrej Properties Limited, which explores themes of lesbian first love and self-discovery set in the 1970s. Performed in multiple Indian languages, the play embodied the event's inclusive ethos, celebrating the intersection of queerness with India's linguistic and cultural diversity. This day-long celebration seamlessly blended culture, conversation, and community through thoughtfully curated experiences. 'What excites me most about this celebration is how we moved beyond just rainbow flags to create real opportunities,' said Parmesh Shahani, Head of the Godrej DEI Lab and author of Queeristan. 'When queer writers feel confident enough to pitch their stories to industry professionals, when small queer businesses get a platform to showcase their work, that's when you know inclusion is working. We are not just talking about diversity; we are actively creating pathways for queer voices to thrive.' 'The launch of Queer Directions represents our belief that great stories deserve great platforms,' said Karthika V.K., Publisher at Westland Books. 'This isn't just about publishing—it's about ensuring that authentic queer narratives find their rightful place in Indian literature and reach readers who need to see themselves reflected in books.' Throughout June, the Group companies will engage in a series of impactful Pride-focused initiatives, moving beyond symbolic gestures to drive meaningful change. Godrej Properties is celebrating Pride Month across its zones with Pride marches, storytelling sessions, inclusive workshops, and creative activities such as art contests and wall painting. Godrej Capital is fostering inclusion through events at Pride@Godrej One, including Nukkad Nataks, allyship panels, LGBTQIA+ hiring drives, and wellness programs. Godrej Consumer Products is leading QueeRising 2025, a global campaign celebrating queer identity through conversations, connections, and inspiring change. Godrej Chemicals is championing Pride Month with awareness campaigns and LGBT+ sensitization workshops, while Godrej Agrovet Limited is organizing employee workshops focused on workplace allyship. This year too, a Pride flag and other queer-affirming signage have sparked meaningful conversations among employees and visitors alike, reflecting the organization's evolving commitment to visibility, dialogue, and genuine inclusion. About the Godrej DEi Lab The Godrej DEI Lab empowers inclusion ecosystems both within and outside the Godrej Industries Group. About Godrej Industries Group Godrej Industries Ltd. is the holding company of the Godrej Industries Group (GIG). We are privileged to serve over 1.1 billion consumers globally through our businesses with market leadership positions in the consumer products, real estate, agriculture, financial services and chemicals industries. About Westland Books Westland Books is an award-winning Indian publisher with a diverse and exciting range of books from popular and literary fiction to business, politics, biography, spirituality, popular science, health and self-help. Its key publishing imprints include Context, Ekadā, Tranquebar, Westland Sport, Westland Business, IndiePress, IF and Red Panda. Photo:
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pride@Godrej 2025: Beyond Symbolism, Empowering LGBTQIA+ Voices and Businesses
MUMBAI, India, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, Pride@Godrej builds on a decade-long project of cultural inclusion within the Godrej Industries Group, to create a meaningful platform for authentic queer storytelling, entrepreneurial spirit and artistic expression. The Group recently hosted a vibrant Pride March at its headquarters, Godrej One, led by Manish Shah, Managing Director of Godrej Capital, and joined by senior leaders across the organization. This march was a powerful demonstration of solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, including Godrej's queer employees in India and globally, alongside their allies. A key highlight of Pride@Godrej 2025 was the launch of Queer Directions—a pioneering publishing imprint in collaboration with Westland Books, dedicated to amplifying queer voices and narratives. The event began with the Pitch Bazaar, where over a dozen unpublished queer writers connected with publishers and media professionals. In parallel, a Queer Bazaar showcased products from queer-owned small businesses, fostering visibility and economic opportunities. The celebration culminated in a delightful performance of Jhumkewali, a play supported by Godrej Properties Limited, which explores themes of lesbian first love and self-discovery set in the 1970s. Performed in multiple Indian languages, the play embodied the event's inclusive ethos, celebrating the intersection of queerness with India's linguistic and cultural diversity. This day-long celebration seamlessly blended culture, conversation, and community through thoughtfully curated experiences. "What excites me most about this celebration is how we moved beyond just rainbow flags to create real opportunities," said Parmesh Shahani, Head of the Godrej DEI Lab and author of Queeristan. "When queer writers feel confident enough to pitch their stories to industry professionals, when small queer businesses get a platform to showcase their work, that's when you know inclusion is working. We are not just talking about diversity; we are actively creating pathways for queer voices to thrive." "The launch of Queer Directions represents our belief that great stories deserve great platforms," said Karthika V.K., Publisher at Westland Books. "This isn't just about publishing—it's about ensuring that authentic queer narratives find their rightful place in Indian literature and reach readers who need to see themselves reflected in books." Throughout June, the Group companies will engage in a series of impactful Pride-focused initiatives, moving beyond symbolic gestures to drive meaningful change. Godrej Properties is celebrating Pride Month across its zones with Pride marches, storytelling sessions, inclusive workshops, and creative activities such as art contests and wall painting. Godrej Capital is fostering inclusion through events at Pride@Godrej One, including Nukkad Nataks, allyship panels, LGBTQIA+ hiring drives, and wellness programs. Godrej Consumer Products is leading QueeRising 2025, a global campaign celebrating queer identity through conversations, connections, and inspiring change. Godrej Chemicals is championing Pride Month with awareness campaigns and LGBT+ sensitization workshops, while Godrej Agrovet Limited is organizing employee workshops focused on workplace allyship. This year too, a Pride flag and other queer-affirming signage have sparked meaningful conversations among employees and visitors alike, reflecting the organization's evolving commitment to visibility, dialogue, and genuine inclusion. About the Godrej DEi Lab The Godrej DEI Lab empowers inclusion ecosystems both within and outside the Godrej Industries Group. About Godrej Industries Group Godrej Industries Ltd. is the holding company of the Godrej Industries Group (GIG). We are privileged to serve over 1.1 billion consumers globally through our businesses with market leadership positions in the consumer products, real estate, agriculture, financial services and chemicals industries. About Westland Books Westland Books is an award-winning Indian publisher with a diverse and exciting range of books from popular and literary fiction to business, politics, biography, spirituality, popular science, health and self-help. Its key publishing imprints include Context, Ekadā, Tranquebar, Westland Sport, Westland Business, IndiePress, IF and Red Panda. Photo: View original content to download multimedia:
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Mumbra train accident: Scratch on coach being probed by 5-member panel
Mumbai: A day after four people died and at least nine were injured when two overcrowded suburban trains passed each other near Mumbra, a scratch mark on one of the train's coaches is among the focus areas of a five-member committee formed by Central Railway (CR) on Tuesday to investigate the incident. Officials said the committee has begun studying various possible reasons that could have led to people falling off the two trains. Of the 13 victims, two—Vicky Mukhyadal, 34, and Manish Shah, 44—were travelling on the CSMT-Karjat fast local towards Kalyan, while the remaining 11 were headed towards Thane on the Kasara-CSMT fast local. As public and political criticism mounted following the mishap, CR on Tuesday appointed a five-member committee, comprising officers from its Mumbai division, to investigate the incident. CR's chief safety officer will monitor the overall investigation process. 'This committee will thoroughly investigate the incident and identify the root causes. They will also provide suggestions and measures to avoid similar incidents in the future,' said a senior CR official, who requested anonymity. Main theory The primary theory being explored is that commuters were standing on the footboards of both crowded trains, and their backpacks brushed against each other as the trains passed each other in opposite directions, officials said. There is a dark black scratch extending a few feet on the exterior of one of the coaches of the Kasara-CSMT fast local, said a CR official. 'It looks like a bag held by someone travelling on the CSMT-Karjat train left a scratch on the coach. One of the injured victims has stated that it seemed as if someone from the opposite train bumped into the coach of the CSMT-bound train and fell down. There are some fragments of an object stuck on the coach as well, which is being investigated,' the official said. The official added that the scratch could also have been caused by a solid metal object brushing against the coach. 'The possibility of this object and/or bag hitting the passengers standing by the footboard is being looked into. It is possible that the bags of passengers on one train brushed against those standing precariously on the edge of the footboard on the other train. However, this is conjecture, and there are multiple factors to consider,' the official said. The multiple factors being considered include the involvement of the notorious fatka gang that targets train passengers, a scuffle in one of the coaches, and a sudden jerk caused due to braking that may have led to passengers standing on the footboard losing their balance and falling off, the official added. On Tuesday, CR officials were seen measuring the distance between the two adjacent tracks at the spot where the accident occurred. CR will also investigate whether the curvature of the tracks at Mumbra led to the incident. However, officials said that it's only a 2.5-degree curve and the commuters who fell were 50 metres away from it. 'The possibility of this curvature being blamed for this incident seems to be unfounded. There are 153 curvatures across the Mumbai division that are over four degrees. In the ghat sections (Kalyan-Karjat/Kasara), there are rail tracks that have curves of seven degrees,' said another railway official. One more injured person Meanwhile, authorities at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa and the Government Railway Police, Thane, said that one more injured person—Jitendra Mhatre, 32—was added to the list on Monday evening, bringing the total number of injured to 10. Mhatre suffered a back injury after falling off the CSMT-bound local. However, CR is yet to update its official figures. Machindra Gotrane, 39, who suffered a head and leg injury, was moved to the JJ Hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday after his condition worsened due to neurological complications. His distraught wife, Kunda Gotrane, collapsed twice at the hospital. 'Everything feels like a blur. I just want to see him standing again,' she said, wiping away tears. Two of the most critically injured—Shiva Gawli and Anil More—were moved to Jupiter Hospital in Thane for intensive care. Gawli's condition has slightly improved, while More remains critical, according to tehsildar Umesh Patil. Both are under close observation by a team of doctors. According to the Kalwa hospital officials, three male injured patients underwent orthopaedic surgeries on Tuesday, following medical assessments indicating bone fractures and internal injuries. The condition of the remaining four patients is reported to be stable, but several require continued medical support and monitoring. CR officials said the victims should approach the Railway Claims Tribunal for compensation.
