In a significant stride towards boosting India’s GDP and accelerating gender equity, Avtar Human Capital Trust, the non-profit arm of Avtar Group—India’s foremost Diversity, Equity & Inclusion solutions firm — hosted the 10th edition of Udyog Utsav 2024 at Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts & Science (KCLAS), Coimbatore.

The event saw full participation, underscoring the growing commitment to empowering young women and driving their career ambitions.AHCT has successfully been hosting Udyog Utsav, the annual career visioning conference, in multiple cities including, Coimbatore, Puducherry and Chennai for the last few years. The conference is conducted exclusively for girls studying in government and corporation schools, guiding them towards a future where their contributions can significantly bolster the nation’s economy.

With over 400 girl students from government schools in Coimbatore and nearby towns participating, this event is a testament to the potential impact of integrating women more robustly into the workforce — a move that could bridge the gender gap faster than predicted for India.

The Chief Guest,Hema Annamalai, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Green Collar Agritech Solutions, Coimbatore, awarded prizes to winners of the Talent Search Competition held for Puthri Scholars. Special guests, Mr. R. Gunasekaran, CEO of Education, Corporation Schools, Coimbatore Corporation, and Ms. Ramadevi Sennakesavan, Talent Manager at BOSCH, honored schools that actively participated in the Udyog Utsav.

Project Puthri is India’s first ever developmental project that seeks to create Career Intentionality among underprivileged girl students. From the time of its launch five years ago by Avtar Human Capital Trust, Project Puthri has changed the destinies of over 19,000 girls studying in Government and Corporation Schools in 12 districts of Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Udyog Utsav, a one-of-its-kind initiative by Project Puthri turns the spotlight on India’s underprivileged daughters to enable them to choose educational courses and career paths from a variety of options.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Social Entrepreneur, Founder – President, Avtar Group and the Managing Trustee of AHCT said, “A career is more than just a job; it’s a means to shape your identity, achieve financial independence, and leave your mark on the world. To reach the heights you aspire to, you must be focused on your goals and proactive in your journey. The world is constantly changing, and so are the opportunities available to you. It’s essential to keep up, embrace challenges, and continuously learn and grow.”

Furthermore, Dr Saundarya highlighted the importance of the GPS framework—Grit, Practicing Self-discipline, and Shaping the journey towards a career — with complete focus. This framework, she explained, is vital for young women to navigate the challenges ahead and contribute meaningfully to India’s economic growth.

Hema Annamalai, Co-Founder and Chairperson, Green Collar Agritech Solutions addressing the students, said “As future citizens of India, one of the things that youth must do is look around their environment, pick up challenges that can be solved by using technology. As citizens of tomorrow, the youth must begin taking baby steps by volunteering towards a cause that is closest to their hearts. Besides, conferences such as Udyog Utsav provide the right platform to enable young girls to make the right career choices.”

“Make use of the industry leaders who are present here, understand the options that are available, build your careers to make the country’s future bright,” added Hema Annamalai.

Addressing the Puthris, Dr DEEPESH Chandrashekar, Vice Principal, KCLAS, said,

“NGO’s like project puthri bridge a big gap between the resources and the beneficiaries. Make sure you choose right, choose a good career. Do your best to achieve your dreams, when you grow everyone grows.”Udyog Utsav provided these girls with exposure to over 40 skill sets, equipping them with the knowledge to build purposeful careers. With participation from more than 20 leading corporations—including Bosch Global Software Technologies, Cognizant, Deloitte India, and Reliance Retail Ltd.— as well as prestigious educational institutions, the event offered a comprehensive view of the diverse career opportunities available in various industry sectors.

More than 20 corporates including Bosch Global Software Technologies Private Limited, Cognizant, Project Management Institute Chennai Chapter, Landmark Group, Reliance Retail Ltd., Zf Wind Power Coimbatore Pvt. Ltd, Deloitte India, Emerald Jewel Industry India Ltd, ITC Limited, Bradken, Lakshmi Ring travellers, Epic Coating Academy, educational institutions such as KCLAS, RVS Group of Institutions, Shri Nehru Maha Vidyalaya College of Arts & Science, Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital, RVS Engineering & Technology , Avinashilinagam Institute of Home Science and Higher Education, Vanavarayar Institute Of Agriculture for women offered knowledge at the conference.

The students got an opportunity to understand the career opportunities that are present at different industry segments. The career visioning conference gave the girl students a chance to envisage the possibilities of career, scholarship, internships, and future careers for them to make discretionary choices towards their career paths.