Vinayak, a member of the Secretarial Team at Godrej Agrovet, remembers the stress of the time his mother fell ill and had to be hospitalised. The diagnosis was concerning: two heart blockages, and a necessary angioplasty. It meant not just a question mark over her health and well-being, but a looming financial burden.   

But he also remembers what happened next. “Don’t worry about the work; you just focus on the treatment,” his boss said to him. “The team was there to support me in every way possible,” Vinayak said – which meant he could support his mother and family.  

Routine in theory, mandated by policy – and yet, somehow, experiencing the benefits of care first-hand can feel uniquely personal. In the following days, Vinayak witnessed his colleagues stepping up for him. Their willingness to assist, their understanding, and their compassion made a significant difference during one of the most challenging times in his life. 

While it is often said that a company or a department is like a family, it is through such moments that it becomes clear that this is the essence of inclusion.