Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.” 
~Mahatma Gandhi

Upon entering the Havells Research Building at Plaksha University, one is immediately captivated by the presence of an awe-inspiring art installation known as ‘Community Discs’. This vibrant wall installation, created by 20 artists, showcases 59 discs crafted from various mediums and techniques, including wood-cut prints, ceramics, acrylic paintings, and carved sculptures. With expressions spanning contemporary and traditional art forms, the artwork truly embodies the magic of diversity and vibrancy, reminding us of the importance of embracing inclusivity.

Plaksha’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are designed to build a campus diversity that values different perspectives, experiences and identities. Through DEI education and inclusive practices, the university aims to create an environment where Plaksha students can learn, collaborate and thrive. This commitment also extends to inclusive engineering, ensuring that diverse perspectives are reflected in how students approach technology, innovation and the challenges they seek to solve.

At Plaksha University, the celebration of inclusive and diverse perspectives is deeply ingrained in its value system. The university fosters an inclusive campus community, ensuring that students, faculty, and team members can thrive and belong. Plaksha's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion revolves around three key objectives, collectively known as iBelong.

1. Attracting Diverse Talent: Plaksha strives to recruit and retain individuals from historically underrepresented and diverse groups, recognizing that diverse talent brings a range of experiences, expertise, and knowledge.
2. Championing Inclusivity: Plaksha creates a safe and inclusive space for everyone to thrive in. The University establishes multiple affinity groups led by faculty, staff, and students.
3. Building Equitable Systems: Plaksha embraces participative decision-making and solicits views from multiple stakeholders.

One exemplary affinity group at Plaksha is PRISM. This group strives to create an inclusive and safe space for gender and sexual minority groups within the University. Last year, PRISM commemorated PRIDE month with various awareness and sensitization efforts. Students and staff participated in an enlightening talk by Abhishek Ghosh, the Co-founder of Qonnect, a first-of-its-kind LGBTQIA+ professional networking platform.

Plaksha's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity is exemplified by its embrace of diverse talent, creation of inclusive spaces, and establishment of equitable systems. The artistry of ‘Community Discs’ also celebrates the diversity that enriches lives and builds a world where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background or identity.

The Content Team at Plaksha University leads storytelling, blog and website content, social media, newsletters and event coverage and press and media coverage. The team writes about the University's initiatives, academic programs, research, innovation, and the impact created by the students, faculty, and collaborators and in the process offer readers a closer look at the people and ideas shaping the future of technology education.