In a meaningful step towards inclusive development, Godrej Enterprises Group, through its CSR initiative Disha, has partnered with Queen Mary’s Technical Institute (QMTI) to launch a Home Appliances Repair and Maintenance Lab in Pune. This dedicated facility is designed to train war-injured personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Paramilitary Forces, helping them build technical skills that can lead to stable and independent livelihoods.
The newly inaugurated lab aims to train more than 200 specially-abled soldiers over the next three years. Participants will receive practical, hands-on instruction in appliance repair and maintenance, gaining certification and job-readiness in a growing service sector. Beyond training, the initiative also offers placement support and post-training mentorship for at least three months, helping participants transition into the workforce with confidence and ongoing guidance.
Harpreet Kaur, Chief Human Resources Officer, Godrej Enterprises Group, highlighted the program’s long-term vision “This initiative opens real career opportunities for our specially-abled veterans, enabling them to earn with dignity and contribute meaningfully to the economy. As technology adoption continues to grow—particularly in and around Pune—we saw a clear need to fill the skill gap while also empowering those who have served the nation. Our collaboration with QMTI is a step toward a more inclusive and skilled society.”
Col Dr Vasant Ballewar, Dean of QMTI, emphasized the broader impact of the program “This is about more than just training. It’s about restoring a sense of purpose, ensuring financial independence, and creating a path forward for those who’ve given everything in service to the country. Our partnership with Godrej strengthens our shared mission of helping these brave individuals lead self-reliant and fulfilling lives.”
This project falls under Project Disha, Godrej’s flagship skilling program launched in 2011, aimed at preparing India’s youth for current and future job markets. Disha has expanded its reach to over 18 states, impacting more than 200,000 young people through a combination of technical training, industry exposure, and career support. In FY 2024–25, the initiative trained 9,046 individuals, exceeding its target of 8,400, with 45% of graduates successfully placed in jobs.
The Home Appliances Repair Lab in Pune represents another chapter in Godrej’s ongoing effort to create meaningful, sustainable impact through skill development—especially for communities that are often overlooked. Since 1897, the Godrej Enterprises Group — comprising Godrej & Boyce and its affiliated companies — has played a key role in driving India’s industrial progress and self-reliance.
Through advanced engineering, design-driven innovation, and eco-conscious manufacturing, the Group has contributed to the development of multiple sectors. From introducing the world’s first springless lock and robust safes to producing India’s earliest typewriters and refrigerators, Godrej has been a pioneer in homegrown innovation.
Today, the Group operates across five continents and holds leading positions in a wide range of consumer and industrial sectors. Its portfolio includes Aerospace, Aviation, Defence, Energy, Locking and Security Systems, Sustainable Building Solutions, Construction and EPC Services, Intralogistics, Tooling, Healthcare Equipment, Consumer Appliances, Electric Motors and Engines, Furniture, Architectural Hardware, IT Solutions, and Vending Technologies.
