Pushkar Pendse, Deputy General Manager at Godrej Agrovet, has carved an unstoppable journey despite facing a lot of adversity. In 2004, an on-duty accident left him with multiple traumatic injuries, resulting in a 70% disability. Undeterred, Pushkar gradually adjusted to his new reality.

Initially with ASTEC, his workplace at the time exhibited commendable ethics. Refusing to let disability define him, they provided opportunities across various departments such as administration and Management Information Systems (MIS), steadily expanding Pushkar's potential. In 2016, Godrej Agrovet took over ASTEC, marking the beginning of Pushkar's seven-year-long association with the Godrej.

Describing Godrej Agrovet as a wonderful workplace, Pushkar emphasizes the absence of discrimination or negative perceptions towards individuals with disabilities. “The company prioritises its employees' health and well-being above all, recognising its positive impact on productivity,” he says.

To him, the open-mindedness of Godrej's employees stands out. They seamlessly integrate with their colleagues, avoiding drawing unnecessary attention to differences.

Godrej One, where Pushkar works, is designed with inclusivity in mind. Accessible entrance ways, lifts, escalators, and wheelchair-friendly provisions ensure a workplace that accommodates everyone, regardless of physical abilities.

For Pushkar, inclusion goes beyond physical accommodations; it's about subtle support during moments of distress without making a big show of it. His colleagues at Godrej exemplify this ethos.

Prior to his accident, Pushkar was an avid trekker with a deep love for the outdoors. Though unable to fully indulge in outdoorsy activities post-injury, he refuses to give up! Recently, he finished the challenging, 16-km-long Raigad pradakshina i.e., circumventing the Raigad fort, with 23 colleagues from the Mahad Godrej Agrovet factory.

The trek was not an easy one. It involved slippery terrains, steep climbs and descents. While most completed it in five and a half hours, Pushkar took eight. Some of his colleagues stayed by him till the end without imposing help—which was just what he needed. “What touched me the most was how casually wonderful everyone was.”

Text by Prithvi Vatsalya. Image by Vishnu Harinath G.