Deloitte’s diversity month ends with Diwali celebrations

England cricketer Ravi Bopara led Diwali festivities at Deloitte Consultancy this week as the firm's month-long diversity celebrations came to a close.

The celebratory evening saw Deloitte employees, clients and business leaders discuss how diversity can be beneficial in the workplace. In addition, there was a panel debate featuring Deloitte chairman David Cruickshank, Hindu Network leader, Rohit Sagar and several other businessmen and women.

Other religions were also celebrated like Sikhism and Jainism as people from all cultures and backgrounds came together to share and celebrate with each other.

Sagar, who is in charge of 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 great place to work."

Atul Pathak, managing director of APPT Corporation Limited, and fast food franchisee added: "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."

Guests were encouraged to celebrate into the evening with traditional Indian dancing and the Mela, which included Indian massages, food and drink.  An auction raised more than £2,000 for Deloitte' s charity partners, with cricket equipment signed by Ravi Bopara attracting some of the highest bids.