Leading industry figures discuss inclusion, corporate responsibility and why the path forward for LGBTQ+ rights in India needs collaboration

In an unprecedented initiative, industry leaders have united to advance the role corporations can play in supporting LGBTQ+ rights in India. Godrej Industries Group; Radhika Piramal, Executive Director, VIP Industries and Trustee, Dasra UK in her capacity and Keshav Suri Foundation have started the Pride Fund, a dedicated initiative for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) rights.

Corporations And Social Responsibility
Parmesh Shahani, Head of Godrej Dei Lab, a long-time advocate for diversity and inclusion, highlighted Godrej’s efforts in corporate LGBTQ+ policies. “We were among the first in the country to introduce same-sex partnership benefits and gender affirmation surgery as part of our policies. This is not just a moral obligation but a business necessity. Employees thrive when they feel safe, and companies benefit from diversity,” he said.

Radhika Piramal, an openly gay business leader, addressed the lack of legal recognition for same-sex partnerships in India. “I am married to my wife in the UK, but she is not recognised as my spouse here in India,” she said, adding, “This is not just a personal disappointment—it reflects a broader legal and social gap that businesses can help bridge.”

Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and Founder, Keshav Suri Foundation said “It’s time for businesses to stop being passive allies and start being active accomplices in the fight for equality. At The Lalit, we’ve actively hired and trained LGBTQ+ individuals across all levels, from top management to frontline staff, proving that inclusivity is not just an ideology but a successful business strategy,” he said.

Legal Setbacks And Corporate Influence
Saurabh Kirpal, a Supreme Court advocate, examined the intersection of business, law and social equity, urging Indian companies to take a more proactive stance in fostering inclusivity. Providing a legal perspective on the marriage equality verdict. “The Supreme Court acknowledged discrimination but stopped short of offering a remedy, telling us to look elsewhere. The reality is that corporations have an opportunity to step up where legal frameworks fail,” he explained.

Kirpal also emphasised the need for companies to integrate LGBTQ+ rights into their broader diversity policies. “Change happens when businesses take a stand—not just through words but through meaningful actions such as hiring, policy changes, and sustained advocacy,” he noted.

Suri echoed this sentiment, highlighting the confluence of economic growth and inclusivity. “A more inclusive India is a stronger India. Companies that embrace diversity will thrive in an evolving global economy,” he stated.

The Pride Fund: A New Initiative For Change
One key step in the direction of change was the launch of the Pride Fund, a philanthropic initiative aimed at supporting grassroots LGBTQ+ organisations. The fund, led by Piramal, Godrej Industries Group and Keshav Suri Foundation, seeks to bridge the funding gap for queer-led organisations that often operate with limited resources.

“Many of these NGOs have budgets under Rs 20 lakh a year. A little financial support can go a long way in ensuring long-term impact,” Sahani noted.

Piramal elaborated on the initiative’s goals. She said, “Corporates in India spend billions on weddings and lavish events. Yet, queer individuals cannot even have their marriages legally recognised. This fund aims to redirect corporate philanthropy to those who need it most.”

Suri stressed the significance of sustained financial backing. “This is not a one-time donation drive. We are building a long-term, structured funding mechanism to empower grassroots organisations. It’s about creating a sustainable model where businesses contribute financially and through mentorship and organisational support,” he explained.

A Call To Action For Businesses
The leaders collectively urged Indian businesses to move beyond performative allyship and invest in tangible change. “It’s not just about pride month celebrations. We need sustained, structural shifts within organisations,” Sahani stated.

Kirpal reinforced this by pointing out international trends. He said, “As we see a rollback of LGBTQ+ rights globally, Indian corporations have the chance to set an example.”

Suri further challenged corporate leaders. He said, “The LGBTQ+ community is not asking for charity; we are demanding equal opportunity. Businesses that understand this will be on the right side of history.”

“We need companies to not only support diversity but actively fund and advocate for policies that uplift marginalised communities,” Piramal concluded.

As India’s business landscape evolves, corporate commitment to social justice could play a defining role in shaping a more inclusive society. With initiatives like the Pride Fund and increasing advocacy from business leaders, the hope is that change will not just be a legal battle but a collective movement led by the corporate sector as well.