Hyderabad : For young people in rural communities, the ambition to build a professional career can often be limited by access to specialised training, practical exposure and workplace-ready skills. Granules India’s flagship CSR initiative, Pharma Pathashala, was created to help bridge this gap and turn potential into opportunity.
Launched in collaboration with Swarna Bharat Trust, Pharma Pathashala welcomes rural youth seeking a career in the pharmaceutical sector and provides them with free residential training. Accredited by the Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council (LSSSDC) under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the programme brings together classroom learning, laboratory training, simulation exercises, soft-skills development and industry exposure. English-speaking and basic computer training further prepare participants for the expectations of a modern workplace.
Since its inception in 2017, more than 1,800 young people have become part of Pharma Pathashala. For many, the programme has marked the beginning of a new chapter, one in which learning could lead to employment, financial independence and continued professional growth. Accommodation, meals, books, uniforms and a stipend are provided throughout the training period, allowing trainees to focus on building their capabilities.
After completing the programme and qualifying through the Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council (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, helping them make a steady transition from training to working life.
For some participants, that first opportunity becomes the foundation for further education and wider responsibilities. Freshers hired through Pharma Pathashala may be considered for Granules India’s Self-Managed Team (SMT) 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 reflects what this pathway can make possible. He joined Granules India in August 2018 through the SMT programme and started his career as an operator. With continued learning and opportunities to take on new responsibilities, he progressed from the shop floor to leading automation projects at Granules Life Sciences. His story is one among the many journeys shaped by access, perseverance and the opportunity to grow.
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 journey is also opening new possibilities for rural women. Women currently represent approximately one in four trainees, and their growing participation signals increasing awareness of pharmaceutical careers and a stronger aspiration to achieve 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 pathway rather than a one-time intervention. By connecting specialised pharmaceutical learning with workplace readiness, industry exposure and opportunities for continued education, the initiative is helping rural youth move towards meaningful and sustainable careers.
Each journey, including Shailesh’s, demonstrates the wider purpose of Granules India’s CSR efforts: to create opportunities that can deliver long-term social and economic impact. As India advances towards its Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision, enabling young people to gain skills, secure employment and participate in the workforce will remain essential to building a more inclusive future.
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