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Bombay Chamber DEI Awards 2025 winners announced; DEI Forum drives
dialogue on inclusive growth in Corporate India

The Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry successfully hosted the third edition of its flagship DEI Forum & Awards 2025 on June 18, 2025, in Mumbai, reinforcing its continued commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within corporate India. The winners of the awards were announced at a glittering ceremony at the Taj Santacruz Mumbai. The awards ceremony, which recognised outstanding contributions to DEI across six categories, was underpinned by a transparent and unbiased evaluation process.The event brought together prominent industry leaders, DEI champions, and stakeholders for an engaging and reflective evening focused on inclusive growth and transformative practices.

In her Welcome Address, Pinky Mehta, President, Bombay Chamber and CFO, Aditya Birla Capital said, “As we stand in 2025, India finds itself at a pivotal juncture, where the ideals of inclusivity are not just aspirational but are actively shaping our institutions, workplaces, and communities. It is time now to operationalise DEI beyond policy and poster walls — embedding it into every function, decision and layer of leadership.”

One of the evening’s most engaging moments was a Fireside Chat on the theme “Inclusive Leadership: What Does It Really Look Like?” The panel featured four powerhouse leaders Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO of Salesforce South Asia; Dr. Indu Shahani, Founding President and Chancellor of ATLAS SkillTech University; and Mansi Madan Tripathy, Chairperson of the Shell Group of Companies in India and Senior Vice President of Shell Lubricants, APAC and moderator Meenakshi Priyam, Chair, D&I Committee, Bombay Chamber and Sr VP & HR Head – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra.

Welcoming delegates to the Bombay Chamber DEI Forum which was held prior to the Awards, Sandeep Khosla, Director General, Bombay Chamber focused on the Chamber’s rich 189 year history and how it is helping build bridges across industry.
Setting the theme for the Forum, Nikhil Kolur, Partner, Human Capital, Deloitte, said, “Inclusion isn’t policy, it’s muscle memory. Built in small moments, until it becomes who we are.” He spoke about how DEI spends in India’s corporate world have increased by 70%, but that is just 18% of the workspace.

A key segment of the Forum, titled “The Exchange – Part 1,” featured former DEI Award winners – Shell India, Tata Communications and NICHEM Solutions, who shared candid insights into their DEI journeys, outlining both achievements and ongoing challenges in creating inclusive workplaces. The presentations were followed by a participatory group activity where attendees discussed the core enablers of DEI success and the barriers that continue to persist.

The Forum also celebrated the participants of the Chamber’s Mentoring for Enrichment Program 2025, with certificates awarded to both mentors and mentees in recognition of their dedication to fostering inclusive leadership development.
Later in the evening, attendees experienced “Portraits of Progress”, an immersive DEI Gallery Walk that offered reflective installations, storytelling exhibits, and interactive displays designed to prompt dialogue on the evolving nature of work through a DEI lens.

In the session titled “The Exchange – Part 2,” participants came together once more to share their insights from the Gallery Walk and earlier discussions, culminating in the identification of one actionable idea to take back to their own organisations. This session also encouraged peer commitments for continued collaboration and knowledge exchange, ensuring that the day’s conversations would translate into tangible action.

Closing the Forum, Meenakshi Priyam, Chair of the Chamber’s D&I Committee and Head of HR – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra, offered a powerful reflection: “One of our goals with the DEI Committee was to celebrate progress while also tapping into the collective energy of those driving change. We aimed to create a space where people passionate about DEI could connect and collaborate. Today, we need to reframe the conversation — this isn’t about the cost of DEI, but about the value of inclusive opportunity. While attention to DEI is waning in many parts of the world, Indian corporations are stepping up. Still, challenges remain — especially for MSMEs, who struggle with the resources to implement initiatives like extended maternity leave. We’re trying to build a community of committed individuals who will keep the conversation alive and move the needle in the right direction, because inclusive leadership is not a choice, it’s a necessity.”

The winners of the Bombay Chamber DEI Awards 2025 across the categories were:

Disability Confidence & Inclusion Award
Winner: Capgemini Technology Services India Limited
1st Runner up: Godrej Capital
2nd Runner up: Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited

LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Award
Winner: Godrej Properties Limited
1st Runner up: Deutsche Bank Group
1st Runner up: Axis Bank
Special Mention: Asian Paints Limited

Gender Equality Champion Award
Winner: Novo Nordisk India Pvt. Ltd.
1st Runner up: Godrej Properties Limited
2nd Runner up: Nestlé India Limited
Special Mention: GIA India Laboratory Pvt Ltd.

Impactful DEI Program Award
Winner: InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo)
1st Runner up: HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited
2nd Runner up: Capgemini Technology Services India Limited

Special Award for MSME
Winner: HAB Pharmaceutical & Research Ltd.
1st Runner up: Harkesh Rubber LLP

DEI Champion Award
Winner: Godrej Properties Limited
1st Runner up: Capgemini Technology Services India Limited
2nd Runner up: HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited
2nd Runner up: Indian Hotels Company Limited

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal Advances India–Sweden Collaboration Through Comprehensive Government and Industry Dialogues

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal held a series of substantive engagements with senior members of the Swedish government and industry leaders on day one of his two-day official visit to Stockholm. The visit aimed at further deepening the bilateral economic relationship, enhancing trade and investment flows, and exploring new avenues of cooperation in emerging sectors.

In his official interactions, Shri Goyal met with H.E. Mr. Benjamin Dousa, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, and H.E. Mr. Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary for Foreign Trade. Discussions focused on expanding the scope of India–Sweden trade and investment partnership, facilitating sustainable industrial collaboration, and identifying key areas for technology and innovation-driven growth.

The 21st session of the India–Sweden Joint Commission for Economic, Industrial and Scientific Cooperation was held during the visit. The session was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary for Foreign Trade, Joint Secretary from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Sanjiv and Joint Secretary from the Department of Commerce, Shri Saket Kumar,. The agenda included strategic cooperation in innovation and research and a roundtable discussion on strengthening the India–Sweden economic partnership. The meeting witnessed participation from key Swedish institutions including LeadIT, Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency, the Swedish National Space Agency, the National Board of Trade, the Swedish Export Credit Agency, Business Sweden, and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in India. Both sides underscored their shared commitment to advancing joint projects in green transition, advanced technologies, and resilient supply chains.

Shri Goyal also addressed the India–Sweden Business Leaders’ Roundtable, where he interacted with key members of Swedish industry. He invited companies to enhance their footprint in India by taking advantage of the country’s enabling regulatory environment, growing consumer base, skilled talent pool, and well-developed industrial infrastructure. The Roundtable served as a platform for strengthening private-sector collaboration in clean energy, smart manufacturing, mobility, life sciences, and digital technologies.

The Minister participated in the India–Sweden High-Level Trade and Investment Policy Forum at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. The Forum brought together business leaders and policy-makers from both sides to discuss the evolving trade architecture and opportunities under the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement. Presentations were made by CII and the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. CEOs from leading companies shared their views on enhancing value-chain partnerships, technology transfers, and investment facilitation.

A number of one-on-one meetings were held with Swedish companies from sectors such as automation, renewable energy, sustainable food systems, maritime technology, and advanced materials. Several companies conveyed strong confidence in the Indian economy and expressed intent to scale their presence through new investments, capacity expansion, and deeper localisation. Areas of support discussed included facilitation in land access, skilling partnerships, and fast-track clearances.

The Embassy of India and the Sweden–India Business Council co-hosted a Roundtable Reception in the evening with business stakeholders, thought leaders, and government representatives. Shri Goyal reiterated India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing and innovation hub and called for sustained partnership with Sweden in critical sectors such as green technologies, innovation-led growth, and digital public infrastructure.
The engagements in Stockholm reflect the continued momentum in the India–Sweden strategic partnership and reaffirm the shared ambition to collaborate on high-impact, future-oriented initiatives.

Ref.: MCM/ADM/11                                                                                 06 June 2025

The Director General

Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Mackinnon Mackenzie Building

3rd floor, 4, Shoorji Vallabhdas Road

Ballard Estate, Mumbai – 400 001

Dear Sir/Madam,

Invitation for Bids
Please see enclosed notices for invitation for bids from organizations in Mauritius.

Prospective bidders may be requested to regularly visit the website to take cognizance of any addendum and/or clarification(s) issued.

The Consulate would highly appreciate if you could kindly circulate the Notices among the members of your Organization.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Yours sincerely,

D. K. Bucktowar
Consul and Head of Mission
Consulate of the Republic of Mauritius
1107, Regent Chambers

11th Floor, Jamnalal Bajaj Marg

208, Nariman Point

Mumbai – 400 021

Tel. : 022 22825421 /22

Fax No. 022 22845468

Maharashtra to transform farming with Rs 300 crore ‘Clean Plant’ projects guaranteeing disease-free crops

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaking at India’s first International Agri Hackathon in Pune. Image Courtesy: Press Information Bureau – pib.gov.in.

Mumbai: Maharashtra is set to witness a significant advancement in its horticulture sector with the launch of the Central Government’s ‘Clean Plant’ programme, an initiative designed to ensure disease-free cultivation and enhance agricultural productivity.

“In all 9 ‘Clean Plant’ projects will be started across the country, out of which three projects will be set up in Maharashtra,” said Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s agricultural foundations and ensuring its global competitiveness.

Announced during the concluding session of India’s first International Agri Hackathon in Pune, the programme aims to transform the availability and quality of plants for farmers through advanced technology and strategic global partnerships.

With a total investment of Rs 300 crore, the three specialised ‘Clean Plant’ projects to be established in Maharashtra will come up in Pune for grapes, Nagpur for oranges, and Solapur for pomegranates. These centres will provide disease-free plants to farmers, addressing one of the most pressing concerns in horticulture.

Complementing these efforts, modern nurseries will also be established, offering technology-driven support to agricultural stakeholders. Large nurseries will receive Rs 3 crore in funding, while medium-sized ones will be allocated Rs 1.5 crore, with a target of supplying eight crore disease-free seedlings annually.

Shri Chouhan emphasised Maharashtra’s pivotal role in shaping India’s horticultural landscape, lauding its record production of grapes, pomegranates, oranges, chickpeas, and various vegetables. He expressed confidence that the state’s horticulture industry will soon compete on an international scale. He also highlighted that global expertise, including collaboration with Israel and the Netherlands, would be leveraged to implement the programme effectively.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, underscored the need to integrate modern technology into agriculture, citing climate change-induced challenges. He stressed that initiatives such as the Pune Agri Hackathon will be instrumental in incubating viable solutions that can be directly transferred to farmers, ultimately boosting productivity.

The Union Minister further reiterated that a developed India hinges on prosperous farmers and a robust agricultural framework. He announced a concerted effort to bridge the gap between scientific research and its application, through the ‘Lab to Land’ programme. As part of this initiative, sixteen thousand scientists will collaborate directly with farmers to enhance yield, reduce costs, and optimise market linkages.

The event also recognised and awarded outstanding contributions from startups, agri-innovators, and enterprising farmers across several categories, including Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Soil and Irrigation Management, and Post-Harvest Technologies. As Maharashtra embarks on this transformative journey, the Clean Plant programme stands as a testament to the Government’s dedication to agricultural excellence and food security.

(Write to us at editorial@bombaychamber.com)

Invitations for Bids – Sri Lankan Catering Ltd.

Ref. No. SLC/PRO/SER/2025/005

I wish to inform you that, Sri Lankan Catering Ltd. has invited bids for the following;

Please find attached herewith a copy of the bid document of the above.

It would be appreciated, if you could kindly make necessary arrangements to disseminate the same among your membership.

Thank you.

With warm regards,

Shirani Ariyarathne

Actg. Consul General

Minister (Commercial)

Consulate General of Sri Lanka

34, Homi Mody Street, Fort

Mumbai 400001

Tel: (+ 91 22 )22045861/22048303

Fax: (+ 91 22) 22876132

E -mail: slcg.mumbai@mfa.gov.lk

Procurement Notice–State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka

Procurement Notice–State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka

I wish to inform you the Chairman, Ministry Procurement Committee of the Ministry of Health & Mass Media Indigenous Medicine has invited sealed bids for supply of following items to the Department of Health Services.

Please find attached herewith a copy of the procurement notices of the above.

It would be appreciated, if you could kindly make necessary arrangements to disseminate the same among your membership.

Thank you.

With warm regards,

Shirani Ariyarathne

Actg. Consul General

Minister (Commercial)

Consulate General of Sri Lanka

34, Homi Mody Street, Fort

Mumbai 400001

Tel: (+ 91 22 )22045861/22048303

Fax: (+ 91 22) 22876132

E -mail: slcg.mumbai@mfa.gov.lk

Procurement Notice–State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka

Procurement Notice–State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka

I wish to inform you the Chairman, Department Procurement Committee of the State Pharmaceutical Corporation of Sri Lanka has invited sealed bids for supply of following items to the Ministry of Health.

invited bids for the following;

Please find attached herewith a copy of the procurement notices of the above.

It would be appreciated, if you could kindly make necessary arrangements to disseminate the same among your membership.

Thank you.

With warm regards,

Shirani Ariyarathne

Actg. Consul General

Minister (Commercial)

Consulate General of Sri Lanka

34, Homi Mody Street, Fort

Mumbai 400001

Tel: (+ 91 22 )22045861/22048303

Fax: (+ 91 22) 22876132

E -mail: slcg.mumbai@mfa.gov.lk

Invitations for Bids – Sri Lankan Catering Ltd. Ref. No. SLC/MIPC/GOODS/2025/026 & SLC/MIPC/GOODS/2025/024

Invitations for Bids – Sri Lankan Catering Ltd.

Ref. No. SLC/MIPC/GOODS/2025/026 & SLC/MIPC/GOODS/2025/024

I wish to inform you that, Sri Lankan Catering Ltd. has invited bids for the following;

Please find attached herewith a copy of the procurement notices of the above.

It would be appreciated, if you could kindly make necessary arrangements to disseminate the same among your membership.

Thank you.

With warm regards,

Shirani Ariyarathne

Actg. Consul General

Minister (Commercial)

Consulate General of Sri Lanka

34, Homi Mody Street, Fort

Mumbai 400001

Tel: (+ 91 22 )22045861/22048303

Fax: (+ 91 22) 22876132

E -mail: slcg.mumbai@mfa.gov.lk