A three-day CSR initiative with the Chhanv Foundation equips survivors with skills and self-employment support.
Under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals organised a three-day skill training and encouragement programme for acid attack and burn survivors at its manufacturing facility in Haridwar on February 14, 2026. The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Chhanv Foundation, a Noida-based non-profit working for the empowerment of survivors.
The skill development camp brought together ‘Sheroes’, women who have overcome acid attacks and burn accidents, with the objective of preparing them for corporate culture and professional work environments. The sessions were designed to build confidence, practical skills and workplace readiness. Renowned corporate trainer Shweta Rastogi led the engagement, creating an inclusive and motivating learning environment for participants.
Speaking on the initiative, Archana Jain, Secretary of the Akums Health & Education Society, said the courage and determination displayed by the participants were deeply inspiring. She highlighted Akums’ commitment to supporting these women through training and access to machinery, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence and economic independence.
The programme focused on practical capability building through guided sessions on workplace culture, personal grooming, communication skills, interview preparation and the use of basic digital tools. Participants were also introduced to pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and gained exposure to the corporate and industrial ecosystem of SIDCUL, Haridwar. As part of the engagement, Akums facilitated a visit to its manufacturing unit and organised Ganga Aarti and darshan at the Ganga Ghat.
Sharing his perspective, Alok Dixit, Founder, Chhanv Foundation, said that recovery after trauma goes beyond physical healing and requires restoration of confidence, independence and professional identity. He thanked Akums for providing a supportive environment that encourages survivors to choose their professional paths with clarity and self-respect.
At the conclusion of the programme, certificates were distributed to all participants, and Akums also provided sewing machines to support self-employment and livelihood generation. The training is expected to strengthen the survivors’ roles at initiatives such as Sheroes Hangout Café and Sheroes Store, which focus on creating sustainable employment through hospitality and handcrafted products.
The initiative reflects Akums’ continued focus on inclusive growth and social responsibility, while reinforcing Chhanv Foundation’s mission of empowering acid attack survivors through skill development and dignified livelihood opportunities.
Source: PR
