JAMSHEDPUR, AUG 31
Tata Steel has announced the winners of the third edition of QUEERious, a pioneering competition aimed at empowering LGBTQIA+ students and integrating their talents into the corporate world. The competition, which began in late July and concluded with a grand finale on August 30, saw an impressive 44 per cent increase in registrations from last year, with over 2,300 participants.
This year’s QUEERious attracted a diverse group of students, with nearly 50 per cent from technical schools, 36 per cent from business schools, and the remainder from various other disciplines. The competition, introduced by Tata Steel in 2022, continues to underscore the company’s dedication to progressive HR practices and inclusivity.
The grand finale, held in Jamshedpur, was graced by Tata Steel’s senior leadership, including Chaitanya Bhanu, Vice President of Operations; Atrayee Sanyal, Vice President of Human Resource Management; and Jaya Singh Panda, Chief of Learning & Development and Chief Diversity Officer.
Atrayee Sanyal expressed enthusiasm about the program’s success, stating, “The growing number of student registrations and their enthusiastic participation in QUEERious is a testament to the success of this unique programme. It motivates us to further our efforts in building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.”
This year, QUEERious featured team participation, allowing participants to choose from Business, Technical, or General case studies. The top 11 teams presented their innovative solutions at the Grand Finale, with the top three teams earning cash prizes of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000, and Rs 20,000, respectively, along with opportunities for paid internships and pre-placement offers.
Additionally, QUEERious was recognized at the Tata Steel Innovista Awards 2024 in the ‘Social Innovations’ category, highlighting its impact and significance.
In a notable advancement, Tata Steel has also become the first company in India to integrate transgender employees into its mining operations, onboarding around 130 individuals across various roles.
