Cipla partners with TEACH to empower hearing-impaired youth with career opportunities

Mumbai, November 30, 2023: Cipla Limited will join forces with the Training and Educational Centre for Hearing Impaired (TEACH) to facilitate career opportunities for hearing-impaired youth. This initiative is aligned with Cipla's Diversity & Inclusion agenda, aiming to inspire and prepare students with hearing impairments for the corporate world.

Last year, Cipla conducted a pilot internship program for TEACH students. Building upon its success, the company has expanded the program this year, offering a three-month internship to a larger number of students. The positive outcomes of these programs have allowed participating students to transition into full-time positions.

In a bid to foster inclusivity and provide valuable exposure, Cipla organized volunteering workshops where employees interacted with students, offering insights into the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector. Sensitization workshops for employees were also conducted to increase awareness of the challenges faced by hearing-impaired individuals. Employees underwent training in basic sign language comprehension, and interpreters were enlisted to ensure effective communication.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Raju Mistry, President and Global Chief People Officer, Cipla said, “At Cipla, we aim to foster a future-ready workforce where equity, diversity and inclusion are center stage. This partnership with TEACH is an extension of our commitment to create a workplace where everyone feels included, celebrated and are able to thrive. With this program, our goal is to equip promising young students with the necessary skills and knowledge to not just excel academically but also to make them highly employable in the ever-evolving job market.”

To address any challenges that may arise during day-to-day activities, the company introduced regular check-in sessions for both teams and interns. In addition to identifying and matching roles that best suit the skill sets of the hearing-impaired community, Cipla has extended support to TEACH by providing sponsorship for infrastructure enhancements.