Sujit Kumar Patra, a 30-year-old from Odisha, always believed in hard work despite the challenges life threw at him. Born with a Speech and Hearing Impairment, Sujit completed his ITI after SSLC, hoping to secure a stable job. In a family where his father worked as a truck driver and his mother managed the household, Sujit yearned to contribute financially. However, his journey was not easy.
It wasn’t until Sujit enrolled in a short-term technical training electronics mechanic course that his life began to change. With determination, he excelled in Trade Practical and Engineering Drawing and significantly improved in basic English, math, and sign language. The training also equipped him with essential skills like computer basics, electronic components, soldering, and LED assembly. Sujit’s perseverance paid off when he secured a job at Volvo EC India, earning Rs 16,500 per month. This new chapter not only brought financial independence but also allowed him to support his family, fulfilling his dream of positively impacting their lives.
Triumph Over Silence
Divya S, a resident of Bangalore, never let her 100% speech and hearing impairment define her. After completing her SSLC and enrolling in a Diploma course in Mysore, Divya sought more than just an education; she sought empowerment. Her journey led her to Titan’s initiative through the Association of People with Disability (APD), where she enrolled in a 3-month technical training course combining Electronics and Mechanics.
During her training, Divya thrived, mastering trade theory, electronics board assembly, and engineering drawing. APD further honed her skills in computers, measuring instruments, and LED bulb assembly. Determinate to make her own way, Divya found work in Bangalore at Trasccon Interconnection System Pvt Ltd, where she now makes Rs 12,000 a month. Her work gave her independence and made it possible for her to proudly contribute to her family's well-being.
Titan and APD: A Partnership for Inclusion
Sujit and Divya's success stories are just two instances of how Titan's partnership with APD has had a profoundly positive influence. This cooperation was established in 2011 with the goal of integrating Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) into the workforce and generating viable employment possibilities. Titan's organized training programs empowered 500 PwDs in the fiscal year 2023–2024 alone, with 449 of them obtaining official employment throughout Karnataka.
Support for initiatives like the women’s residential facility ‘Parijat’ has also been pivotal, increasing female enrollment in training programs from 24% to 34%, and housing nearly 350 women candidates over the last two years.
Leadership and Future Goals
Major J J Dominic, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Titan, reflects on this journey with pride: “We are deeply committed to fostering a future where inclusivity is the cornerstone of our corporate ethos. Our partnership with APD, which started humbly in 2011, has now touched the lives of over 3,500 differently-abled individuals. In 2023 alone, our efforts enabled 500 individuals to receive structured training, with 449 successfully securing employment.”
Looking ahead, Titan plans to launch an entrepreneurship development training program for PwDs in rural areas of India, providing the tools and skills for aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, the company is developing training programs for work-from-home opportunities, offering employment options that cater to the diverse needs of PwDs.
Through these initiatives, Titan and APD continue to break barriers, proving that with the right support, dreams can indeed become a reality.
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