Chennai, 1st July 2025 — At the heart of industrial progress in Tamil Nadu, a different kind of movement is taking shape—one that transcends production numbers and efficiency charts. It’s a movement rooted in dignity, equity, and courage. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. (GCPL), a prominent name in India’s FMCG landscape, has taken a bold and meaningful step by transforming its factory floor into a platform for inclusion. On a bright morning at its newly inaugurated Greenfield manufacturing facility in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, the factory gates opened not just for work, but for pride.
In a resounding declaration of solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, GCPL hosted its first Pride March inside the premises of the state-of-the-art factory. More than 100 employees, senior leaders, allies, and special guests gathered not only to march together, but to celebrate the spirit of inclusion embedded in the company’s DNA. With music, placards, rainbow flags, and powerful speeches, the event became a landmark occasion—where allyship wasn’t just spoken about, but visibly and proudly demonstrated.
Tamil Nadu: A Beacon for LGBTQIA+ Rights
The choice of Tamil Nadu as the location for this event is symbolic and significant. The state has emerged as a progressive leader in advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights, often setting an example for others to follow. It was among the first in India to establish a Transgender Welfare Board, offering a framework for social protection and rights-based support. Moreover, Tamil Nadu’s government hospitals provide free gender affirmation surgeries, removing barriers for trans individuals who often face immense financial and societal hurdles.
In addition to healthcare, the state has launched employment reservation programs, skill-building initiatives, and welfare schemes that actively empower queer individuals. Chennai’s annual Pride events, supported by grassroots organizations and civic authorities, add further momentum to Tamil Nadu’s inclusive stance. Against this backdrop, GCPL’s Pride March in Chengalpattu feels not only timely but aligned with a larger narrative of progress and justice.
A Factory Like No Other
GCPL’s Greenfield facility in Chengalpattu, inaugurated in March 2025, is not just an industrial achievement—it’s a statement. Designed from the ground up with inclusion in mind, the plant sets new benchmarks in equitable workplace design. With 50% of the workforce comprising women, and 5% identifying as members of the LGBTQIA+ community or persons with disabilities, the facility embodies a real-world application of inclusive policies.
What makes this initiative even more notable is its location: factory floors are traditionally male-dominated, and often slower to embrace diversity. GCPL has challenged this status quo by putting its values into practice where they matter most—on the ground, with the people who drive its daily operations.
A March That Mattered
The Pride March inside the factory was more than a visual spectacle—it was an emotionally charged and purpose-driven event. Employees came together, donning rainbow-themed attire, carrying affirming placards, and walking in unison through the factory premises. The atmosphere was electric, with music, cheers, and laughter resonating through the air. For many, it was their first time participating in a Pride event, and doing so within their workplace made the experience all the more profound.
The march was led by senior leadership including Jagadeesh M, Head – Manufacturing Operations, Sandhya Ramesh, General Manager – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Cluster Heads Sugumar M and Mugdha Niphadkar. Their visible support sent a powerful message across the organization: inclusion is not the responsibility of a few—it is a collective, top-down commitment.
Adding a touch of activism and artistry to the event was Kalki Subramaniam, renowned transgender rights activist and artist. Her presence as a special guest brought authenticity and gravity to the gathering. Addressing employees, Kalki emphasized the importance of visibility, representation, and proactive inclusion in corporate spaces.
“It’s time for more companies to move beyond tokenism and take meaningful action towards inclusion—especially on the factory floor, where the real fabric of our workforce is woven,” she said. “What Godrej Consumer Products has done here is powerful. It sends a message that everyone, regardless of their gender identity or background, deserves dignity and opportunity.”
Inclusion as Business Strategy
For GCPL, inclusion is more than a corporate social responsibility—it’s a core business philosophy. According to Sandhya Ramesh, who heads Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the company, inclusive practices are essential for resilience, innovation, and growth.
“Inclusion and diversity are not just social imperatives—they are business imperatives,” said Ramesh. “When every individual feels valued and empowered, it reflects in the culture, the output, and the future we create together. This Pride March at our first Greenfield plant is part of a much larger vision—of integrating inclusion into the very foundation of how and where we work.”
The event also featured a powerful street play by Transformism, a Chennai-based performance art group known for their evocative work around LGBTQIA+ rights. Through storytelling, music, and drama, the group highlighted the daily challenges and triumphs of queer individuals, evoking tears and applause in equal measure.
Safety marshals were stationed throughout the premises to ensure the smooth execution of the march. From planning to logistics, the event was handled with the same diligence that GCPL applies to its operations—underscoring that safety and inclusion are not mutually exclusive.
More Than a Moment
This Pride March is just one milestone in GCPL’s larger journey toward creating equitable workplaces. The company’s health insurance policy is among the most progressive in the industry, covering gender-affirming surgeries, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and benefits for same-sex and domestic partners. GCPL has also implemented gender-neutral restrooms, inclusive internal communications, and regular sensitization workshops to foster an environment where everyone feels seen and respected.
These measures are not symbolic—they represent structural changes that affirm the dignity of LGBTQIA+ employees every single day.
A Model for India Inc.
What happened in Chengalpattu must not remain an isolated case. It should inspire a ripple effect across India’s industrial and corporate sectors. Inclusion cannot be limited to metros, IT parks, or boardrooms. It must percolate into every level—into factories, warehouses, and plants where millions of India’s workforce spend their lives.
GCPL’s initiative proves that change is possible—and that it works. When inclusion becomes part of the system rather than a standalone campaign, the impact is profound and lasting.
As India navigates its future as a global economic powerhouse, businesses have an unprecedented opportunity to lead not just with innovation, but with empathy and equity. GCPL’s Pride March on its factory floor is a shining example of how corporate India can—and should—march forward, with pride.
