Harkesh Rubber, a leading Indian MSME specialising in precision rubber sealing solutions, has been recognised as the First Runner-Up in the MSME category at the Bombay Chamber DEI Awards 2025. The accolade celebrates the company’s sustained commitment to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the manufacturing sector.The award was presented during the third edition of the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s flagship DEI Forum & Awards, held on 18 June 2025 at the Taj Santacruz, Mumbai.This recognition highlights Harkesh Rubber’s pioneering efforts to integrate DEI across all levels of its operations, with a strong focus on women’s empowerment. The company has developed an inclusive framework that enables women to excel across roles — from the shop floor to supervisory and leadership positions — fostering economic independence, skill development, and equitable growth in a traditionally male-dominated industry.Commenting on the achievement, Darshan Shah, Managing Director, Harkesh Rubber, said, “If you’re fortunate enough to find an elevator to the top, it’s an opportunity to send the elevator back down. This DEI Award motivates us to continue creating opportunities, amplifying diverse voices, and nurturing a workplace where everyone can thrive.”Echoing this sentiment, Jay Shah, Director – Marketing and R&D, stated, “This award validates our purpose-driven DEI initiatives. Our next focus is to expand women-led roles across facilities, R&D, and technical functions, strengthened by digital enablement.”Harkesh Rubber’s DEI journey reflects its belief that inclusive growth is both socially transformative and commercially strategic. Through continuous investments in skill development, digital literacy, and community outreach, the company is building a sustainable and equitable future — one empowered individual at a time.