New Delhi, India | 6 February 2026: Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, India’s leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), recently hosted a three-day workplace readiness and skill-building engagement for acid attack survivors at its Haridwar facility, in collaboration with the Chhanv Foundation. The initiative focused on strengthening confidence, building professional capabilities, and preparing participants for future employment opportunities.
Building Skills for Professional Readiness
Designed with care and sensitivity, the programme emphasised practical workplace preparation. Participants attended guided sessions on workplace etiquette, personal grooming, communication skills, interview preparation, and the use of basic digital tools. They were also introduced to real corporate and industrial environments through plant walkthroughs and interactions with teams across the facility, offering valuable exposure to professional settings and expectations.
Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Learning Environment
Informal conversations with Akums’ leadership and employees fostered a warm and encouraging atmosphere, allowing participants to engage openly and comfortably. The engagement concluded with a focused discussion on employability readiness and a formal acknowledgement of participation, reinforcing the importance of continued learning and self-confidence.
Leadership Perspective
Speaking on the initiative, Arushi Jain, Director, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, said:
“Meaningful inclusion begins with sharing skills and opening doors to real workplaces. This engagement was about helping participants rebuild confidence and see themselves as professionals again. Working closely with the Chhanv Foundation enabled us to create an experience that respected individual journeys while staying aligned with workplace realities. We hope this time here strengthens both capability and belief in what lies ahead.”
Role of the Chhanv Foundation
The Chhanv Foundation has long supported acid attack survivors across India, focusing on restoring dignity, independence, and long-term opportunities through rehabilitation, education, and livelihood initiatives. Known for its survivor-centric approach, the organisation works to enable sustainable social and economic reintegration.
Alok Dixit, Chhanv Foundation, added:
“Rebuilding life after trauma is about more than healing — it is about regaining confidence, independence, and a professional identity. Experiences like this help survivors step back into the world of work with clarity and dignity. We appreciate Akums for creating a respectful and encouraging learning environment.”
Voices from Participants
For many participants, the engagement marked an important milestone. One survivor shared,
“Before coming here, I was nervous about entering a workplace again. But everyone treated us with kindness and respect, which helped me believe I can work, grow, and support myself with confidence.”
Another participant said,
“Learning how to communicate better and prepare for interviews has changed how I see my future. I am leaving with new skills and a renewed sense of possibility.”
Commitment to Inclusion and Long-Term Opportunity
Through its collaboration with the Chhanv Foundation, Akums ensured that the initiative remained survivor-focused and rooted in practical workplace readiness. Efforts like these reflect the company’s broader commitment to combining its leadership in healthcare manufacturing with initiatives that promote skills development, inclusion, and sustainable opportunity.