Coca-Cola partners with Being Human foundation to empower rural youth in India

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd (HCCBPL)., today announced their partnership with actor Salman Khan's Being Human foundation, to scale up Career Development Centre (CDC), an initiative to empower rural, educated and underserved youth. The initiative, in association with NIIT Foundation and NGO Gram Niyojan Kendra, established its pilot centre near the HCCBPL bottling plant at Dasna and is now set to extend its reach to the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Odisha.

Present at the event were Mr. T. Krishnakumar, Chief Executive Officer, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd., Mr. P. Rajendran Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of NIIT Ltd., Prof. K.K. Mukherjee of Gram Niyojan Kendra and youth icon, superstar Salman Khan.

Since its inception, the initiative has benefitted over 209 youth, helping them get their first jobs by providing them training aimed to enhance their employability at a low cost. The event also witnessed unveiling of the new logo of Career Development Centre. Several students who have benefitted under the program were felicitated for their achievements, with many coming forward to share their experiences.

Speaking at the event, Mr. T. Krishnakumar, Chief Executive Officer, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. said, "Career Development Centre is part of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverage's inclusive growth agenda. Our vision is to bring quality training within easy reach of the educated, unemployed and underserved youth to enhance their employability potential and bring them into the employment mainstream. Over the past 2 years, our first Career Development Centre near Dasna has witnessed commendable success by opening opportunities for over 200 youth with employers across industry. It gives me immense pleasure to welcome our new partner, Being Human and India's youth icon Mr. Salman Khan. We are confident that this association will be a great facilitator as we endeavour to scale up this initiative and extend its reach across the country."

Speaking about the association, popular actor Salman Khan said, "The training provided by CDC is very practical and prepares the youth for entry level jobs. Being Human - The Salman Khan Foundation is proud to partner with this endeavor."

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. P Rajendran, COO, NIIT Limited said, "We are delighted to welcome Mr. Salman Khan and his NGO Being Human on board to further enhance the reach and impact of the Career Development Centres (CDC). As this initiative continues to grow across the country, we look forward to making a transformational difference to the lives of many more unemployed & under-privileged youth by training them for livelihood and self-reliance."

"Each partner – NIIT Foundation, Being Human and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages –brings unique strengths to the initiative and I believe the CDCs are now equipped more than ever to enable and inspire the youth to reach their potential," added Mr. Rajendran.

Speaking about her experience at the Career Development Centre, Reshma Chaudhary who completed Certificate Course in Food and Beverages from Career Development Centre said, "I was like the countless young girls in rural India who do have hopes and dreams but don't have a platform to realize those dreams. CDC has given me an incredible opportunity that I never thought was possible for someone like me. CDC is not just a means to an end, it didn't just train me for a job, it trained me for life. The nourishment and skills that the platform has given me has been a great learning experience which will last me every step of the way. It has not only changed my life but made a difference to my entire family. I feel empowered and would like to thank Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages and the NIIT foundation wholeheartedly". She is working with Big Bazaar as a Co-ordinator.