Cipla For Change

Volunteering goes virtual at Cipla

Volunteering has always been a culture at Cipla – it is a part of our DNA. From running marathons to planting trees, mentoring students to bringing comfort to patients, Ciplaites have always stepped forward to make a difference. And nothing can lockdown their spirit of ‘Caring for Life’.

CIPLA FOR CHANGE

Virtual Volunteering In Covid

In August 2020, after Covid lockdowns had taken hold, Cipla swiftly launched ‘Cipla for Change’ – taking volunteering to a virtual platform. With this, Cipla teams continue to remain connected with communities contributing to causes that speak to their heart. Cipla Foundation has been partnering with Cipla HR to bring a range of organisations and issues on to the platform.

From August 2020 – June 2021 Cipla teams have contributed

8,900+

Volunteering hours across

120+

Social change opportunities

SUPPORTING NGOs & COMMUNITIES

Virtual volunteering has not only brought time and talent into the social sector in a challenging year, but also given hope to communities isolated in Covid.

It has encouraged volunteers to discover the joy of giving back, even if it is remotely, explore creative ways of making a difference and involve their friends and families in this fulfilling journey.

“Cipla has always been a part of our story. We’ve had Ciplaites enthusiastically participate in wish fulfillment events and engage with children and their parents to bring happiness in the toughest of times. This has continued through Covid – it is so heartening to see the ‘Cipla for Change’ platform keep the culture of giving back alive, with the same passion and spirit.”

Deepak S Bhatia
CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation of India

LEGACY VOLUNTEERING EVENTS GO VIRTUAL

Over and above new virtual volunteering opportunities, we also took our signature in-person volunteering events online this year. This has allowed Ciplaites from across the globe to come together for a common purpose.

Comforting Patients & Families

23^rd Annual Day of Cipla Palliative Care & Training Centre (CPC), Pune

Every year we mark CPC’s Annual Day to strengthen our commitment to care for cancer patients and their families.

Cipla teams put up a multicultural performance to make the day special for patients, their families and the Centre’s team.

This year, in its virtual avatar, the event saw Ciplaites from across India and South Africa present enthralling performances to make the day most memorable and meaningful.

Joy of Caring

‘Shop for a Cause’ to support social entrepreneurs

One of the most awaited events at Cipla is the ‘Joy of Caring’ week where Ciplaites support social entrepreneurs through cause-based shopping.

This year, Cipla converted the in-person shopping stalls into a virtual bazaar for NGOs to showcase their items online.

Ciplaites came forward in large numbers to buy handmade products and support social entrepreneurs in an especially tough year.

Merit Awards

Felicitating academic achievers from schools in remote communities

A long-standing tradition at Cipla is felicitating meritorious students of class X and XII from government and government-aided schools near Cipla manufacturing units.

Ciplaites from across India visit schools to present certificates and financial awards to students.

This year, Cipla teams came together virtually to felicitate students across India – it was a much-needed boost of confidence for students facing the uncertainty of Covid.

NURTURING A COMMUNITY OF VOLUNTEERS AT CIPLA

The virtual volunteering experience has been most rewarding for Ciplaites, helping build connections with communities and stronger bonds with each other.

Cipla leaders step forward to engage

Ciplaites Share Experiences

“Virtual volunteering is a great opportunity to learn and share skills. From creating educational content for children to mentoring youth, there are several options for those looking to give back and make the world better.”

Vikas Gupta
Head, India Business, Cipla

“Cipla for Change has opened a door to look beyond the confines of self, an opportunity to see life. Proud to have spent quality time with the nurses of CPC and interacting with job-aspiring youth.”

Abhayan Jawaharlal
Deputy General Counsel, Cipla

“I have been volunteering for many years and found virtual volunteering as a great way to continue contributing. I am happy to do my bit to mentor students and youth especially in these tough times.”

Aniruddha Kunte
VP-HR, Cipla

“I enjoyed collating English words for a virtual encyclopaedia for children whose mother tongue is a regional language. These children aspire to learn English as part of their school curriculum and it felt so fulfilling to help them achieve this.”

Ajit Gupta
Director HR, Cipla, Goa

“The person I was mentoring was a married woman who was 7^th pass but was really keen to know and understand what digital literacy is! I was happy to answer her queries.”

Gourav Mahanto
Cipla, Patna

“I felt so happy to write and share my thoughts in a letter to motivate a student. Such a wonderful way to share life lessons and guide a young life.”

Amit Tailor
Cipla, Jaipur

“Very humbling to teach yoga to caregivers of cancer patients. Their selfless service is an example for us all.”

Abhijeet Kumar
Cipla, Chennai

“It was a great feeling to teach values and ethics to young adults – something that will hold them in good stead throughout their life.”

Adbin Gurang
Cipla, Sikkim

“I have personally experienced how teams bond in a virtual volunteering session and I love being a champion for it, at Cipla India Business.”

K S Ramdas
Cipla, Cochin

“I am glad to see how every small act, even done via virtual volunteering, makes this world a better place. I have learnt to make paper and cloth bags through these sessions and am giving up on plastic bags forever.”

Rachita Jain
Cipla, Mumbai

“I have survived cancer with the support of my friends and family. I am fortunate to volunteer for patients of CPC, Pune – to use my talent as a singer to encourage patients and honour the selfless service of the nurses.”

Amitkumar Patil
Cipla, Vikhroli