Avtar Group, India’s pioneer in workplace culture and inclusion consulting, hosted the 2025 edition of BOB – Best of Best Conference & Awards at ITC Grand Chola, marking a milestone tenth anniversary of the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) benchmark. The event brought together India’s top inclusion strategists, DEI leaders, policymakers, and industry visionaries to celebrate organizations that have redefined the future of equitable workplaces.
Over the past decade, BCWI has guided more than 400 companies in transforming culture through measurable DEI frameworks, making it the country’s most influential workplace inclusion benchmark. The results reflect this impact: women’s leadership representation among BCWI companies has reached 20% for the first time, while overall female workforce participation has risen from 25% in 2016 to 36% in 2025—a significant leap in a country where women’s workforce participation remains below 28% nationally (PLFS 2025).
Honouring Leaders Who Shape Inclusive Workplaces
This year, the prestigious Male Ally Legacy Award (MALA) was presented to Mr. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director – South West Asia, Intercontinental Hotels Group, recognizing his longstanding commitment to championing inclusion and advancing women’s careers. Jury Choice Awards were conferred upon senior leaders from Capgemini Technology Services India Ltd and ZS for their exemplary contributions to inclusive leadership.
Reflecting on the BCWI journey, Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Founder–President, Avtar Group, said:
“Twenty-five years ago, Avtar set out to make inclusion a reality in Indian workplaces. Ten years ago, BCWI became our way to measure that change. Today, we celebrate not just statistics but stories—of women who found opportunity, of leaders who chose empathy, and of organizations that turned intent into action.”
Theme 2025: Unbox Inclusion
The conference explored “Unbox Inclusion”—a call to rethink inclusion in a world shaped by AI transformation, hybrid workplaces, multigenerational teams, and global sustainability challenges. Sessions examined lighthouse leadership, organizational vitality, and redefining power in the modern workplace.
Addressing delegates, Ms. Thamizhachi Thangapandian, MP and Chief Guest for Day 1, said:
“Best of Best Conference is a community of changemakers committed to true inclusion. Tamil Nadu’s legacy of social justice reflects in welfare schemes like Pudhumai Pen and Vidiyal Payanam. True inclusion means building together, leading together, and winning together. When women rise, workplaces thrive.”
On Day 2, celebrated Carnatic musician Ms. Aruna Sairam emphasized perseverance and purpose:
“Avtar, in its 25-year journey, has brought to life the music of inclusion. These frontrunner organizations show that inclusion is not about individuals—it is about everyone we uplift.”
Avtar’s 25-Year Impact at a Glance
- Advised 800+ organizations on inclusive workplace practices
- Delivered 5000+ workshops and training programs
- Enabled 100,000+ second-career women to re-enter the workforce
- Engaged 200,000+ women through career enablement initiatives
- Through Project Puthri (AHCT), empowered 10,000+ underprivileged girls annually
- Through MITR, mentored 4000+ boys to become advocates of gender respect
- Runs MyAvtar, India’s first job portal for under-represented groups
Recognized globally for its transformational DEI leadership, Avtar was featured in the Steward Leadership 25 Listing (Straits Times & INSEAD, Singapore, 2022).
For the full list of winners, visit www.avtarinc.com.
