Quietly and Efficiently
Hearing impaired and non-speaking, but fluent in dedication. At KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad, 36-year-old Venkanna Pandi proves inclusion is not sympathy, but it is recognising ability.
A B. Com graduate from Kunchamarti village, Arvapalli in Nalgonda district, Venkanna Pandi joined KIMS Hospital on August 1, 2018. Supporting a family of five, he came with no voice to explain himself, but with a rare will to work.
Under KIMS’ Diversity and Inclusive hiring initiative, he was given an equal opportunity. No, not out of charity, but confidence in his sincerity and willingness to learn. Disability, the management decided, would not be a barrier.
Language of Work
Deployed in back-end F&B operations where verbal interaction is minimal, Venkanna has created his own language of efficiency. He communicates through hand gestures, signs, written notes and visual SOP charts. His colleagues and supervisors understand him, support him and, more importantly, respect his rhythm.
A typical working day involves work in the back-end operations section where the interaction with other employees is minimum. This set-up helps him grow on his strengths while discharging his duties earnestly. He comes on time, every time. He closes tasks on time, with quality.
“I am hardworking and confident. Disability is not a barrier”— Venkanna Pandi
Punctual & Precise
Ask what makes him stand out and his supervisor lists everything: Punctuality, Discipline, Eye for detail, Cleanliness, Dedication, Teamwork. Venkanna remembers requirements of doctors and colleagues without them placing an order. A coffee exactly how they like it, a table set before being asked.
In a hospital where service is measured in seconds, his silent anticipation speaks loud.
Challenges
Initially, understanding F&B complexities was tough. The team stepped in — training him visually, demonstrating processes, pairing him with buddies. KIMS tweaked deployment to build his independence, keeping him in low-communication zones first. He turned that support into confidence. He never asked for sympathy, informs the company.
He works like any other individual and has proved disability is not inability. His presence has changed how the team looks at inclusion.
Smile With Service
What does he enjoy most? “Associating with a Big Brand of Healthcare.”. What makes him happy? “Smile with Service. Colleagues love it.” For him, hospital work means “Serving the needy, directly or indirectly.”
Supported most by his parents and colleagues, his message is simple: “I am hardworking and confident. Happily working.”
His dream? To settle in a government job. Until then, he continues to serve — silently, sincerely.
His supervisor sums him up in one line: “He does excellent work.”
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