New
Delhi, June 26, 2025 : The third
edition of the Trans Employment Mela 2025, inaugurated by Dr. Virendra Kumar,
Union Cabinet Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, concluded
successfully today at The Lalit Hotel, New Delhi. Organised by the TWEET
Foundation and InHarmony, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment (MoSJE), the event brought together over 160 transgender and
non-binary candidates from across the country. With participation from 17
companies and aiming for 100 confirmed placements, the Mela reinforced its role
as a vital platform for inclusive hiring and economic empowerment.
Dr. Virendra
Kumar’s presence underscored the central government's commitment to
mainstreaming transgender and non-binary individuals into the formal workforce.
As with previous editions, the Mela served as a powerful bridge—connecting
talent to opportunity, employers to awareness, and society to the lived
realities of the trans community. Leading companies such as Publicis Sapient,
Hexaware, EY Foundation, Mahindra Logistics, and The Lalit engaged in
recruitment drives, sensitisation sessions, and panel discussions held
throughout the day.
This year’s
edition set an ambitious target of 100 placements and saw increased engagement
from corporates, hiring partners, and inclusion advocates. Beyond job
interviews, the event featured community-led performances, peer mentoring
sessions, and entrepreneurship showcases—spotlighting stories of resilience,
ambition, and leadership from within the trans community. Transgender
entrepreneurs, often underrepresented in employment conversations, were celebrated
for forging their own paths and challenging traditional narratives. These
moments added vibrancy to the day, reinforcing that inclusion is not just about
hiring—but about visibility, respect, and equity.
Dr.
Virendra Kumar stated, “Our unwavering
support for the transgender community reflects our core values of equality,
dignity, and empowerment. Initiatives like Garima Greh—safe and
supportive shelter homes across 21 states—ensure access to housing, healthcare,
skill training, and legal aid for those in need. Platforms like the Trans
Employment Day, supported by over 20 corporate partners, not only open doors to
livelihood but also celebrate the immense talent and resilience of the
community. From joining the police force to becoming lawyers, artists, and
entrepreneurs, your journeys inspire a more inclusive and compassionate India.”
Dr.
R. Giriraj, Deputy Director of NISD expressed, “The
Central Home for Digital Persons was never just a policy—it was a mission to
restore dignity, access, and rights that inherently belonged to individuals.
Since 2019, we’ve expanded this effort across 14 centers, integrating
healthcare, identity, education, and economic opportunities. But real
transformation doesn’t come from government alone—it comes from partnerships. I
sincerely thank the global community, NGOs, industries, and especially the Food
Foundation, for standing with us in this journey towards inclusion,
empowerment, and justice.”
This year’s
edition saw the continued support of long-term partners and new
collaborators. Hexaware joined as the Title Sponsor,
while Publicis Sapient returns
as the Platinum Sponsor and the Lalit Suri Hospitality Groups as the
Gold Sponsor for the third consecutive year. HDFC
Life as the Silver Sponsor and The Lalit also
contributing as the Hospitality Partner. Adding meaningful depth to
the event’s social objectives were Social Impact Partners – Keshav
Suri Foundation and MIST LGBTQ Foundation – and Gifting
Partners – Queer Bazaar and Kronokare.
Abhina
Aher, Founder, TWEET Foundation, added, “This
Mela is about more than jobs—it’s about justice. It offers a space where
transgender individuals, often pushed to the margins, can enter the workforce
with pride. When we speak of economic justice, this is what we mean: real opportunities
backed by real intent. It’s time to stop seeing the transgender community as
recipients of charity and start recognising them as contributors to growth.”
Anupama Easwaran, Founder, InHarmony, shared, “While globally, we’re witnessing an
unfortunate regression in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) space, it
is encouraging to see Indian organisations stepping up with meaningful action.
The Trans Employment Mela is a testament to that commitment, bringing together
companies, civil society, and the transgender community to create real access
and opportunities. At a time when DEI efforts face increasing pushback,
initiatives like this reaffirm that inclusion is not just a policy—it’s a shared
responsibility. We are grateful to our partners and sponsors for standing
firmly with this vision and helping shape inclusive workplaces that are
future-ready and grounded in equity.”
Maya
Awasthy, Co-Founder, TWEET Foundation,
said, “Each edition of this Mela is a call to action. From 58 placements in our
first year to 77 last year, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of
employment. Our goal of 100 placements this year is more than a number—it
represents belief in a future where every transgender person can live with
dignity, independence, and economic strength. We urge more companies to move
beyond hiring to ensure long-term, meaningful inclusion.”
Vieshaka
Dutta, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Leader, India, Publicis Sapient,
said, “Our continued support for the Trans Employment Mela reflects our core
value of inclusion, which is central to everything we do at Publicis Sapient.
We are proud to be part of a platform that fosters real opportunities and helps
build a future where every individual—regardless of gender
identity—can thrive."
Keshav
Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and Founder, Keshav
Suri Foundation, stated, “Hosting the Mela
aligns with our ethos of embracing diversity. The trans community adds immense
value to the workplace, and we are honoured to contribute to their journey of
empowerment through employment.”
Sareeta
Bhatikar Head of Human Resources, HDFC Life, said,
“At HDFC Life, inclusion is not just a campaign; it is how we grow and remain
true to our purpose. The Trans Employment Mela is a powerful step towards
building equitable workplaces and reflects our collective journey towards
dignity, belonging, and our responsibility to honor every individual.”
Hemant
Vijh, Corporate Vice President, Hexaware Technologies,
commented, “Hexaware is proud to stand beside the trans community as an ally
and active participant in building inclusive workspaces. The Mela is a reminder
that hiring for diversity leads to stronger, more resilient organisations.”
The Trans
Employment Mela 2025 closed on a powerful note of hope, pride, and
determination. As candidates left interview rooms with offers and new
opportunities, the event served as a reminder that the journey toward equality
must be intentional, collaborative, and unapologetically inclusive. The sense
of renewed purpose it inspired will continue to ripple across boardrooms,
communities, and policy spaces—driving the change our society needs.
ABOUT
ORGANIZERS
TWEET
Foundation (www.tweetindia.org)
is an NGO based out of Delhi and Mumbai led by trans persons dedicated to
providing the community with crisis support, short shelter stay, health and
legal resources, and connecting them with skill building and inclusive
employment opportunities. TWEET works closely with key stakeholders for
mainstreaming advocacy for the rights of transgender persons. It works with the
government to bring in policy-level changes and works with civil societies and
the corporate sectors to build strategic partnerships to support the trans
movement and welfare.
InHarmony (www.inharmony.in)
is a pioneering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion advisory firm dedicated to
fostering inclusive workplaces across India. Specializing in consultancy
services, training solutions, employee wellbeing programs, research, and
diversity hiring support, their impact spans various industries, guiding
companies in the cultivation of inclusive & equitable spaces. InHarmony's
expertise encompasses gender, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities,
and less privileged caste categories, catering to diverse age groups. It boasts
a distinguished panel of experts including facilitators, coaches,
psychologists, psychiatrists, and trainers, all committed to delivering
bespoke, innovative solutions tailored to meet each client's unique needs.
InHarmony’s founder, Anupama Easwaran is a board member of TWEET Foundation
working extensively with the transgender community since the past 8 years. She
is the recipient of the APCOM Hero Award 2023 in the Community Ally category
and a 2 time TEDx speaker. At InHarmony, their mission is to drive positive
cultural change, making workplaces places where everyone feels valued,
respected, and empowered to succeed.
Social
media handles for more information:
In
Harmony:
In.harmony
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-harmony/
In.harmony
Website - www.in.harmony.in
In.harmony
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/in.harmony1
In.harmony Insta
- https://instagram.com/in.harmonyworld?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
TWEET
India
For TWEET Insta -
https://instagram.com/TWEET_foundation?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
For TWEET
linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/TWEETfoundation/