Godrej DEI Lab Champions Disability Inclusion at Purple Fest Goa 2025
Goa, October 10, 2025: Godrej DEI Lab, the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiative of the Godrej Industries Group, took centre stage at Purple Fest 2025. In Partnership with Rising Flame and the United Nations in India, the Lab convened the inaugural session “Lead Beyond Limits: Disability and the New World of Work”. The session brought together changemakers, policymakers, and corporate leaders to reimagine inclusion beyond policy and representation.
Through innovative ideas, shared experiences, and a challenge to conventional workplace norms, the Lab reinforced Godrej’s commitment to creating equitable opportunities and a barrier-free world for all, and argued that accessibility has a key role to play in the future of work.
Parmesh Shahani, Head of the Godrej DEI Lab, emphasised the need for businesses to view inclusion not as a corporate responsibility, but as a strategic advantage that fosters innovation and empathy. “We at Godrej, believe inclusion fuels innovation. When we design for difference, we design better for everyone. Our goal is to build workplaces where accessibility is not an add-on, but an instinctual part of our design. True inclusion begins when we stop asking how people can fit into our systems, and start redesigning those systems to fit people,” said Shahani.
The day-long convention brought together voices from across the ecosystem, including policymakers, global experts, and disability rights leaders such as Ms Nidhi Goyal, Founder and Executive Director, Rising Flame, Mr Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, and Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The discussions focused on the future of work, accessible technology, and how public-private collaborations can redefine disability inclusion across India.
Representing Godrej Industries Group alongside Shahani, Pulakita Mayekar, Executive, Research and Media at Godrej DEI Lab, and Preetham Sunkavalli, Deputy General Manager, Brand at Godrej Consumer Products Limited, made a strong case for investing in accessibility as a way to build more successful and resilient businesses. In a blog post, GCPL MD Sudhir Sitapathi shared how his interaction with Preetham offered profound lessons on observation, technology, and independence – insights that truly redefine ability. Drawing from her personal journey, Pulakita Mayekar discussed the importance of designing spaces, systems, and products that account for diverse physical and cognitive needs, making accessibility a central component of innovation.
Through their participation at Purple Fest Goa 2025, Godrej DEI Lab underscored that disability inclusion is not only about doing more; it’s about doing better. By embedding accessibility, empathy, and equity into every aspect of work, the Lab continues to shape a future where all individuals can contribute and thrive.
About the Godrej DEI Lab
The Godrej DEI Lab empowers inclusion ecosystems both within and outside the Godrej Industries Group.
www.godrejdeilab.com
Watch our film on Pwd inclusion Access/Ability here:
https://www.godrejdeilab.com/studio/videos/lab-videos/accessability
About Godrej Industries Group
The Godrej Industries Group (GIG) serves 1.1 billion consumers globally across businesses in diverse industries, including consumer products, real estate, agriculture, financial services and chemicals. Godrej was founded in 1897 to help build economic independence for India. We are committed to growing and strengthening this legacy of innovation for a cause; building for a more sustainable future, while placing our planet and people alongside profit.
GIG houses several rapidly growing businesses that are the leaders in their respective categories. Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) is an emerging markets FMCG leader in Home and Personal Care with a growing presence in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Godrej Properties (GPL) is India’s leading real estate developer by sales and brings the Godrej philosophy of innovation, sustainability, and excellence to the real estate industry. Godrej Agrovet’s (GAVL) portfolio businesses address key challenges faced by Indian agriculture; improving the productivity of Indian farmers through innovative products and services that sustainably increase crop and livestock yields. Godrej Industries (Chemicals), the group’s oldest business, is India’s leading manufacturer of oleochemicals and surfactants. Godrej Fund Management (GFM) is the real estate private equity arm of the group. Godrej Capital (GC), the newest company in the group, is a fast-growing financial services business.
