1st FICCI DE&I Awards 2023-24 announced; Recognizing organizations driving change in diversity, equity and inclusion
April 02, 2026
NEW DELHI, 02 April 2026: FICCI today announced 1st DE&I Awards for the year 2023-24 to celebrate the efforts and leadership of that are building more equitable, accessible and inclusive environments across industries. These awards were instituted in 2024 by the Chamber to recognize organizations that are driving meaningful changes in diversity, equity and inclusion.
The awards were spread across 5 categories including ‘Diversity & Inclusion Strategy of the Year’; ‘LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Initiative’; ‘Access and Accessibility’; ‘Supplier Diversity Initiative’; ‘Innovative Diversity & Inclusion Practices’. The awards captured industries including public sector enterprises, private sector with a turnover of over Rs 3001 crore and above, between Rs 201 crore to Rs 3001 crore, up to Rs 200 crore and for small and medium enterprises.
The awards followed a three-tier assessment process and the awards jury chaired by Amit Chandra, Chairperson, Bain Capital India Advisors and the jury panel included Dr Asha Bhandarker, Advisor HR, T-Hub Hyderabad, Raj Mariwala, Director, Mariwala Health Initiatives and Vineet Saraiwala, Founder, Atypical Advantage.
Addressing the ‘FICCI DE&I Conclave & Awards’ on the theme- ‘Building Belonging Brick by Brick’, Ira Singhal, Deputy Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Govt of India highlighted the need for the society to recognize the importance of differently abled people and include them in the workforce. She further stated that DE&I is not a charity for anyone, but it is important for us to understand them and recognize them. Every individual has unique capabilities, and the real challenge lies in providing the right opportunities to showcase and utilize them,” she added.
Dr Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI & Chairperson and MD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and Mentor, FICCI DE&I Committee said, “The strength of our industry lies not just in capital and innovation, but in the full range of people we bring to the table — and how well we create conditions for them to contribute. India's workforce is its most extraordinary asset. Diverse beyond measure in thought, background, experience and identity. Our task, as business leaders, is to build organisations worthy of that diversity.”
Keshav Suri, Chairperson, FICCI DE&I Task Force & Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group said that DE&I is the soul of a company and if you (industry) are taking out DE&I, you are taking the soul out of the company. Any company would like to have a diverse, equitable and inclusive DE&I, he added.