India’s first LGBTI job fair – RISE (Reimagining Inclusion for Social Equity) – creates history

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45 companies participate 300 LGBTI candidates meet with 35 ‘inclusive’ companies

Bengaluru – July 12, 2019: As many as 900 people got together in the city to be part of RISE (Reimagining Inclusion for Social Equity) – India’s first LGBTI job fair creating history while giving direction to what can be a more inclusive industry and society.

In attendance were 3 global leaders including Selisse Berry, Founder Out & Equal, Ali Potia, Partner Mckinsey and Dr J Harrison, ThoughtWorks UK besides pioneers in place inclusion from India Keshav Suri & Parmesh Shahani.

Organised by the two-year-old Pride Circle, co-founded by Srini Ramaswamy & Ramkrishna Sinha, “We have always pushed for inclusion keeping in mind what the LGBTI can offer and what industry requires in terms of talent and what they need to do to include,” said Srini Ramaswamy. Ultimately, “If we can move forward in bridging the loss to GDP as per the World Bank Report which as much as $30.8 billion, we will feel we’ve got somewhere,” points out Ramkrishna Sinha who revealed that there are more such fairs on the cards.

The event was organised by the Pride Circle, a platform that engages with working individuals queer and allies including influencers from top MNCS to Indian corporations, across the country. The event created a bridge between corporations and the LGBT talent pool. The job fair saw a participation of more than 300 Candidates/ Jobseekers across the LGBTI spectrum for various sectors in IT, Banking, Security, Housekeeping and Administration.

Significantly, unlike several job fairs, this job fair covered the blue to white collar space. Pride Circle is hopeful to place at least 1000 LGBTI candidates within the time of a year.

RISE witnessed participation from Corporates, Candidates, NGOS/ CBOS and LGBTI Owned Businesses.

“Affirmative action is directed action to include and that is the need of the hour, to creative true equity. The default is not a level playing field and RISE aims to enable inclusive workplace which empowers people to be their best & do their best. RISE is for LGBTI talent to build the career they deserve at the workplace they belong.” said -Ram, Co-Founder Pride Circle

“Due to lack of enabling legal provisions in India, LGBTIQ people often cover or downplay aspects of their authentic selves (e.g., by hiding personal relationships or changing the way they dress or speak) in order to avoid discrimination.

The RISE job fair provides attendees the opportunity to interact with employers that are very clearly interested in hiring LGBTIQ professionals. Leadership buy-in forms the core of any inclusion strategy, and the same applies to LGBTIQ. Company leaders participating here have demonstrated that they value the individuals for their performance and not due to their gender identity or sexual orientation” said Zainab Patel- National Manager, Health & Human Rights- UNDP India

“Queer representation is the need of the hour. It is great that 377 has been read down, but a lot more needs to be done to embrace, empower and mainstream the community. The Lalit is an equal opportunity work space. We have hired, skilled and worked with more than 100 queer people at The Lalit. At Kitty Su, we created a platform for drag and more than 30 queens have and continue to perform. With events like RISE, it is an affirmative action to promote inclusion and diversity, bringing together corporate India and LGBTQ+ talent pool together under one roof. I urge corporate India to take the lead, putting rainbow flags is not enough, the companies must now show their support by hiring from the community. I wish Pride Circle all the best with their endeavour. Now is the time to recognize the merit of the LGBTQ+ community and welcome them and celebrate the difference. The Lalit and Keshav Suri Foundation are committed to bring forth the voices that have long been marginalized and ensure the community gets equal opportunities.” said Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Founder – Keshav Suri Foundation, It Gets Better India Campaign and Kitty Su.

“Every forward thinking organization needs to create LGBTQI supportive policies and environment to tackle discrimination and set the tone for the larger society. For us at Intuit, diversity and inclusion is not just something we do, it is part of who we are. As part of our efforts to expand our diverse employee population, we partner with a variety of organizations across the world. So, we are truly proud to join hands with RISE for India’s first LGBTI job fair and hope more organizations in India embrace this movement.” said Sanket Atal, Managing Director, Intuit India.

More than 35 global leaders shared Best Practices for LGBTI inclusion from hiring sensitization, career enabling, policies & benefits and everything one needs to know about enabling LGBTI employees to bring their whole self to work and build a magnificent career at the day long event…

40-50 companies set up their booth and had an opportunity to engage with LGBTI talent. A platform offering opportunities to connect inspire and guide LGBTI students and professionals. Besides Booth, there were conversation and interview zones for quick conversation with pre-screened candidates.

As part of supplier diversity & vendor partnership, a physical marketplace was created where 20 LGBTI owned businesses got an opportunity to sell/ showcase their products &services.

RISE will be one of its first of its kind property which aims to travel to 10 cities (over next 18-24 months) within India where Pride Circle has its active presence and works closely with the corporate sector.

About Pride Circle: Pride Circle: http://www.thepridecircle.com passionate & diverse individuals who are committed towards fostering LGBTI inclusion at the workplace was established in 2017 by Co-Founders, Srini Ramaswamy and Ramkrishna Sinha. a bold initiative to build a community of Pride Circle’s membership is Free & Open for all. It started with 4 members in 2017 & is now 600+ members strong (& growing) with representation from 80+ companies (MNC, Indian companies, start-ups, etc.) across India. Having consulted and enabled many organizations to start the Pride journey & assisted them in fostering the culture of inclusion, Pride Circle’s next audacious dream was to influence the ecosystem to affirmatively hire from the LGBTI community. With that in mind, they came up with a ground breaking initiative – RISE (Reimagining Inclusion for Social Equity)

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Bite into delicious Chilean Kiwis to boost your health quotient! Relish nutritious and delectable Chilean Kiwis for a healthy indulgence anytime!

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July 2019 Bangalore…

Looking to boost your health quotient? Craving for a healthy fruit? Its time you try out some delectable and nutritious Kiwifruits from Chile which are now available across India!

Kiwifruit are one of the most nutrient dense fruit available, owing to a great combination of vitamin C, dietary fiber, actinidin, potassium and folate. Just one serving of kiwifruit provides a whopping 117% of the daily value of vitamin C and 21% of dietary fiber. Kiwifruit are also a good source of potassium and vitamin E.

Research show that eating vitamin C-rich fruit such as kiwi may confer a significant protective effect against respiratory symptoms associated with asthma such as wheezing. Additionally, a couple of kiwifruits each day may significantly lower your risk for blood clots and reduce the amount of fats (triglycerides) in your blood, therefore helping to protect cardiovascular health. Loaded with fiber it can reduce high cholesterol levels, which may reduce the risk of heart disease as well as keeping the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients under control. It is also a good source of mineral potassium.

Geographically blessed, Kiwis grown in Chile are truly a healthy fruit from an agricultural paradise. Chile is strategically flanked by an incomparable combination of natural geographic barriers such as the Atacama Desert, Pacific Ocean Andes Mountains and Patagonia which gives itthe rich and fertile soil that gives excellent yields – a wealth of fresh bountiful fruits. Today Chile is one of the world’s leading producers of kiwifruit and the fruit is available from March till November.

Speaking on the promotional campaign for Chilean Kiwis, Mr Sumit Saran, Director, SS Associates, the Indian marketing office of the Chilean Kiwifruit Committee said, “India remains an underserved market for kiwis. Consumers are just getting to know the tremendous health benefits of this fruit and the potential is humongous. Through strategic trade and retail partnerships and promotions we are taking Chilean Kiwifruit to cities across India including Tier II and III cities. Chile has a preferential trade agreement with India making Chilean Kiwifruits much more affordable to consumers across India, Saran added”

So pick up a handful of happiness now…

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Public hearing report on Police Violence on Women and Transgender Sex Workers

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PUCL-Karnataka, Sadhana Mahila Sangha, Alternative Law Forum, Janasahayog and CIEDS

This Report argues that it is the responsibility of the police to enforce constitutional morality and not social morality. The report is released with the hope that it educates and sensitizes the public on matters concerning the constitutional rights of sex workers and the police takes the necessary steps to enforce the same”.

On March 5, 2019, a jury was constituted to understand the nature of issues faced by women and transgender sex workers in Bangalore. The jury, headed by Justice H N Nagmohandas, Retired Judge, Karnataka High Court, also attempted to propose solutions for the police violence faced by women in sex work. The jury suggested long term as well as immediate recommendations to ameliorate the grueling and inhumane conditions faced by women and transgender sex workers.

The jury relied on the testimonies of violence given by sex workers themselves. It also studied the position of sex workers under international law, Indian laws and traced its history and development through ancient and contemporary India. The report, which reflects the findings of the jury, also took into consideration the regulation of sex work through criminal laws. The report emphasised on the distinction between trafficking and sex work – the former being a cruel and atrocious crime and the latter, a matter of personal liberty and choice. It warned against the conflation of both these terms by legislation and law-enforcers alike. It lamented at the lack of awareness amongst police about the nature of sex work and their blatant disrespect about the autonomy of women and transgenders. The jury, through the report, condemned the use of moral-policing bodies, namely ObavvaPade by the police in Bangalore. Along with the same, the misuse of Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act and lodging of false cases by the police was . also strongly denounced by the jury. The observations of the jury were constitutionally backed by the fundamental rights conferred by Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(d) and 21.

The report gives an insight into the injustice suffered by sex workers by police and their loss of autonomy and personal liberty at the hands of law-enforcing agencies and moral-policing bodies. This is mainly due to the fact that the police function on the basis of social morality This Report argues that it is the responsibility of the police to enforce constitutional morality and not social morality. The report is released with the hope that it educates and sensitizes the public on matters concerning the constitutional rights of sex workers.

Recommendations made by Jury

Immediate Recommendation for Police Reforms in Karnataka

1. The police should forthwith disband vigilante force such as the Obayva Pade and ensure that all police action is henceforth undertaken within the framework of the Constitution

2. The police at all levels should strictly follow the interpretation of the import and ambit of penal provisions in the ITPA as laid down in the Circular of the DGP, Karnataka in 2004.

3. The police administration should appoint a Standing Committee comprising Station House Officers and human rights and social activists to promptly investigate reports ol gross abuses by the police against sex workers in public areas and police stations, and the guilty policeman immediately punished.

4. The police administration should adopt transparency in their dealings with sex workers and make available all information relating to procedures and penalties uscd in detaining sex workers

5. Protection and safety should be ensured for sex workers to prevent rape in police custody and in jail.

6. Transgenders should not be sent into male cells with other men in order to prevent harassment, abuse and rape.

7. The police at all levels should undergo sensitization workshops for police by human rights groups/trans rights groups in order to break down their social prejudices and to train them to treat sex workers within the frame of constitutional morality and not social morality.

8. Practice of detaining sex workers for hours, without any charge or reason and, Collection of ‘FINES’ from sex workers where neither receipts are given nor records made, should be stopped forthwith.

9. Cases of Intimidation or harassment of women or transgenders in street based sex work by police personnel using threats or abusive language or chasing in the streets or any other
physical violations, should be treated as punishable under Section 354 of the IPC and action should be taken against the concerned police personnel.

10. State Legal Aid Authority should conduct workshops for police personnel in all stations on the law and on the proper use that does not criminalize sex work.

Long Term Legal Measures

1. The Immoral Trafficking in Persons Act, 1956 should be repealed. Sex work should be decriminalized, and legal and other kinds of discrimination against sex workers should be brought to an end

2. Section 375 of the IPC, which defines the offence of rape’, should be amended and a comprehensive sexual assault law should be enacted to protect all persons such that transgender persons are also protected from sexual assault.

3. In accordance with the NALSA 57 judgment, every person must have the right to decide their gender expression and identity, including transsexuals, transgenders, transvestites and hijras. They should also have the right to freely express their gender identity. This includes the demand for hijras to be considered female as well as a third sex.

4. In accordance with the NALSA 58 judgments civil rights under law such as the right to get a passport, ration card, make a will, inherit property and adopt children must be available to all regardless of change in gender/sex identities.

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Ratnadeep opens its first store in Karnataka, Bengaluru

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Ratnadeep aims to open 6 more outlets in the city, in the next 2 months
By 2020, the brand expects to reach a 1000 Cr turnover
Ratnadeep targets to have 100 stores nation-wide by Year 2020

Bengaluru, 11th July 2019: Ratnadeep today opened their 1st store in Bengaluru, at Indira Nagar. The store was inaugurated by Mr. Sandeep Agrawal, MD and the film actor Kajal Aggarwal.

The Hyderabad-based brand is unique and special in the supermarket store format as they have better advantage in terms of product navigation and customer friendly visual representation of the products on display. They currently have 54 operational stores and many more in the pipeline.
The store offers superlative customer convenience and a pleasant shopping experience to Bangaloreans. The imported fruits, vegetables and products stocked in the regular segment come with the assurance of best quality and price The imported assortment, Stock Keeping Units and quality merchandise are an added advantage with easy availability and proven authenticity of different brands compared with what is available in the general market and other stores said Sandeep Agarwal Managing Director, Ratnadeep Supermarket.

By the end of 2020, they aim to establish an addition of 10 12 stores in Bengaluru along with 25 stores in the twin cities. Talking about the growth of Ratnadeep, Sandeep Agrawal said, In 3 years only, Ratnadeep has opened 30 stores and aims to have a total of 100 stores nation-wide by 2020. The company will be employing over 4000 people out of which 60% of their employees will be women. Ratnadeep is expecting to reach a 1000cr turnover with a CAGR of 30% by the end of 2020.

About Ratnadeep:
Established in 1987, Hyderabad-based Ratnadeep Super Market has been in the food & grocery retail business for about 30 years. The store has been able to carve a formidable reputation as a shopping destination that customers identify with a rich and varied assortment of quality national and international products offered in a pleasant ambience and with customer friendly, reliable service. Ratnadeep was awarded the Pride of Telangana and the Most Admired Excellence Regional Chain Food & Grocery Retailer in India for the Year 2018 by Coca Cola Golden Spoon.

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BE LIMITLESS Forevermark India hosted the eighth edition of the Forevermark Forum in Bengaluru

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Bengaluru. July 11, 2019: Over the past eight years, Forevermark, the diamond brand from the De Beers Group, has spearheaded an all-encompassing platform, the Forevermark Forum, for all their authorised jewellers, diamantaires and manufacturers from around the world. The goal of the Forum is to bring its partners together to interact, network and exchange insights on Forevermark’s growth and vision for the industry, within a global framework.

This year’s Forum, held from 9th to 11th July, 2019, celebrated a new theme: ‘Be Limitless’. Key discussions revolved around diversity in thought, culture, design and innovation. Forevermark, known for the most beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced diamonds, took spectators through an insightful journey of exclusive showcases, comprehensive consumer and retail awareness campaigns, technology breakthroughs for the industry along with expert talks by new visionaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Stephen Lussier, Chairman, Forevermark, said, “As technology, artistry and innovation change rapidly, our perennial goal at Forevermark has been to develop the present, and adapt to the future. Given our De Beers heritage and legacy, this year we embrace the unconventional path, and explore different avenues to being limitless, at the Forum. Our partners will witness unique retail innovations that will enable and empower them to work with the leaders of the industry.”

Sachin Jain, President, Forevermark India, added, “Over the years, the Forevermark Forum has pushed the limits and become a key event for us to strengthen our partnerships and expand our horizons. Inspiring individuals from multiple backgrounds to nurture fresh perspectives, the Forum has remained a key event for leading the diamond industry to new heights. It gives us the opportunity to work closely with our partners and grow our business multi-fold. When we work together, the future is limitless.”

Using interactive displays and retail innovations, Forevermark displayed all its programs for consumers and retailers.

The key highlights showcased at the Forum were:

Diamond Acquisition Study:
Forevermark conducted an extensive nationwide research on the purchasing and consumption habits of people in purchasing diamond jewellery. Over 16,000 people across tier 1, 2, 3 and 4 cities/towns were interviewed about their purchases, revealing data about demand patterns, emerging markets, and milestone occasions for purchase, seasonality and general outlook. This comprehensive study was shared at the forum.
Credential Campaign 2.0:

The first Forevermark Credential campaign showcased to consumers, the benefit of buying a Forevermark diamond. The campaign was a roaring success as it addressed all the concerns of a potential buyer and creating brand awareness by highlighting the differentiating factors of Forevermark. This not only increased trust and loyalty for the brand in the minds of our audience, but also reinforced consumer confidence. With the overwhelming, emotional response the campaign garnered, Forevermark is set to roll-out credentials 2.0- Forevermark’s largest campaign yet.

Trends 2019
Forevermark displayed over 2000 designs with four key moods: enigma, on the wave, culture fusion and one of a kind. The prime goal of the Trends collection is to stay abreast of future design styles. Enigma, tells a compelling story about craftsmanship with complex symmetries and labyrinthine constructions. On the Wave embodies all that is remarkable about our planet’s aquatic habits and encapsulates the De Beers Group’s ongoing commitment towards conservation of nature. Culture Fusion pays tribute to the present and the future, with modern yet timeless jewellery that celebrates the adventurous human spirit. One of a kind reframes the traditional definition of femininity with striking forms and directional silhouettes representing the strength of a modern woman.
A nuanced understanding of trends supports the creation of investment pieces that are a mix of classic elegance with contemporary appeal.

Consumer Collections

The Forevermark Bridal Collection: This collection honours all the moments that make a relationship unique. With a selection of classic, timeless rings that enhance the brilliance and beauty of a Forevermark diamond, the collection is available in a range of diamond shapes, each individually selected for their beauty.

Half Carat: The Forevermark Half Carat programme targets the urban woman, set out to achieve her dreams and ambitions. Consumer research proved that half carat isn’t just ideal for everyday and regular use, but remains versatile in terms of affordability, design and emotional value.

Tribute: The Forevermark Tribute™ Collection is an assortment of 22 rings featuring multiple Forevermark diamonds in different shapes, set in either white, yellow or rose gold. A statement of individuality, the multi-diamond designs reflect the wearer’s own distinctive qualities, whilst each one of the Forevermark inscribed diamonds included in every piece is unique.

Traditional Setting: Inspired by South India’s rich heritage, the Forevermark Traditional Setting collection features close setting diamond jewellery in yellow and rose gold. This line of diamond jewellery is traditional, yet modern, appealing to young, contemporary women.

Retail Programmes

The Black Label: An exquisite collection of diamonds cut with supreme symmetry and unprecedented accuracy to reflect dazzling light. Available in five shapes, the precision in cutting the gemstone and maintaining this flawless symmetry makes Forevermark Black Label diamonds sparkle like no other.

100 Carat Collection: This basket of 100 rare, one-carat plus Forevermark diamonds is an enduring testament to flawless craftsmanship and beauty that goes beyond the 4cs. This spectacular showcase is on display for three entire weeks at selected Forevermark authorised jewellers.
Exceptionals: A selection of the most exquisite diamonds in the world above 3 carats, this collection comprises of the few diamonds that carry the Forevermark promise. These diamonds are all about Nature’s precious story that took billions of years in the making.

Red Carpet: Everyone wants to see Hollywood icons at their dazzling best at big-ticket events such as the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and the BAFTAs. Each year, Forevermark strives to showcase some of India’s finest craftsmanship and talent on an international platform, as celebrities adorn pieces from the collections. The exquisite 2019 collection was displayed at the Forum.

Circle of Trust: A radiant collection of diamond bangles – symbolising love and timelessness. Each diamond set in the bangle of this collection carries the Forevermark promise, with a unique inscription number and identification card bearing the assurance of it being rare and responsibly sourced.

Designer Campaigns

Artemis II: Women, like nature, have always withstood the test of time with grace, beauty and elegance. Like a true commitment, they prevail with every challenge, with unmatched calibre of strength, courage and determination. This unique character of the female species inspired the evolution of Artemis by Bibhu Mohapatra into its next incarnation. Each piece represents a beautiful quality, a characteristic, a trait — encapsulating the true essence of a woman.
The Zanyah™ collection: Forevermark collaborated with India’s most famous couturier, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, for an exclusive collection inspired by the romantic Twenties and the Italian renaissance. True to its name, Zanyah™ meaning unique, is a collection of delicate, enamelled long-drop earrings and vintage-style rings for both men and women, with hand-selected Forevermark diamonds.

Other elements present at the Forum included:

The Diamond Prism: Crafted with glass and steel, this exquisite art installation highlights the beauty of a Forevermark diamond. When a single laser light is passed through the brilliantly cut diamond, it refracts in a multitude of colors.
Social Café: As Forevermark integrated the social world into retail, with the ‘Social Café – an interactive kiosk demonstrated the physicality of a hashtag.
Gamification in Retail: Gaming is a huge trend among millennials to keep them involved and engaged in the product. Over the years, brands have consciously introduced gamification within their retail experience. Forevermark brought three interactive games to the Forum, to demonstrate the unique integration between jewellery and gaming.
Mind Reader: The science of retail has advanced significantly to involve multiple senses. Today, with special headgear, customers’ brain waves can be mapped to understand their preferences while shopping. Forevermark displayed this revolutionary innovation for the diamond industry.
Tribute Kiosk: The consumer’s needs for versatility and involvement (designing their own look) led to the creation of this kiosk that allows a consumer to create a virtual ring stack – and even place an order for it.

The 2019 Forevermark Forum was attended by key industry influencers, retail chain owners and independent jewellers from the industry.

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