Hyderabad, Oct 28: For young people in rural communities, building a professional career can often be challenging due to limited access to specialised training, practical exposure and workplace-ready skills. Granules India’s flagship corporate social responsibility initiative, Pharma Pathashala, aims to bridge this gap by equipping rural youth with the skills and opportunities needed to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical sector.
Launched in collaboration with Swarna Bharat Trust, Pharma Pathashala provides free residential training to rural youth aspiring to build careers in the pharmaceutical industry. Accredited by the Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the programme combines classroom learning, laboratory training, simulation exercises, soft-skills development and industry exposure. English-speaking and basic computer training further prepare participants for the requirements of a modern workplace.
Since its inception in 2017, more than 1,800 young people have participated in Pharma Pathashala. For many, the initiative has opened pathways to employment, financial independence and continued professional growth. Trainees receive accommodation, meals, books, uniforms and a stipend throughout the training period, enabling them to focus on developing their capabilities.
After completing the programme and qualifying through the LSSSDC assessment, eligible candidates can pursue opportunities across the pharmaceutical sector. Those who join Granules India can access full-time employment, subsidised accommodation and transport, supporting their transition from training to professional life.
The programme also creates opportunities for continued education and career advancement. Freshers hired through Pharma Pathashala may be considered for Granules India’s Self-Managed Team programme. Eligible employees can pursue a fully funded B.Sc. degree in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing through the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) while gaining practical workplace experience.
Shailesh’s journey illustrates the opportunities this pathway can create. He joined Granules India in August 2018 through the SMT programme and began his career as an operator. Through continued learning and opportunities to take on new responsibilities, he progressed from the shop floor to leading automation projects at Granules Life Sciences. His experience reflects how access to skills, perseverance and professional development can support long-term career growth.
Mrs. Uma Devi Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India Limited, said,
“Every young person who enters Pharma Pathashala brings an aspiration for a more secure and independent future. Our role is to give that aspiration a practical pathway through technical training, workplace exposure, communication skills and the confidence to take the first step into a career. The programme also integrates yoga, kabaddi and other games into the learning experience, supporting the overall development of trainees as they prepare for life at work.”
The initiative is also expanding opportunities for rural women. Women currently account for approximately one in four trainees, reflecting growing awareness of pharmaceutical careers and aspirations for financial independence through skilled employment.
Ms. Priyanka Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India Limited, said,
“Behind every trainee is a personal ambition to learn, contribute and build a better future. The growing participation of women is especially significant because access to skills and employment can change not only an individual’s life, but also strengthen families and communities. Through Pharma Pathashala, we want more young women to see the pharmaceutical sector as a place where they can belong, progress and lead.”
From the first day of training to the first day at work, Pharma Pathashala is designed as a sustained pathway for career development rather than a one-time intervention. By connecting specialised pharmaceutical training with workplace readiness, industry exposure and opportunities for continued education, the initiative is helping rural youth move towards meaningful and sustainable careers.
The experiences of participants such as Shailesh reflect the broader objective of Granules India’s CSR efforts: creating opportunities that deliver long-term social and economic impact. As India advances towards its Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision, equipping young people with skills, enabling access to employment and supporting workforce participation remain important elements in building a more inclusive future.
