60 youth, including 19 persons with disabilities, graduate from HDFC Bank Parivartan’s Kolar Skill Training Institute

2026-08-31 06:06:57 Education

Bengaluru, August 31st, 2026: HDFC Bank, through its CSR programme Parivartan, in partnership with CBM India Trust, today celebrated the graduation of the first batch of 60 trainees from the newly established Kolar Parivartan Skill Training Institute, at a ceremony held at the Press Club, Kolar. Of the graduating batch, 19 trainees are persons with disabilities (PwDs), reflecting the Bank's commitment to inclusive skilling and livelihood development.

HDFC Bank Parivartan's CSR programme focuses on livelihood enhancement, skilling and inclusion, particularly for vulnerable communities. The Kolar centre is among the few of its kind, with nearly a third of the first batch comprising persons with disabilities, in line with the Bank's commitment to inclusive development. The graduation ceremony formally recognises the trainees' journey, and is intended to build their confidence, bring visibility to the intervention, strengthen stakeholder trust and encourage wider community participation in future batches.

The Kolar Parivartan Skill Training Institute was established under HDFC Bank Parivartan, with the first batch of 60 trainees enrolled for training in IT and Retail. The batch completed classroom and practical training across the designated skill modules, followed by an assessment of trainees' competencies and completion of required learning hours, culminating in the graduation and certification ceremony. The trainees will now receive post-graduation support for placements, apprenticeships and livelihood opportunities.

Over the next three years, the programme is aimed at training 1,140 youth from marginalised communities in and around Kolar in high-demand skill sectors, with a target of at least 70% job placement conversion. Of the total trainees, the programme aims to mainstream 30% persons with disabilities into the workforce through accessible, supported training, while also working to strengthen the local skilling ecosystem with government participation

Through HDFC Bank Parivartan, the Bank plays a strategic enabler role in the programme, funding the training infrastructure, trainers, assistive tools for PwDs and centre operations; reviewing project progress and monitoring quality standards, assessments and placement outcomes; and bringing together government bodies, employers and community organisations to strengthen placement pathways. By committing to a 30% PwD participation target, the Bank aims to ensure the programme addresses both livelihood creation and social inclusion.

Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Nusrat Pathan, Head – CSR, HDFC Bank, said, “Through Parivartan, HDFC Bank is committed to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities by making skilling accessible, inclusive and aligned with local employment needs. The graduation of the first batch at the Kolar Skill Training Institute is an important milestone, particularly as 19 of the 60 graduating trainees are persons with disabilities. In partnership with CBM India Trust, we aim to enable more youth from marginalised communities to build relevant skills, access meaningful livelihood opportunities and participate confidently in India’s growth journey.”

Trainees from the programme gain market-aligned skills in IT and Retail that improve their employability, along with certification that strengthens their credibility with employers. Inclusive training pathways provide persons with disabilities with accessible skills, mobility support and tailored instruction. Over the life of the programme, this is expected to translate into 1,140 individuals trained, of whom approximately 340 are persons with disabilities mainstreamed into the workforce, and approximately 798 youth employed at a 70% placement conversion rate. Beyond the trainees themselves, the initiative is expected to benefit their families ,an estimated 4,500-plus people, while supporting local industries with job-ready talent and strengthening community-level inclusive development.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Mrs. Manjula S, District Disability Welfare Officer, Kolar; Mr. Srinivas, Skilling Officer, Kolar; Mr. Gopal V, Principal, ITI College, Kolar; and Mrs. Gayathri MV, Superintendent, Ashakirana Education and Rehabilitation Centre, Kolar, among other dignitaries and representatives of the local community.

The Kolar Skill Training Institute is a new initiative under HDFC Bank Parivartan. While the graduation ceremony marks a one-time milestone for Batch-1, the Bank will continue to run skilling and livelihood initiatives under Parivartan across the country.