Deloitte’s diversity month ends with Diwali celebrations

Deloitte’s diversity month ends with Diwali celebrations

England international cricketer, Ravi Bopara, led Diwali festivities at Deloitte, as the firm’s month long diversity celebrations came to a close.  Ravi was joined for the evening by Deloitte employees, clients and business leaders.  Diwali is most widely known as the Hindu ‘festival of lights’ and is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil.  It is also celebrated by other religions including; Sikhism and Jainism.

The evening featured Deloitte’s Chairman David Cruickshank, Hindu Network leader, Rohit Sagar and kicked off with a panel debate chaired by the Hindu network sponsoring partner, Deepak Haria with Ravi Bopara and several influential Hindu business leaders*.   They discussed how diversity can be beneficial in the workplace, and how their approach to diversity has supported their successful careers.  

Rohit Sagar, Lead for the Deloitte Hindu Network, said:  “Diversity is about strength in variety, so it was very encouraging to see such a broad range of employees attend the Diwali celebrations. Deloitte is a people firm and our collaborative way of working, coupled with our diverse talent and passion to better serve our clients, makes it a truly distinct and a great place to work.”

Atul Pathak, Managing Director of Appt Corporation Ltd, said:  “Like Deloitte, diversity and inclusion are central to the operation of my business.  It is the collective diversity of my 1,500 employees that enables me to provide the best level of customer care at my restaurants, which are also located in some of the most diverse areas in the capital.  I commend Deloitte’s Hindu Network for hosting an event to share positive experiences of culture and diversity in business and to celebrate Diwali.”

After the panel debate, guests were encouraged to celebrate Diwali into the evening with traditional Indian dancing and then the Mela, which included Indian massages, food and drink.  An auction raised over £2,000 for Deloitte’s charity partners with cricket equipment signed by Ravi Bopara attracting some of the highest bids.