Archives March 2024

Vijayawada, 27th March 2024: The seventh Federal Skill Academy, a CSR initiative of Federal Bank, its Vijayawada Regional Office, and Kanuru Branch were inaugurated at Kanuru, Vijayawada. This historic triple inauguration marks a step forward in the commitment to local and national development, providing comprehensive banking services, administrative oversight, and advanced vocational training under one coordinated effort.

The premises were inaugurated by Ms Shalini Warrier, Executive Director of the Bank. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests – Dr K Jagan Mohan Rao, Chairman and MD, Nagarjuna Hospital, Dr Jagadish C Mudiganti, Registrar, Vellore Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh University, Ravi K Gujjula, Chief General Manager, APSSDC, Murali Krishna Vasireddy, President, FAPSMIA, Andhra Pradesh, Dileep B, Senior Vice President and Bangalore Zonal Head of the Bank, Anil C J, DVP & Head CSR of the Bank, R.Balachandran, CMD, SB Global Educational Resources Pvt ltd, K.V.Vinayarajan, CEO, SB Global Educational Resources Pvt. Ltd., other officials and executives from the bank and customers etc.

Offering state-of-the-art vocational training in various trades, the academy is poised to equip individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market, driving economic prosperity and reducing unemployment within the region. The inauguration of the Federal Skill Academy stands as a testament to the commitment to skill development and employment generation.

The Kanuru Branch will offer a wide range of financial services to meet the banking needs of individuals and businesses, fostering economic growth and financial inclusion in the region. Simultaneously, the Regional Office will serve as a central hub for operational excellence, ensuring that services across the various branches are streamlined and efficiently managed. This strategic placement within Vijayawada underscores the importance of regional dynamics in the overall growth strategy and aims to enhance service delivery and satisfaction.

The community’s response to the inaugurations has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing optimism about the potential impacts on local development and job opportunities. The comprehensive approach taken by these institutions is expected to set a precedent for similar initiatives in other regions, highlighting the importance of integrated development strategies.

Hyderabad, India; 27th March 2024 –Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY; hereafter referred to as “Dr Reddy’s”), a global pharmaceutical company, has entered into a license agreement with Pharmazz, Inc. (“Pharma”), a U.S. based biopharmaceutical company developing and commercialising drug products to treat critically ill patients, to commercialise the first-in-class innovative drug Centhaquine in India. Developed by Pharmazz, Centhaquine is a resuscitative agent presently indicated for the treatment of hypovolemic shock by the drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

As per the agreement, Dr Reddy has received exclusive rights to market and distribute Centhaquine in India. Pharmazz will be entitled to upfront payments and royalties. Dr. Reddy’s will market the product under the brand name Lyfaquin®, which it shall own. In addition to India, Dr. Reddy also receives marketing rights for Lyfaquin® from Pharmazzfor Nepal.

M.V. Ramana, Chief Executive Officer, Branded Markets (India and Emerging Markets), Dr. Reddy’s, said: “The partnership with Pharmazz and launch of this first-in-class drug marks the latest in our effort to enter into strategic collaborations to bring novel molecules to India to meet genuine unmet patient needs. The clinical studies for Lyfaquin® have demonstrated significantly better and promising outcomes, making it as a potential add-on drug in the management of hypovolemic shock and enhancing the current standard of care for its treatment in India.”

Dr. Prof. Anil Gulati, M.D., Ph.D., inventor, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pharmazz, said: “India’s emergence as a hub for developing and introducing innovative medicines is a remarkable achievement. It reflects the country’s growing capabilities in research and development within the pharmaceutical sector. It is a large step for Pharmazz to partner with Dr. Reddy’s, a leading global pharmaceutical company from India. For patients with hypovolemic shock, I believe Dr. Reddy’s is the best partner for Pharmazz to market Centhaquine, an innovative, first-in-class novel resuscitative agent, in India.”

Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening and often fatal condition. Severe loss of blood or fluids due to traumatic haemorrhage, postpartum haemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, post-surgical bleeding, diarrhoea or vomiting can cause hypovolemic shock, which may lead to multi-organ failure and death. India has a high prevalence of these conditions and high mortality due to these conditions. Data from various Indian studies and registries suggests a mortality rate of around 10 to 15% in traumatic haemorrhages despite the existing standard of care. This suggests a need for a novel resuscitative agent which can improve the existing standard of care.

Suroskie is thrilled to announce the expansion of its product line with the introduction of a range of hair oils. The company seeks to transform hair care by utilizing its knowledge of ingredients and advanced formulations. It is a combination of Ayurveda and science.

Suroskie is an Indian beauty and wellness brand offering luxurious products at affordable prices in the Indian market. These products are cruelty-free, clean, and chemical-free. They are curated considering market demands and concerns. Suroskie’s mission is simple yet powerful: to provide high-quality international skincare products to an Indian audience at accessible prices, ensuring that everyone can experience the luxury of premium skincare.

Range:

Champi Rituals – Hair Oil-

Suroskie’s natural hair oil is made from a variety of plant oils and can be used to nourish, protect, and condition hair. Examples of natural oils used in hair oils include Brahmi, coconut, Bhringraj, and almond oil. This helps to coat the hair with protective compounds, add shine, and lock in moisture. They also help to reduce frizz, add strength, and prevent breakage.

Dandruff Defence – Hair Oil –

Our dandruff defense oil has salicylic acid and olive oil to prevent dandruff. We also have fenugreek oil for lustering the hair, Brahmi oil for strengthening the hair, rosemary oil for improving blood circulation, peppermint oil for giving the natural shine, silkiness, smoothness, strength, length, & repair, and argan & amla oil for repairing damaged hair as split ends.

Chennai,27th March 2024: India – Bhumi NGO, in partnership with MellowByBel, is excited to announce the launch of the second edition of their Art Fundraiser Event. Scheduled to take place at Art Houz, Nungambakkam, Chennai, this event marks a pivotal moment in the city’s art and philanthropic calendar. The launch evening will kick off on 22nd March 2024, followed by an art sale from 23rd to 24th March 2024.

“We are happy to be associated with Bhumi NGO. Besides encouraging kids to express their creativity and talent, they greatly benefit from feeling included in making a tangible difference in the lives of the underprivileged. At the same time, it also instills a sense of social responsibility and the importance of coming together to make a difference as a society.” – Ms Belinda Sneha, MellowByBel

This event is more than an art exhibition; it’s a celebration of creativity, talent, and the generous spirit of the Chennai community. Bhumi NGO and MellowByBel invite art enthusiasts, philanthropists, and the general public to join hands in supporting a noble cause. The event will showcase the remarkable artworks of MellowByBel’s children and feature unique pieces by talented independent artists from across the city.

Event Details:

Launch Evening: 22nd March 2024, Friday

Art Sale Dates: 23rd – 24th March 2024, Saturday and Sunday

Venue: Art Houz, Nungambakkam, Chennai

The Art Fundraiser Event aims to raise funds for Bhumi’s programs, which are dedicated to providing education and whole-school transformation for less privileged children. By attending the event and purchasing art, participants will not only acquire beautiful masterpieces but also contribute to the future of countless children, offering them opportunities for a brighter tomorrow. “Art possesses the power to connect hearts and minds, transcending barriers to create a community that supports and uplifts one another. This event is a testament to the boundless creativity of young artists and the collective impact we can achieve through compassion and generosity.”- Shilpa Mishra- Director-Fundraising, Bhumi

Bhubaneswar: AIC-Nalanda, a leading technology business incubator, announced the winners of its cohort of HDFC Parivartan Startup Grants. This grant is dedicated to supporting startups with a focus on “Building Green Solutions for Smart Cities,” marking a significant stride toward sustainable development and innovation.

After a rigorous selection process, AIC-Nalanda chose the top 10 startups from among 70 applications to participate in the Parivartan Cohort 1.0 program. This program featured a comprehensive 2-week, 10-session Capacity-Building initiative called the S.I.G.M.A. Startup Accelerator Program in March 2024. Notably, the program witnessed the active participation of 10 mentors and esteemed investors from prominent venture capitalist firms such as Social Alpha, Inflection Point Ventures, and Fluid Ventures.

The culmination of this initiative was marked by the highly anticipated Winner Announcement Day, where four outstanding startups from the cohort were felicitated. Recycle Pay, Arc Robotics, Padverse, and Coco Boards emerged as the winners to receive the monetary grants.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Durga Prasad, CEO of AIC-Nalanda, expressed his excitement about the recent developments and emphasized the significant impact these supported startups would create in the sustainability sector. He highlighted the invaluable handholding support provided by the incubator along with the generous grants from corporates, paving the way for groundbreaking innovations.

On this occasion, Mr Nikhil Patra, Deputy Vice President, HDFC Bank said that, “We are delighted to collaborate with AIC-Nalanda to provide CSR grant to startups of the state. Through our CSR initiative Parivartan we are continuously helping startups through grants. We are in seventh years of our journey in Odisha and this time four startups are selected to whom we have provided Rs 30 lakh grant. Our focus areas are Agriculture, Technology, Artificial intelligence and others.”

HDFC Parivartan, a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by HDFC Bank, aims to foster sustainable economic and social development in India. Through thematic areas such as education, healthcare, livelihood enhancement, and environmental sustainability. HDFC Parivartan empowers communities and drives inclusive growth. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and impact, HDFC Parivartan plays a pivotal role in driving meaningful transformation and creating a brighter future for all.

Mumbai, 27th March 2024  WoodenStreet, India’s leading home furniture, décor, and furnishing brand, expands its footprint with the opening of a new store of Light Street, the lighting arm of WoodenStreet, in Mumbai. Through this move, they are advancing another leg of their rapid expansion strategy, which includes opening of 50 additional stores in over the next 18-24 months in metropolitan cities of Bangalore, Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jaipur, etc.

The second retail store of Light Street in Mumbai after the first successful launch in Jaipur, bringing in lighting solutions to fulfill customers’ diverse needs. The store houses a variety of lighting fixtures like table lamps, chandeliers, pendants, etc. to perfectly suit to the aesthetic wants and needs.

The new launch spanning across an area of 2500-3000 sq. ftis located at the prime location of the city, Andheri East. With this new launch, the company will be providing customers with more space to explore the premium lighting solutions under one roof.

“We are working extensively on our plans to magnify the reach of our products across nooks and corners of the country. This new store opening is dedicated to our commitment to providing customers with an unparalleled shopping experience and access to the latest lighting trends and designs,” said LokendraRanawat, CEO of WoodenStreet.

The company’s expansion is fuelled by its vision of being a leader in the lighting industry. With a projected revenue target of Rs 100-150 crore from the new in-house launch, the company aims to strengthen its market position.

Light Street by WoodenStreet is committed to providing customers with an exceptional shopping experience, combining high-quality products under affordable price tags. The brand’s expansion plans conclude in fulfilling the evolving needs of customers and at the same time, establishing a strong presence across India.

Mumbai, 27th March 2024: In today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape, organisations are increasingly relying on projects to achieve their strategic goals and objectives. However, effectively managing complex projects demands skills beyond traditional project management (PM) skills. Acknowledging the need to equip project managers with essential skills and effective tools and methodologies to navigate the complexities of modern projects, IIM Calcutta, ranked 4th by NIRF 2023, launched the Advanced Programme in Strategic Project Management in partnership with Emeritus, a global pioneer in offering accessible and affordable high-quality education to individuals and organisations.

This 9-month high-impact programme is meticulously designed for mid and senior-level executives aiming to spearhead strategic initiatives with a project-oriented approach. Additionally, it is also beneficial for individuals with direct or indirect experience of working on projects, aiming to transition between project management domains or prepare for more challenging roles in Strategic Project Management. It caters to those seeking a shift from project execution to steering project portfolios for business growth, aligning projects with organisational goals, fostering innovation through in-demand techniques, and honing their leadership skills for effective project and team management. Graduates (10+2+3) or diploma holders (10+2+3) from AICTE or UGC-approved universities with a minimum of nine years of work experience and a minimum of 50% in Graduation/Post Graduation can apply for this programme.

According to the PMI Talent Gap Report 2021, project management-oriented employment in India is expected to witness a remarkable 36% growth from 2019 to 2030. The global economy needs 25 million new project professionals by 2030. To close the talent gap, 2.3 million people will need to enter PMOE (Project Management-Oriented Employment) every year just to keep up with evolving demands. The IIM Calcutta Advanced Programme in Strategic Project Management aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of strategic project management principles, tools, and techniques. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical applications, participants will gain the expertise needed to navigate the complex landscape of modern project management.

The IIM Calcutta Advanced Strategic Project Management Programme, designed by renowned IIMC faculty, includes live online sessions totalling over 120 hours delivered by top IIM Calcutta faculty. It features profound case studies, simulations for real-time project decision-making, real-world actionable insights, peer-to-peer learning, and 7-day in-campus immersions covered in two visits. Additionally, participants engage in a Capstone project. The modules of this program cover macro perspectives, tactical and operational issues, as well as behavioural aspects of project management.

This programme will enable participants to:

• · Evaluate the impact of organisational structure and culture on project success.
• · Assess and manage project risks proactively to minimise negative impacts
• · Develop effective project financing strategies to support project execution.
• · Gain a 360-degree view on project leadership in the 21st century
• · Develop and implement project monitoring and problem-solving strategies to identify and resolve issues promptly
• · Implement effective communication strategies to keep stakeholders informed, engaged, and aligned throughout the project lifecycle
• · Demonstrate proficiency in crafting and implementing strategic project portfolios aligned with organisational goals

Commenting on the launch of the programme, Mohan Kannegal, CEO, India and APAC, Emeritus, said, “Today’s fast-evolving business landscape demands agile leaders who can navigate complex projects with strategic foresight. We are confident that IIM Calcutta’s Advanced Programme in Strategic Project Management will address the pressing need for strategic project management expertise, providing participants with practical tools and insights to lead projects successfully. As organisations increasingly focus on achieving strategic objectives through projects, this programme becomes essential for professionals looking to enhance their project management skills and contribute effectively to their firms. We at Emeritus remain committed to bringing high-impact programmes in collaboration with an esteemed institution such as IIM Calcutta that not only empowers professionals with the skills but also helps them navigate the market transformations.”

The programme is all set to begin on March 30, 2024, at a fee of INR 3,87,000 + GST taxes. Participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from IIM Calcutta on completing all evaluation components with minimum pass marks in the respective evaluation components and having a minimum attendance of 75%. They will also be eligible for IIM Calcutta executive education alumni status.

Pune, 26th March 2024; NIEM The Institute of Event Management – A vision crafted by Dr. Hoshi Bhiwandiwalla, established in 2000, Asia’s leading event management institute, renowned for its innovative approach. Dr. Bhiwandiwalla’s contributions, honored with the Rajiv Gandhi Rashtriya Ekta Award, have elevated NIEM’s stature, earning accolades like the EEMAX Global, Maharashtra Gaurav Award to name a few.

NIEM students expertise was showcased at their in-house event, the Event Manager of the Year Award on March 15th, attracting over 650 attendees. Participants from renowned institutions like D. Y. Patil College, JSPM University, MIT World Peace University, Prof. Ramkrishna More College, MMCC, AIMS College, Pratibha College, Modern College, Symbiosis College, VIT College, VIIT College competed fiercely, with Marathwada Mitra Mandal College, Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, and Allana Institute of Management Science emerging as winners.

The event featured captivating performances, highlighting NIEM students exceptional organizational skills. Distinguished guests like Sharad Sankla, TMKOC fame, and Dr. M. D. Lawrence, Vice Chancellor at Allana Institute graced the occasion, adding to its prestige.

The institute offers industry-recognized courses covering Event Production, Marketing, Accounts, Set Designing, Presentation Skills, Sound and Light Production, Wedding Planning and Decor, and much more emphasizing practical training with 70% of the curriculum dedicated to hands-on experience. While the celebration was joyous, Dr. Hoshi Bhiwandiwalla’s absence served as a poignant reminder of his visionary leadership. NIEM pays homage to his enduring legacy and invites individuals to contribute to its ongoing excellence in event management education.

As NIEM celebrates this milestone, it invites aspiring event managers to join its legacy. Only students at NIEM get the opportunity to work on renowned events like Filmfare, Zee Cine Awards, IPL, National and International Destination Weddings, Live Concerts, and more. NIEM also proudly boasts its 97% placement track record year after year in event planning & production, wedding decor & design, artist management companies, luxury event venues, and more. Admissions for the 2024-25 batch are open, offering individuals passionate about event management an opportunity to embark on a transformative educational journey.

Broadcom, under its CSR initiative, in collaboration with NGO United Way of Bengaluru (UWBe) and Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat, proudly announced the official inauguration of the ‘Rural Rising,’ an innovative integrated rural development program at Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat in Sultan Bathery block, Wayanad. The Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat has a population of 14,133. It is the second largest tribal-populated gram panchayat in the state. Recognizing the pressing need for comprehensive interventions, ‘Rural Rising’, an integrated rural rising program, was kickstarted.

Grounded in a meticulous need assessment, the initiative strategically addresses critical needs such as the health and nutritional needs of children through a unique Cooked Meal intervention and early education facilities for children.

Addressing the health and nutritional needs of children, particularly those malnourished and from the tribal communities, the Cooked Meal intervention was conceived to ensure the availability and accessibility of nutritious meals three times a day, six days a week, benefiting 315 children across 26 Anganwadi Centres. Six Community Kitchens have also started in six Anganwadi Centers, involving mothers in food preparation to foster healthier food habits at home.

Fifteen nutrition promoters, serving as influencers, are actively engaged in community mobilization under this initiative. They play a crucial role in conducting awareness sessions for mothers emphasizing the importance of consuming healthy and nutritious meals.

The positive outcome of the Cooked Meal intervention is evident, with a substantial improvement in children who were initially underweight. In September 2023, 79% reached a normal height-to-weight ratio, marking a positive trend with 81% in October and an impressive 85% in November.

Addressing the need to create a conducive early learning environment for children, 26 Anganwadi Centres have been revamped, aligning with ICDS guidelines. The transformation of Anganwadi Centres to safe and conducive learning spaces includes new facilities and services, infrastructure support, and the establishment of play areas.

Recognizing the crucial role of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), the ‘Rural Rising’ initiative also focussed on building the capacities of 200 AWWs and AWHs in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) related skills. This is helping to enhance the quality of services at the AWCs and interactions between caregivers and children, making the entire Anganwadi ecosystem child-friendly.

As expressed by one of the retd. Anganwadi Workers, “In my 39 years of service, I have seen many AWCs located in the forest area grapple with challenges. Today, I express heartfelt gratitude for the positive changes in the AWCs – the introduction of play areas and other improvements ensures a nurturing and vibrant environment for children’s growth and well-being. “

For the initiative, a new milestone was achieved today, as one of the refurbished Anganwadi Centres was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Renu Raj IAS, the District Collector and District Magistrate, who was present at the event. Dr. Raj said, “Ensuring kids aged 0-6 grow up in a safe and nurturing environment is crucial. This early phase is a big chance for positive development. Investing and putting effort into these early years can build the foundation for a thriving society in the next 20 years.”

Other delegates present today included govt. officials from the Women and Child Development Department, representatives of the Panchayat and team from United Way Bengaluru.

“The intervention is designed on a ‘convergence model,’ focussing on the strength of every stakeholder. In partnership with the local administration and our CSR partner Broadcom, this collaborative effort is significantly contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4 – Quality Education,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.

Bengaluru: 25th  March 2024: The National Conference on Gender and Inclusion was organized by Presidency University, Bengaluru, Centre for Development Policy and Practice, and GOONJ, in collaboration with Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) and Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) on 14th March 2024 at Presidency University campus. The conference was a prominent event in the ongoing discourse surrounding gender dynamics in the Indian workforce. The theme of the conference for this year was ‘Women in the Workforce.’ The conference was packed with insightful sessions and esteemed speakers that aimed to shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for fostering gender equality and inclusion in the labour market.

The inauguration of the conference witnessed a thought-provoking Presidential address by the Chief Guest Ms. Vinita Bali, a global business leader and former CEO of Britannia Industries. Her insights, garnered from her extensive experience in the corporate realm, set the tone for deliberations throughout the day. The conference featured a stellar line-up of esteemed guests, including Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan, Chief Impact Officer of Sambhav Foundation & Chairperson of LabourNet, who delivered a special address, where she shared 8 short stories that highlighted the gender-based perceptions and discrimination. Vasudevan’s expertise in social impact and labour dynamics added significant value to the discourse on gender and inclusion. The keynote address delivered by Ms. Rukmini S., author and independent data journalist delved deeper into “What the Data Says: On Gender and the Workforce”.

Speaking at the inauguration, Registrar of Presidency University, Dr. Sameena Noor Ahmed Panali reiterated her belief that acknowledging the profound significance of women’s participation in the workforce is not just a pursuit of social justice, but a vital catalyst for economic prosperity. She highlighted Presidency University’s active involvement in supporting Gender and Inclusivity for the past five decades that helped uplift and sustain 60% of women in various leadership roles across their schools, colleges, and University.

Dr. Anubha Singh in her address stated that gender equality requires more than just acknowledging women’s achievements. It demands a paradigm shift in our mindsets and workplaces. At Presidency University, we firmly believe that gender equality is not just a goal, but a fundamental principle. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women can excel in academics, research, and leadership roles.

Dr. Anubha Singh reiterated that this conference offers a valuable platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaborative action. We will hear from renowned thought leaders, industry experts, and women themselves who have shattered glass ceilings and carved their own paths to success. She motivated all the delegates present by stating that together, we can build a world where gender is not a barrier to success, but a source of strength and diversity.

The heart of the conference was its panel discussions, where experts from diverse backgrounds converged to dissect critical aspects of women’s participation in the workforce.

Panel Discussion 1 on “Women in the Workforce: What the Data Says”, chaired by Dr. Abusaleh Shariff, Executive Director and Chief Scholar at the US-India Policy Institute, delved into the data surrounding women in the workforce. Accompanying him was Dr. Subhashini Muthukrishnan, Registrar and Professor at St. Joseph College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and Dr. Priyanka Dwivedi, Assistant Professor at Chanakya University, Bengaluru, Dr. Sridevi Tandley, ML Solutions Evangelist, Renowned Speaker & Educator. The panelists looked at different data points analyzing the participation of women in the workforce. Explanations and theories were sought to explain the declining trend of female labor force participation. Concepts such as human capital, low household decision-making, poor economic status and reproduction and childcare were discussed. Numerous contradictions were identified in PLFS data, with specific focus on rural, urbans, wage-work and casual work and self-employment. Their insights helped provide a nuanced understanding of the statistical trends and underlying factors influencing female labour force participation rates.

Panel Discussion 2, ‘Woman in the Workforce: Tackling Challenges and Way Forward’, chaired by Ms. Puja Marwaha, CEO of CRY (Child Rights and You), focused on tackling challenges and charting a way forward for women in the workforce. With Dr. Vinod Vyasulu, a Senior Economist and Professor, and Ms. Soma Wadhwa, a Senior Research Fellow at CDPP and Associate Professor at the School of Modern Media, UPES, the panel delved into the multifaceted challenges encountered by women both prior to and after entering the workforce. Topics spanned the necessity of legislative frameworks alongside their practical implementation to foster workplace inclusivity. Regional disparities were explored, highlighting the discrepancy between educational attainment and employment opportunities. Furthermore, the discourse underscored how the digital divide exacerbates these challenges for women.

The 3rd and final Panel Discussion on ‘Women in the Workforce: Learnings from the Grassroots, moderated by Mr. Anshu Gupta, Founder of Goonj, grassroots perspectives took centre stage. Featuring voices such as Ms. Kamini Kumari, Secretary of Aapka Aanchal, Bihar, Ms. Uthara Narayanan, Founder of Buzz Women, Bengaluru, and Ms. Hemlata Rajput from Shrijan Kalyan Samiti, Raipur, they shared personal experiences of navigating the workplace as women at the grassroot levels and delved into the obstacles hindering women’s entry into the workforce. Concluding, they emphasized the importance of reshaping narratives and highlighted themselves as beacons of hope for societal, cultural, economic, and political progress.

Following the panel discussion, the academic discourse was enriched by paper presentations, offering a platform for scholars and researchers to present their findings. The papers focused on various aspects of women in the workforce in India. The topics of the papers ranged from qualitative analysis of workspace in an urban setting to the problems faced by marginalized women in rural parts of the nation.

The valedictory address was provided by Ms. Meenakshi Gupta, Co-Founder, Goonj, who encapsulated the day-long conference’s key takeaways and encouraged the members present to find innovative ways and means to support gender equality and inclusivity.

In essence, the National Conference on Gender and Inclusion at Presidency University. Bengaluru was a prominent platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. By harnessing the collective wisdom and expertise of diverse stakeholders, this conference endeavored to foster an environment where women not only participate but thrive in the workforce, thus paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.