Our Associates - Humans Of Lowe’s
Rajesh Puneyani: “At Lowe’s, Every Day There Is a Chance to Make a Difference.”
Lowe’s is leading the COVID-19 fight with empathy: Arun Padmanabhan
Lowe’s: A home away from home for Anish Baben
Anish Baben considers it a privilege to have witnessed Lowe’s immense growth, firsthand. He credits his transformative journey to Lowe’s associates and the truly wonderful work culture built by everyone in the organization.
Anish believes that being able to see how the work is done plays a pivotal role in the success of all Lowe’s associates across the world. He feels that each associate embodies the mantra - Putting The Customer First. What’s important to him is how the teams have come together during the good and the difficult times; it has paved the way for how Lowe’s sees itself. Anish is grateful to be part of a team that not only celebrates wins together but also regroups, learns, and moves ahead from losses.
With the way the pandemic has reshaped the world, Anish feels that Lowe’s has been able to meet those changes head-on. This manifested in different ways through the last year - coming together as an extended family to help one another or even to be a shoulder for associates to cope with losses some families have faced. In fact, 2021 has been about supporting communities that Lowe’s is a part of - partnering NGOs or driving green initiatives, for instance.
Sure, the year has tested the world’s mettle than ever before but the Lowe’s family has risen to the challenges. It has come out successful on the other side. And this is why, Anish believes that it’s Lowe’s wonderful people that that make this place, his home away from home.
Lowe’s inclusive policies made motherhood more fulfilling for Chaitra Kamath
Three years ago, Chaitra Kamath joined Lowe’s HR department and has been with several teams since then. True to Lowe’s core value - Focus on Customers - Chaitra is grateful that her managers always made her, and her family, feel like a valued ‘customer’. In fact, she has an interesting story to tell.
“The work-from-home situation coincided with the first trimester of my pregnancy. My manager checked in on me regularly and accommodated my requests for any time off needed for checkups. I was also able to plan my transition and ensure a smooth handover before going on maternity leave. Lowe’s created a conducive environment where I could focus on my baby. Post my leave, my leaders and team also accommodated my requests to take breaks during work hours so I could tend to my child.
Before my leave, I had expressed my interest in exploring Business Partnering roles with my manager. As soon as I resumed work, I learned of a new opening in that team but didn’t really consider it; I had come back to my team just recently, after all. However, Vani, my manager, and my HRBP Lubna both nudged me to apply. I threw my hat in the ring and I was selected! Now, I’ve taken on a new role as an HR Business Partner. Lowe’s Internal Job Posting (IJP) policies are simply fantastic. The fact that a newly returned mother with zero prior experience in the space was encouraged and successful in her attempt is a testament to Lowe’s encouragement for associates to grow.
I didn’t realise how conducive Lowe’s work culture is for new mothers until I entered the world of motherhood myself. The organization’s environment is extremely empathetic towards a mother’s journey
I cherish sharing so many memorable moments in my life with my Lowe’s family. And I’m so glad to have been a part of theirs!”
At Lowe’s, we’re fighting the COVID-19 battle together as one: Neelam Singh
Neelam Singh, Senior Specialist - Inventory & Payment Accounting
While fighting this battle against COVID-19, we at Lowe’s are all in this together. We are one big, happy, and helpful family striving hard to be better and generous every day. On one Monday, I woke up with the idea of going to work but then I came back to the current reality of working from home, sitting on the couch with my lovely daughter next to me. It was a whole different feeling, but I adapted to the new normal.
However, the coffee mug, the virtual discussions, and team meetings give me a lot of positive energy. That invokes in me a spirit to contribute more towards the organisation and the society. After all, we are stronger together, and the positive environment that Lowe’s has given me enhances my strength and sets a positive outlook for me.
The last one and half years have been tough for us. But yet we stand solid as a team, succeeding in our endeavors and learning from our failures. Hats off to the courage, resilience, and spirit that we have shown together.
I take this opportunity to emphasize the fact that this too shall pass. Yes, we will soon dress up again for the office, sit on our office chairs, gossip at the coffee center, share our lunch, and work at our office desks. We will be enjoying our office trips and Friday lunch too. But till then, let us all stand together stronger, perform virtually, and continue to take care of our family, friends, and colleagues.
Lowe’s has helped me soar heights in my career: Monica Pirgal
Monica Pirgal, Senior Director – Legal, has been with Lowe’s for almost six years. She describes her journey with the company as a ‘roller coaster’. Here’s what she said.
“My time with Lowe’s has been extremely fulfilling and thrilling so far. Over the last seven years, I have seen Lowe’s India transform from its early days as an organization focused on building its retail tech capabilities to now, where almost a 4000 member strong team is supporting our global teams build for scale.
The most fulfilling part of the job is that I’m surrounded by the best and brightest minds around me – amazing colleagues, great managers, and inspirational mentors. The entire workplace feels like my family. In the last five years, Lowe’s has allowed me to dream and ensured that I follow those dreams. Right from the minute I joined, my professional aspiration was to head my department. Soon enough, it began to feel like everyone around me was as invested in my professional dream! My managers not only supported this pursuit but wholeheartedly aided this journey. They threw challenges at me, guided me, and set me up for success of the best kind. If I was to sum up my time with Lowe’s so far, I’ll say it has helped me to grow while it was growing.
This is so rare; very few organisations take employees along when they are on their success journeys. But Lowe’s has nurtured and invested in my professional growth and taken care of my wellbeing, and more so since the pandemic. These have been the most fulfilling six years of my career so far.”
Manjula Jayaprakash: A linguist with a flair for finance
Manjula Jayaprakash has a rare, interesting mix of talents. A part of Lowe’s ASCS Brands team, she joined the company’s finance department in January 2020 as a senior specialist. What sets her apart is that she is also a French linguist, a talent she has nurtured over time. She recalls the enriching experience at the beginning of her time at Lowe’s with leaders Dave Baummer and Vikram Sankarlingam. Manjula oversaw the training, handled a part of the team, and also worked with Lowe’s training partners – Ernst & Young – where she learned valuable skills like documentation and strategy. However, despite the fulfilling work, Manjula had a niggling feeling that she could do more with her excellent French skills. She finally had a candid conversation with her seniors about a possible team switch and was pleasantly surprised at their support. The leadership treated her request with empathy and facilitated a smooth transfer. Soon after, she had a seamless interview process before joining her current team. Within a week in the ASCS team, she was handed a big project that utilized all her core competencies across different Lowe’s departments. She learned about new tools and processes along the way, too. All of this was further laced with motivation by the leadership team. Today, Manjula has completed a certificate course from the Scrum Alliance, something that wouldn’t have been possible without her team’s motivation. Manjula is currently working hard on strengthening her project management skills. She hopes to be a senior project manager soon. She is also a proud LGBT+ ally and promotes a more inclusive and diverse workplace where all of her colleagues can bring their best selves to work every day.
Lowe’s India has introduced me to a new world of learning.
Kritika Sharma, Manager - Total Rewards, from our Human Resources team has a wonderful testimony to share.
It’s been 18 months since I joined Lowe’s India. Every day has been an enriching experience, right from learning new skills to forming a connection, not just with my teams but with cross-functional and business teams.
Lowe’s India helps me tap into the new world of learnings that groom me as a professional. There isn’t a dull day at work since I joined as whatever I do aligns with the organisation’s goals and that gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Creating a positive impact across our customers’ lives
Mohammed Saquib, Lead - Retail Operations Controller, from our accounting team, shares why he loves working at Lowe’s.
I have been with Lowe’s for close to two years now and have absolutely loved every bit of my time and experience here. It has been a great learning experience with all my leaders and teams in Bangalore and Mooresville. We started the transition of the accounting team a couple of years back and I had the pleasure to visit our Mooresville office and our stores. This was truly an unforgettable experience and makes me feel proud to work for a company which has such a large base and market share in the home improvement sector of the US and Canada.
Each day we do our best to serve our customers most efficiently. At Lowe’s, everyone is made to feel welcome and part of the large family which is going 100 years strong now. Together we will ensure, that the company continues to create a positive impact across all the lives we touch.
Lowe’s is leading the COVID-19 fight with empathy: Arun Padmanabhan
Arun Padmanabhan, Senior Director at Lowe’s, has spent almost a year at the company. In this short time, the organization already feels like home to him. Speaking about his experience, he says, “I am honored and privileged to be a part of Lowe’s and its centennial celebrations. As we mark our 100th anniversary, we are well-positioned to look toward the future and continue to raise the bar for the years to come.” Taking a big stride out of his comfort zone, Arun joined Lowe’s to challenge himself professionally.
His stint began with remote working, making him wonder if he would excel in the new reality. Fortunately, his inhibitions turned out to be unfounded. “Lowe’s inclusive work culture has helped me to learn and grow every day. I attribute this exhilarating experience to my peers and my teams across Bengaluru, the US, and Canada who have supported me on all fronts. A special mention to the leadership team who has always supported me in leading the Canada digital portfolio, giving me the freedom to make decisions,” he says.
Most of all, Arun is thankful to Lowe’s for helping employees during the pandemic. He recalls how the company has proactively prioritized the wellbeing of its associates, their families, and communities during the most trying times. “Lowe’s is leading the COVID-19 fight with empathy. They proactively provide financial support, access to medical consultation, and healthcare kits. They have helped associates, and my family and me, to stay safe. The vaccination drives organized by them were a boon at a time, especially when there was an acute vaccine shortage and long wait times,” he reminisces.
For now, Arun is thoroughly enjoying his stint with Lowe’s and is looking forward to several more fruitful years.
Why I love working at Lowe’s India
Rushali Sahu, Senior Software Engineer, from our Infrastructure Engineering team has a wonderful testimony to share.
“Working with different, amazing colleagues from various places and the powerful yet friendly environment makes this place amazing. It’s the best place and is focused on a safe and healthy environment for all associates. Apart from all this, I can’t forget the team outings/fun activities that give us a chance to explore new places and build a bond with different people across the team. Lowe’s has given me infinite memories for life.”
It has been such a pleasure and honor to be the part of an organization that is celebrating it’s 100th birthday: Vidya
It has been such a pleasure and honor to be the part of an organization that is celebrating it’s 100th birthday and probably, an experience of a lifetime. During my stint with Lowe’s which is just a little short of two years, I have had immense learning and gained diverse experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities along with the empowerment and trust that my leaders in India and US have shown and am truly amazed with global partnerships.
I have made some bold moves with my career choices at Lowe’s. While I was sure that I would give it my best, I was doubly sure of the encouragement and investment by my leaders in making this successful. Lowe’s investment through Women’s Leadership Summit in elevating my influence was significant.
Though I do not want to recall how hard a phase it was during COVID Wave 2, one thing that stood out for me is how as Lowe’s, we really sailed through it with utmost resilience and compassion. Numbers of initiatives were brought to life with agility, speed and collaboration. This speaks volumes about the empathetic and inclusive culture of our organization. Couple of months ago, I had a situation at home and the medical and moral support I received was unparalleled and I can proudly say Lowe’s is an extension of my family.
On a lighter note, my 5 yrs old once asked his ma’am – “Ma’am, my mama keeps getting gifts from her office for doing good job. When will I get mine because I have been finishing up my homework too”. It brought a chuckle and I was pleasantly surprised on how my son perceived those gifts and health care kit - an innocent moment for sure.
I can’t be more excited about my association with Lowe’s and really proud to work in one of the largest world-class retailers.
Stories from the heart
We continue to invest in our communities - Here’s Deepa’s story.
Meet Deepa. She is a 21-year-old from the Chikkamagalur district of Karnataka and belongs to an economically weaker section of society. Since childhood, Deepa has been a shy girl who found it hard to mingle with people and make friends. But Deepa had an interest in studies and wanted to pursue higher education. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, Deepa’s parents were unable to fulfill her dream of quality education. Her father being the only earning member of the family, could barely make ends meet. Moreover, her hometown is located in a very remote place, where it isn’t easy to get a decent education.
Lowe’s India, in partnership with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, successfully enrolled Deepa into the Livelihood Resource Centre Training Program. At the training center, Deepa learned to operate a computer and learned tools such as MS Word and Excel. She also learned how to communicate effectively in English. With the help of the trainers at Samarthanam, Deepa took part in various co-curricular activities and gave mock interviews conducted by the in-house placement team, which gave her the confidence to face the world and get employed. She gained tremendous confidence to interact with people and even make new friends.
Post-training, Deepa got placed at Cromā at the Customer Service Desk, earning a decent livelihood of ₹12,000 per month. Today, Deepa is independent and able to support her family. She is happy at her current job and grateful for the support from Samarthanam, which helped change her life.
We continue to invest in our communities - Here’s Krishna Murthy’s story.
Krishna Murthy U, aged 22 years, is from Ramanagara and suffers from a hearing impediment by birth. He is the eldest in the family and has a younger brother aged 15 years. His parents being poor were unable to get medical assistance. Being a differently-abled person Krishna Murthy completed high school studies with great difficulty. He was lagging behind in studies and was depending on the mercy of his classmates. Some helped and some mocked him. He experienced a kind of exclusion from his own people and friends. He developed low self-esteem and was unable to mingle easily with anybody. After the completion of high school studies, he too had the question “what is next?”
At this point in time, he came to know about Samarthanam Trust for the disabled and was elated about the training and placement support it offers to people with disabilities. With a hope to get employed, he enrolled himself for a 3-month training. With the help of trainers, especially sign language interpretation, he learned the basics of computers and developed the working knowledge of MS Office, internet access and navigation, learned to speak in English, and developed soft skills like communication, leadership, courage, and self-confidence. Through the training, he also got an opportunity to make new friends and extend his friends’ circle. Thus by the end of the 3-month training, he gained the knowledge and skillsets that would help him get employed with a decent salary. After the training, Krishna Murthy was prepared by the placement team to face interviews through inputs and mock interview sessions. That greatly benefited him and increased his confidence to face real-time interviews.
With the support availed to him by Samarthanam placement team he successfully and confidently cleared the interview at Innov (Amazon) and is placed as an Associate with a monthly salary of ₹14,000. He is very happy about the fact that he is no longer a dependent person. He can take care of himself and support his family with his earnings.
We continue to invest in our communities - Here’s Roopa’s story.
“She was treated weak, helpless and unfit”
This is the story of Roopa K.J. aged 24 years, physically challenged, from Chikkamagalur district and belonging to an economically weaker section of society.
She is the eldest daughter in the family and has one younger sister. Her parents are BPL cardholders and the family would manage their day-to-day needs with the subsidized ration provided by the Government.
Growing up was not easy for Roopa. Since she had a deformity in her legs and was treated as helpless, fragile, and unfit by her family members as well as her classmates. Unlike her other friends, she
was unable to function normally. She was very much dependent on her family members Withstanding all that she completes her 12th Standard. Due to financial constraints, her parents could not support higher
studies and she was at home not knowing what to do. Meanwhile, she also tried finding some job for herself but nowhere she could get a job because she had neither the working experience nor the skill
that needed for a decent job.
“Deformity in her legs couldn’t handicap her Spirit”
At this juncture, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled identifies this candidate with the help of the community mobiliser and enrolls her for the training
after counseling the candidate and the parents. During the course of this training program, she made use of all the learning opportunities and gained knowledge on computer basics (MS Word and Excel),
internet usage and navigation, digital platforms, etc. She also gained knowledge in English and exhibited fluency in communicative English. Along with the subject-specific knowledge she acquired soft
skills like leadership, stress management, and time management, client managerial skills, etc. After the completion of the training, Roopa was prepared to face interviews through career counseling, guidance,
and mock interview sessions by the Samarthanam in-house placement team. These preparatory sessions were very helpful and boosted her confidence level.
“I never thought that one day I will become an earning member in my family”
After preparing the candidate, she was taken for the job interview at Cromā for the post of Customer Service Desk. She successfully clears the interview at the first round itself and is placed
at Croma as a customer service Desk with a monthly salary of ₹12,000. She is very happy with her current job and confident of doing well. With her earnings, she is taking care of her needs on her own
and supporting her parents in running the family. She wants to become financially strong and also her family members lead a comfortable and dignified life. Roopa is extremely grateful to Samarthanam
for its timely intervention and for all the support she got thereafter, without which reaching this far would not have been possible.
We continue to invest in our communities - Here’s Lohith’s story.
Meet Lohith, a 24-year-old and from the Ballari district. Post completing his Bachelors in Commerce, he was not too serious about life, nor did he nurture an interest to build a good career. He comes from a lesser privileged section of the society, where the only breadwinner in the family is his old father. Owing to his age and poor health, it was getting difficult for Lohith’s father to manage work and daily needs. Lohith became helpless and felt concerned for his family.
He began to apply for multiple jobs and attended numerous interviews. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to bag a job. Facing constant rejections also began to affect his confidence levels.
Lowe’s India in partnership with Magic Bus “Get Into” Youth Skilling successfully enrolled him into the training program. With the encouragement of counselors and the support of trainers, Lohith got a boost of confidence. His communication skills and time management skills improved and he also learned about corporate work ethics.
Within a matter of days after his training, Lohith was placed at PAYTM Services Private Limited as a Sales Executive, earning a decent livelihood by making ₹19,167 per month. He is receiving accolades from his seniors for his excellent performance. Today, Lohith is a confident professional and a proud son who is independent and takes care of his family.
We Continue to Invest in Our Communities – here’s Deepak’s story.
Monica Pirgal, Senior Director – Legal, has been with Lowe’s for almost six years. She describes her journey with the company as a ‘roller coaster’. Here’s what she said.
“My time with Lowe’s has been extremely fulfilling and thrilling so far. Over the last seven years, I have seen Lowe’s India transform from its early days as an organization focused on building its retail tech capabilities to now, where almost a 4000 member strong team is supporting our global teams build for scale.
The most fulfilling part of the job is that I’m surrounded by the best and brightest minds around me – amazing colleagues, great managers, and inspirational mentors. The entire workplace feels like my family. In the last five years, Lowe’s has allowed me to dream and ensured that I follow those dreams. Right from the minute I joined, my professional aspiration was to head my department. Soon enough, it began to feel like everyone around me was as invested in my professional dream! My managers not only supported this pursuit but wholeheartedly aided this journey. They threw challenges at me, guided me, and set me up for success of the best kind. If I was to sum up my time with Lowe’s so far, I’ll say it has helped me to grow while it was growing.
This is so rare; very few organisations take employees along when they are on their success journeys. But Lowe’s has nurtured and invested in my professional growth and taken care of my wellbeing, and more so since the pandemic. These have been the most fulfilling six years of my career so far.”
We continue to invest in our communities - Here’s Priyanka’s story.
Priyanka is a native of Cox town. She completed high school in her native town. She lost her father at a tender age and saw her mother work hard and diligently as a helper at an industrial setup on the remuneration of ₹1,20,000 per annum to raise three children. Right after completing her higher education, she started exploring the ways to make herself skilled enough to get a job & support her family financially. During her search, she came across a pamphlet of the Lowe Disha project and visited the center to get herself apprised with the same.
At the center, she was informed about the initiative, retail skill trade, and placement opportunities in great detail. She informed her mother regarding her decision to enroll in the retail skill trade training. Her mother was reluctant to send her for training as she wanted her to pursue further studies but after analyzing their financial condition allowed her to pursue the same and supported her throughout the training.
After completing the joining formalities, which included a pre-screening round where the skill center in charge tried to understand her reasons for joining the program and motivation to build a career in the retail skill trade, she started attending the classes with sheer dedication. During the training, she was acquainted with both theoretical and practical exposure to the retail skill trade. The training set up designed by Lok Bharti is so diligent in nature that it provides a deep & profound frontage to the retail skill trade trainees.
Apart from the regular classroom training, she was also provided with weekly soft skills & mock interview sessions to build confidence to work in the retail industry and to grab a good job offer in the same in future. The regular class test and practice test papers helped her to gain a deep knowledge of the retail skill trade, get a reality check, and to prepare for the final assessment.
During the final days of training, the placement in charge started mapping the placement opportunities in the target and nearby areas which will suit her and thus lined up a few job interviews for her to appear in.
Fortunately with her hard work and good command of the retail skill trade knowledge she was offered an employment opportunity with Shivanji HR Solution Private Limited at the position of Multi-Tasking staff on an annual remuneration of ₹2,11,416.
We are glad to share that today due to Priyanka’s wise decision to enroll in this skill development program and because of her dedication and hard work she has uplifted her family’s combined annual income and has become a role model for her sibling and other youngsters in her neighborhood. Now she goes to work regularly with the motivation to provide higher education to her siblings, so they can achieve even greater things in life. She is grateful to Lowes India and their CSR project implementation partner Lok Bharti for providing her a stepping stone to achieve financial freedom and a prosperous future.
Lowe’s India, right from its inception, is consistently making efforts towards reaching out to the less privileged sections of society and contributing towards their betterment. The Disha Lowe Project, Banglore is focused on contributing towards the Skill India Mission by imparting need-based training towards building a skilled workforce full of energetic youth like Priyanka for the development of our nation as a whole. Lok Bharti is committed to contributing towards the social and economic development of the backward and underprivileged community through effective implementation of various skill development interventions like these and considers them a catalyst in improving the quality of life of the underprivileged population of India.
We continue to invest in our communities - Here’s Divya’s story.
Divya Bharathi is our 1st batch candidate. She is from Bomanahalli, Bangalore. Her family consists of 5 members including her. Her father is working as a Machine Operator in Karnataka Plastic Industry and her mother working as a Helper in Karnataka Plastic Industry. She has two younger siblings. Both are in school. She has completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from RJS College. Due to her family’s financial challenges and their responsibility to support her siblings, she could not go for further studies. Soon after completion of her graduation, she began looking for a job to support her family. However, due to the lack of communication and interview skills, she was unable to crack interviews.
How did we Help:
Initially, she lacked confidence and was unable to articulate her thoughts. She also needed to work on her soft skills, interview skills, and workplace-related skill.
Lowe’s Magic Bus Get Into Youth Skilling Program training helped her improve her confidence, polish her communication and interview, and decision-making skills. The training helped her learn how to identify
the root cause of any problem and work with the team to resolve it.As training progressed, we began to see the change in her. She was one of the dedicated students in the batch. Initially, our trainers
had to involve her in session-related activities. However, gradually, she became very active during the sessions and was completing all the assignments on time. We arranged job interviews after the completion
of her training. She secured a placement with Accenture.
Divya is working with Accenture as a Customer Support Associate with a CTC of ₹19,000 per month(₹2,28,000 per annum) We are really proud of her transformation. She has put in a lot of effort throughout her training. Divya says- “The training and placement support has helped me get a really good start for my career. I am glad that I found about Magic Bus and joined the program. I am grateful that MAGIC BUS is helping youths like me for training and placement and thanks to Lowe’s for their support.” Lowe’s Magic Bus Get Into Youth Skilling program has helped Divya acquire training followed by her placement. Her earnings have doubled her family income bringing them out of poverty.
We continue to invest in our communities - Here’s Swetha’s story.
Swetha N is our 3rd batch candidate. She is from Bangalore. She is 22 years old. She was indecisive about her career after completion of her Bachelor’s degree. She has 5 members in her family. Her father is a car driver and her mother does housekeeping jobs to provide basic needs for her family. She has 2 younger siblings. Due to the pandemic, her father was out of work, and her mother’s housekeeping work was not enough to provide for the basic needs of her family. The family was in financial crisis. Swetha felt the need to support her family. She decided to do a job and earn in order to support her family. She applied for jobs and attended many interviews. However, she was rejected due to the lack of communication and interview skills. She was feeling bad for not being able to help her family in need.
The intervention:
She came to know about Lowe’s Magic Bus India Foundation’s Get Into Youth Skilling Program through one of her friends. She visited our center and after speaking to
the trainers and center manager she realized the importance of the training for her career. She understood that training will help her in upskilling herself. She enrolled in our training program. At
the start of the training, she came across as a very shy and quiet girl. Our trainers encouraged her to start taking lead in the group activities which improved her communication and teamwork skills.
The transformation in her was possible due to her interest and continuous effort. The life skill sessions especially helped her boost confidence and enhanced her leadership skills. The spoken English
sessions helped her improve her communication skills and the IT sessions helped her get acquainted with skills that are helping her at the workplace.
The impact:
After completion of her training, Shwetha appeared for the interviews that we lined up for her. She got placed with Flipkart’s Grocery Unit as QC with a CTC of ₹1,44,000
per annum (₹12,000 per month). Her performance is setting new benchmarks in the organization and she is receiving accolades from her seniors. Today, she is a strong pillar of her family and an inspiration
to many in her society. Her parents are overwhelmed watching her take up all the responsibilities and are proud of her.
We are proud of Swetha. Her hard work has shaped her as a professional. She is an inspiration for her siblings and others in the community. Income from her job has doubled her family income and has helped her come out of poverty
We continue to invest in our communities - Here’s Abhilash’s story.
Abhilash M G comes from a very modest family background. His parents were worried about his son because Abhilash was unable to take up responsibilities. Abhilash himself needed some assistance, counseling, training, and guidance. He was unable to get a job and was dependent on his father for financial needs. He lacked communication skills, self-esteem, and confidence.
This lead to him running away from responsibilities. He had applied for many jobs and gave interviews. Due to the lack of interview-related skills, he couldn’t crack these interviews. Rejections discouraged him so much that he stopped trying. This made his parents worried. Abhilash comes from a small village called Manchenahalli, near Gowribidanur in Chickaballapur District, Karnataka. He completed his B.Com Degree from AES College, Gowribidanur. Currently, he is staying with his family in Anjinapura, Doddakallasandra, Bangalore.
How did we Help: He came to know about “Get Into” Youth Skilling implemented by Magic Bus and supported by Lowe’s in Bengaluru from one of his friends. During the enrolment counseling by our trainer, he realized, he needed to improve his skills to pave his career path. He found the program interesting and enrolled immediately. However, he was hesitant, timid, and had fear but he was trying to participate. He had a desire to learn new things. After few sessions with the constant encouragement and push from the trainers, he began to participate in all the activities. Slowly, he opened up and partook in all the group activities. Magic bus e-academy app helped him revisit the classroom session with the help of supporting study materials. He ensured that he was using maximum time going through study materials on our MB e-Academy platform during lockdown at home. He pushed himself out of his comfort zone, learned new things during the course. He overcome fear and started to lead the group/team during activities. Gradually, his communication improved. Today, he is confident enough to interact with unknown people. After the completion of the training program. He gave an interview with Bandhan Bank and his persistent effort paid off. He got selected.
Today, he is Working with Bandhan Bank as a Relationship Officer with a salary of ₹14,542 (CTC) per month. Today, the same young guy, who was rejected by so many companies because of a lack of confidence is independent and taking responsibility for his family as well as his future. He is an inspiration to many youths in his community. His parents are very happy and proud of him. He and his parents are thankful to Magic Bus and Lowe’s for giving him this opportunity and helping him to change his life.
