NHRDN Pune Chapter, in collaboration with Fergusson College, is proud to announce its 2nd National Flagship Conference, “Samaaveshan – 2023,” focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belongingness (DEIB). NHRDN, India’s largest network of HR professionals, established in 1986 with 18,000 members and 35 chapters in India, Singapore, and Dubai, aims to promote DEIB in the workplace and society. The Pune Chapter, established in 1989, has earned recognition through four Best Chapter Awards for its contributions to the community.
Samaaveshan, derived from Sanskrit, means “inclusion.” This event underscores the importance of DEIB, with a unique emphasis on LGBTQ cohorts and differently-abled experts participating in various activities, presentations, and discussions throughout the conference.
This groundbreaking event, scheduled for October 5, 2023, in collaboration with IMDR, will feature a hackathon where corporates will share real-life challenges related to DEIB. Teams, comprising a mix of corporate and student participants, will engage in a guided “design thinking” process to develop solutions. The top three solutions will be presented at the “Samaaveshan – 2023” conference on October 7, and winners will be honored. The solutions from all participating teams will be documented as case studies for sharing with academia and corporates.
NHRDN Pune Chapter’s ongoing hiring drive for People with Disabilities (PWD), initiated in February 2023, will be a focal point of discussion throughout the year at the national level. Other discussions will revolve around topics such as Fostering a Bias-Free Environment, Diversity Dialogues, and a result-driven plan termed “Ally to Action.”
NHRDN’s commitment to DEIB extends beyond workshops. The organization has introduced an outcome-oriented segment led by visually challenged speaker Mr. Rajesh Mehta, focused on creating tangible impact.
An experiential simulation, “Walk My Shoes,” led by Mr. Arun Wakhlu, a renowned coach and author, will immerse the audience in the experiences of differently-abled individuals, fostering empathy and understanding.
Ms. Sweta Mantri, a physically challenged comedian and professional content writer, will present a unique stand-up comedy act that uses humor to sensitize people about disabilities, creating connections and empathy.
The conference will commence with a special Flute Vadan performance by Saathi Volunteers, who are differently-abled and visually challenged, showcasing their talents in music and art.
The catering services for the event, including breakfast, lunch, tea, and snacks, will be provided by the Terrasinne Kitchen & Bar team, consisting of seven individuals with different disabilities, showcasing their culinary skills and efficiency.
The distinguished lineup of speakers and panelists includes notable figures from various fields, such as Sridhar Rangayan, Akansha Kumari, Usha Singh, Ketan Kapoor B, Prem Singh, Annice Joseph, Zainab Patel, R. Balaji, and Dr. NS Rajan. These individuals bring diverse perspectives and experiences to enrich the discussion on DEIB.
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