The Centre for Leadership at Ramaiah Institute of Management conducted a virtual panel session on ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’ on 24th March 2022. The panelists included senior industry experts Mr. Ashok Pamidi – Start-up Evangelist and Advisor, Former CEO NASSCOM Foundation, Chief Consultant-PARITY, Ms. Farangis Choudhury – Head of Diversity and Inclusion,Mindtree and Mr. Umasanker Kandaswamy . Co-founder, Senior Vice President, Sales & Relationships, AVTAR.
The session started with the Ramaiah Anthem followed by opening remarks by the Director (Academics, Research and Administration, RIM) Dr. Manasa Nagabushanam where she highlighted the need for diversity not just in the corporate world but also in academic institutions.
In the first segment, an introduction to diversity, equity, and inclusion was explained with relevant examples by all the three panelists which helped the audience to relate to these concepts more easily. Mr Pamidi expressed happiness that educational institutions such as RIM have commenced the D,E,I sensitization through collaboration with industry and consultants.. He expressed that this was probably one of the ways to bridge gender parity in society as well as in organizations.
The panelists explained how diversity, equality and inclusion has positively impacted the culture at workplace, especially in the current scenario, since millennials and Gen Z are very vocal about diversity and equality. They also shared insights about how unconscious biases could contribute in shaping behaviors. Ms. Farangis also explained how sensitization sessions regarding these unconscious biases can help overcome the roadblock towards diversity. Mr Umasanker highlighted about the importance of words and language used at workplace and the need for being mindful regarding this.
Mr.Pamidi addressed issues such as gender disparity in STEM, impact of work from home, and women returning to work post the lock-down. The ‘second-chance career’ initiative started by AVTAR has ensured that women’s career does not succumb to the 3 M’s – Marriage, Mobility, and maternity.
The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. V. Padmaja, (Associate Professor& Head-Center for Leadership) and Prof Sanjay Chari, Faculty member-Centre for Leadership). Overall, the session was highly engaging and was joined by more than 170 participants from across the country.
