The PwC Hindu Society hosted a gala Diwali celebration at The Lalit Hotel on Tuesday 17th October, also celebrating 15 years of their inception. The Hindu Network, which is now a part of 14 other people network at PwC, is an example of diversity and inclusion in the firm. The PwC Hindu network has over 500 members and has been an inspiration for other City firms to start similar networks, providing a platform to share cultural values and bring professionals of every level together.
The evening started with an opening prayer by Raaheel and Gurdain, following by lighting of Diyas.
IT Consultant Nilesh Solanki, who is the founder of PwC Hindu Network said, “It is great to see such diversity here this evening. 15 years ago, I approached a very small diversity team who embraced the idea of a Hindu Network at PwC, which was the first one in the city. After canvassing with a few colleagues, our introductory event attracted over 50 people and things progressed from there...I would like to thank PwC for all its support and especially the team who have over the 15 years nurtured this very influential, diverse and successful network. Some of our future initiatives are to initiate collaborative interfaith dialogue, expand our network to the global firm and more client networking. I hope everyone has a great Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan (Happy New Year) to all.”
Sunil Patel, Partner and PwC Hindu Network Board member, sharing story of one of his uncles who moved back to India after decades in UK and US, spoke about the spirit of Diwali and how it stands for giving back to the society, very similar to what his uncle is doing for his native village in Gujarat.
Kevin Ellis, PwC Chairman and Senior Partner spoke about the spirit of Diwali, his work in PwC to make it a very inclusive organisation and how it has been the first to identify gender and race pay gap within the firm, following corrective measures and has supported a restaurant in London to create jobs for hundreds of homeless.
Lisa Dhanani, Director banking & Capital Markets and PwC Hindu Network Board member applauded the team's energy and announced how they are looking forward to collaboration and supporting other networks.
Lord Jitesh Gadhia, the Chief Guest for the evening complementing PwC for its diverse roles and the Hindu Network for its 15th birthday said, “Diversity of thought and people is an essential ingredient for any professional services firm. It goes to the very heart of your competitive advantage.
“In the Rig Veda, which is the oldest living scripture of any tradition, going back several thousand years BC, it says: “Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah”. A Sanskrit phrase which translated means “Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions”.
“We are therefore living in times of huge consequence and the constants we all face are change and uncertainty. Faced with these overwhelming forces, there is an ever present danger that societies become inward, insular and intolerant. Some call this de-globalisation, a phrase which Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, has also recently used. This is the greatest threat of our present time and that is why being anchored in a set of personal values is so important.
“For Hindus, like myself, we are blessed by a set of timeless human values to draw upon – like those represented in The Ramayana – which forms the basis of the Festival of Diwali...
“As British Hindus, we celebrate the important value of dharma, or right conduct, which is the very essence of the Diwali story, enabling good to triumph over evil – bringing back “light” to people’s lives. And we look forward to the year ahead which I hope, brings all of us success, health, peace and prosperity – and provides further opportunities for both the British Indian community to play its full role in this country and enable the UK-India relationship to achieve its full potential.”
Sarah Churchmen, Head of Diversity, Inclusion, Wellbeing and Mental Health concluded the evening by talking about inclusive culture, diversity and transformations that the firm is undergoing.
A Bharatnatyam dance was performed by Vaani Sood, fusion music was performed by Rakesh Chauhan and his team and Indian classical music was performed by Raaheel and Gurdain- to enterian the guests that comprised of the crème de la crème of the Hindu community.
