The Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) has launched ‘Drive4Progress’, an initiative dedicated to developing driver skills among India’s youth. This endeavor aims to train and provide employment opportunities to over 1,500 young individuals, including women, hailing from Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal over the next three years.
Official Statement
The importance of such upskilling programs for India’s youth cannot be overstated. Shri. Gaurav Singh, addressing this at the event, said, “The ‘Drive4Progress’ program is integral to the government’s vision of narrowing the skill gap in the country. Hyundai Motor India Foundation’s active involvement demonstrates how corporations can partner with the government to address the critical need for skilled manpower. This contribution will undoubtedly contribute to the country’s socio-economic development and make India a powerhouse of skilled talent.”
Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., underlined the program’s significance, stating, “Hyundai’s ‘Progress for Humanity’ vision extends to HMIF, which seeks to address the growing demand for skilled manpower in India. The ‘Drive4Progress’ initiative directly contributes to fulfilling this vision by creating a pool of skilled drivers. Additionally, by including women in this program, Hyundai aims to promote inclusivity and foster women’s empowerment, breaking down gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. This initiative is committed to empowering the ‘Future of India’ with the necessary skills required to navigate the road to success.”
Key Aspects of ‘Drive4Progress’:
- The program comprises three stages: mobilization, training, and employment creation.
- Over 1,500 beneficiaries in 15 cities across 5 states will undergo 45 days of comprehensive training, including theory, soft skills, and practical driving lessons in their respective local languages.
- As part of ‘Drive4Progress,’ HMIF and Navjyoti will support students in obtaining permanent driving licenses, with graduating students receiving certification from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) after successfully completing training and assessments.
- The initiative will focus on facilitating wage employment for a minimum of 70% of the beneficiaries, while the remaining will have opportunities for self-employment.
The ‘Drive4Progress’ initiative is a powerful step towards ensuring a brighter future for the youth of India. It aligns with Hyundai’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and upholds the vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’