Godrej Consumer Products (GPCL) has come up with a film that celebrates the spirit of diversity and inclusion in its workforce. To commemorate International Labour Day, the company has launched a moving digital film titled Hands that Speak. The film pays tribute to the persons with disabilities (PwD) working at GCPL’s greenfield manufacturing facility, in Tamil Nadu.
In addition to 50 per cent women employees, the plant has five per cent representation from people with disabilities (PWD) and LGBTQIA+ communities.
The film features GCPL employees, including individuals with hearing and speech disabilities, who narrate their stories through Indian Sign Language (ISL) with subtitles for. The film celebrates how the hands of these employees become powerful voices of strength, precision, and pride. Set against the backdrop of a bustling factory floor, the film redefines communication and contribution, acknowledge not just what individuals do but who they are.
The hearing and speech impaired employees take the lead—sharing their story not with spoken words, but with their hands. Going beyond merely building, packing or creating volumes, these hands symbolise pride, identity, and an unspoken strength that says it all.
Hands that Speak redefines traditional notions of voice, communication, and contribution. It offers an intimate glimpse into a world where silence is not a barrier but a language, where employees feel the rhythm of machines, contribute with precision, and speak volumes through purposeful action.
A 2021 report by UnearthInsight, India houses nearly 30 million persons with disabilities (PwDs), and yet only 11 per cent are meaningfully employed. With this initiative, GCPL not only celebrates its people but also calls for systemic change in industries to unlock opportunities, open doors, and build truly inclusive workplaces.
Sandhya Ramesh, general manager, diversity equity and inclusion, Godrej Consumer Products, said, “GCPL’s Chengalpattu factory’s commitment to respect and fairness, inspires meaningful change – both in the workplace and beyond. Hands That Speak is a celebration of the incredible contributions of people with disabilities in our workforce. On Labour Day, we honour not just the work, but the spirit and individuality behind it. We hope this film sparks conversations and action across industries to make employment more accessible and equitable.”
The film is part of GCPL’s ongoing efforts to champion equity in employment, highlight the power of silent strength, and inspire organisations to build a more inclusive labour force.
