Project Puthri: Empowering Women & Careers
Project Puthri: Empowering Women & Careers
Empowering Communities,
Transforming Lives Nipuni
Project Puthri Career Pathing
Puthri Men
Scholarship Impacting
Program Trust & Respect
From our
Founder’s Desk
As we navigate our community’s journey,
staying connected is more important than ever.
In this edition, you’ll find highlights of our recent
initiatives, upcoming events, and inspiring
stories of resilience.
Thank you for being an integral part of our
mission. Together, we can make a difference!
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Annual
Volunteer Meet
The volunteers are the biggest part of our
ecosystem. The annual meeting to honour
their commitment and dedication took place
in April.
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3 editions of
Udyog Utsav at TamilNadu
Udyog Utsav is a marquee career visioning
conference which bridges the gap between
opportunity and platform providers like
corporates and institutions and our
benficaires. The 10th, 11th and 12 th editions of
the conference took place at Coimbatore,
Chennai and Trichy.
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Puthri
Scholarship Program
Financial assistance is provided to scholars
who are studying at various colleges across
Tamilnadu. The Puthri Scholarship program
promotes tertiary education among
underprivileged scholars by means, of
collaborating with like-minded organizations.
Read more...
Nipuni
Career Pathing Program (NCP)
Nipuni Career Pathing Program was
launched on November 16th. Here are a few
updates from NCP.
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MITR
Men Impacting Trust &
Respect
MITR sessions are gaining momentum
across the 3 major locations. The program
is fetching feedbacks that turn head and
make us realize the importance of grass
root level interventions for bringning
gender sensitivity.
Read more...
Read more...
Read more...
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January 2025
From our
Founder’s Desk
As I reflect on the journey we’ve undertaken, I am filled with immense pride and purpose. What started as a vision to
empower underprivileged young girls has now blossomed into a movement that is shaping the future of our nation.
Today, with 20,950 lives impacted, 5,463 transformative sessions, and over 8,195 hours of intervention, Project Puthri
stands as a beacon of hope and progress. Our recent Doing Good for Bharath 2024 Awards for Grass root actions for
Women and Inclusion, a recognition we hold dearly, is not just an accolade—it is a testament to the collective
determination of our partners, supporters, and volunteers.
This year, we have unlocked new possibilities with the launch of the Nipuni Career Pathing Program. This initiative
marks a significant leap forward, embracing a hybrid model that bridges gaps in education and employability. By
integrating digital tools and innovative assessment methods, Nipuni is setting a benchmark for what the future of
career education looks like. With two MoUs signed and four more in the pipeline, this program is poised to become a
cornerstone of our ecosystem.
Equally transformative is MITR, our gender sensitization initiative that is building male allies in schools across Tamil
Nadu. Recognized at the PMI Awards, MITR exemplifies the power of grassroots change, breaking stereotypes and
fostering respect and trust among the next generation. Complementing these efforts, the Puthri Scholarship Program
has opened doors to tertiary education for 187 young women, empowering them to take their place as leaders in society.
Our mission aligns seamlessly with the global goals of SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 4: Quality Education. We believe
that sustainable impact comes from an ecosystem where every individual—be it a volunteer, a corporate partner, or a
donor—plays a pivotal role. Today, more than ever, we need your involvement to ensure that initiatives like Nipuni scale
new heights.
To our stakeholders, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your unwavering commitment fuels our journey and inspires us to
push boundaries. Together, we are not merely enabling careers; we are crafting a legacy—a legacy where young women
dream with confidence, learn with purpose, and lead with conviction.
Let us continue to shape this extraordinary narrative, one initiative at a time, and build a future where every life we
touch becomes a catalyst for change.
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January 2025
Prayag
Annual
Volunteer Meet (PRAYAG)
April 27th marked the confluence of our volunteers at Prayag- the annual volunteer meet of Avtar Human Capital Trust.
The program took place in Madras School of Social Work. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Saundarya Rajesh,
Managing Trustee, AHCT. Mr. Umasanker Kandaswamy, Trustee and Mr. Karthik Ekambaram, Co- founder of Avtar
Group presided the event, while the chief guest for the event was Mr. Harish Jayesh, Vice President Strategy, Growth and
Operations, Comcast. The event was filled with colour full performances from our Volunteers including dance, poetry,
music and skit.
The volunteers were given away sapling and mementos for their stellar contribution in making the project a huge
success in the last academic year.
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January 2025
Udyog Utsav
Career Visioning Conference
Coimbatore Chennai Tiruchirappalli Fraternity Feedback
Udyog Utsav
Coimbatore
On August 31, 2024, the 10th Edition of Udyog Utsav was successfully hosted by Avtar Human Capital Trust at
Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts & Science in Coimbatore, drawing attention to career opportunities for over 400
underprivileged girl students from local government schools. Key figures at the event included Ms. Hema Annamalai,
who awarded talent competition winners, and industry representatives like Mr. R. Gunasekaran and Ms. Ramadevi
Sennakesavan, who acknowledged participating schools. With collaboration from more than 20 corporate partners and
educational institutions, including Bosch, Cognizant, and Deloitte, attendees were encouraged by Dr. Saundarya Rajesh,
who emphasized the importance of viewing careers as opportunities for financial independence and personal growth,
highlighting her "GPS framework" (Grit, Practicing Self-discipline, Shaping the Journey) as a roadmap for success.
Sponsors form the backbone of successful events. Bosch, as the Gifts Sponsor, added charm through generous
offerings, while the Rotary Club of Madras Vadapalani motivated participation with impactful prizes. RVS College of
Engineering & Technology, the RVS Group, and Shri Nehru Maha Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science
ensured seamless transportation logistics. Epic Coating Academy, part of B K Groups, enriched the ambiance as the
Refreshment Sponsor.
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January 2025
Udyog Utsav
Career Visioning Conference
Coimbatore Chennai Tiruchirappalli Fraternity Feedback
Udyog Utsav
Chennai
On October 26, 2024, the 11th edition of Udyog Utsav, a transformative career visioning conference organized by Avtar
Human Capital Trust (AHCT), was held at Asan Memorial College of Arts and Science, Chennai. Attracting over 500
Puthri scholars, this annual event aims to empower young girls from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue
white-collar careers and break socio-economic barriers.
Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Trustee of AHCT, delivered an inspiring keynote address celebrating a 25-year
commitment to gender inclusivity and increasing women’s participation in India’s workforce. Highlighting the
significance of Udyog Utsav, she referred to the Puthri scholars as the “architects of our developed India,” emphasizing
the importance of mentorship and resources in achieving a gender-balanced workplace.
The Puthri Scholarship Distribution event was led by Mr. Kannan Subramanyam, Principal Engineer at Harman,
alongside Mr. Kishore, the HR Business Partner at Harman. The special guest address was delivered by Mr.
Subramaniam Kannan, Principal Engineer at Harman, who shared insights and inspiration for the scholarship
recipients. The event also included the certificate and prize distribution for the Talent Search Events, featuring
contributions from distinguished guests: Mr. Balaji Swaminathan, Director at Ramboll India; Ms. Gayathri Shankar, EDI
Head at Ramboll; and Mr. Mukesh Garg, Senior Director of Technology at Ramboll.
Another special guest address was given by Mr. Balaji Swaminathan, Director at Ramboll India, highlighting the
significance of recognizing talent and the impact of such initiatives.
This Udyog Utsav featured Mr. Arun Miranda, Managing Director of Astrotech Steels, as the Chief Guest. He praised the
project’s ethos of “Redesigning the destinies of girl children” and encouraged scholars to take full advantage of the career
guidance available. Dr. T.S. Shanthi, Principal of Asan Memorial College, highlighted the project’s success in showcasing
the intrinsic potential of the Puthri scholars.
With participation from over 20 leading corporations—including Cognizant, Pfizer, and Comcast—and workshops
addressing critical themes of youth empowerment and nation-building, Udyog Utsav 2024 created a dynamic forum for
career guidance and life skills training.
The Chennai UU event is bolstered by the contributions of several esteemed organizations that play a crucial role in its
success. Notable supporters include Harman and Ramboll, both of which provided significant backing to the
initiative. Transportation for participants was facilitated by Kone Elevators and Flex, ensuring smooth and
efficient mobility throughout the event. Additionally, the event benefited from the sponsorship of Geerththana
Ratnam, who stands out as a distinguished individual contributor, further enhancing the collaborative spirit of this
initiative.
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January 2025
Udyog Utsav
Career Visioning Conference
Coimbatore Chennai Tiruchirappalli Fraternity Feedback
Udyog Utsav
Tiruchirappalli
The 12th edition of Udyog Utsav, aimed at empowering young girls from underprivileged backgrounds with
employability and life skills, took place on November 16th at Srimad Andavan Arts and Science College in Trichy. The
event, attended by over 350 scholars from nine local schools, featured 22 corporate partners and mentors who conducted
expert-led workshops and motivational talks, fostering knowledge sharing and career guidance.
Mr. N D Viswanath, General Manager and ICML Head of ITC, and Mr. Padmanabhan T, HR Manager of ITC, awarded
prizes to talent search winners. These activities are designed to recognize and nurture talent while providing valuable
growth opportunities. The Puthri Scholarship Distribution was conducted by Mr. Adrian Dominic Pereira, Director of
Operations, Straive, along with Mr. Selvaraj, AVP Operations, Straive. This initiative reflects the organization’s
unwavering commitment to supporting education and empowering young scholars.
In addition, Mr. Adrian Dominic Pereira delivered a special guest address, sharing his experiences and emphasizing the
critical role of educational initiatives in driving meaningful change.
This Udyog Utsav also marked the launch of Nipuni Career Pathing Program, designed to further the vision of Project
Puthri by enhancing career intentionality and employability for young women in higher education. Nipuni Career
Pathing Program that was launched by Thiru Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Minister of school education during the
Trichy UU on November 16th and intends to create the job readiness in young female undergraduates who are from
deserving background.
Trichy UU held a successful event supported by community partnerships and individual contributions. Sunfeast served
as the official refreshment sponsor, offering a variety of snacks and beverages for attendees. Notably, Geerththana
Ratnam's generous individual donation was crucial for the initiative's success.
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January 2025
Fraternity Feedback
Educating a girl child is empowering her to The Puthri Project experience was incredible
create a ripple effect in their family & in turn to work in empowering women children
the society. Project Puthri’s motive is through career coaching. By providing
profound & extremely happy to be a small tailored guidance and support, it helps
part. I was enthralled by team Avatar’s individuals build skills, gain confidence, and
unwavering effort in fostering Puthris to explore new [Link] was a
break the cycle of poverty & inequality. wonderful opportunity to make a significant
UDYOG UTSAV 2024 was perfectly organized difference in their lives. Organization of the
& I was taken aback by the team’s event whole event was very nice. Duration of each
execution. Conversation with every single session could have been a little longer if at all
Puthri is etched in my memory & this is a possible. Overall, the Puthri Project is
testament that it has pondered something making a meaningful impact, inspiring hope
deep within me and for sure within them. and change for a brighter future.
Sughasini Kesavan, Nippon Paint Dwarakesh R. Nippon Paint
The event was well organized and uplifting The event was well planned and executed
to witness the vibrant and enthusiastic timely. They greeted us well and guided us
participation of govt higher secondary girls completely for the day; it was amazing.
across Chennai. The stories of Leaders and Puthris shared their learnings
transformation and triumph shared by the and experiences; it was motivational for all
Puthris were genuinely inspiring and participants. Second half, we had a great
motivating. The interactive sessions on the interaction with school students and shared
later half with the students were excellent, our knowledge. This kind of opportunity
and I appreciate the opportunity to inspired me to guide more for the student
participate in such a meaningful cause. career. Thank you all.
I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the 11th edition of Udyog Utsav as part of Project Puthri.
What I admire most about Project Puthri is not just its financial support but also its ability to instill
confidence in all its beneficiaries. I see a remarkable level of confidence and enthusiasm in each of them.
Project Puthri goes beyond mere placement and improvement; it fosters a sense of civic responsibility,
encouraging its beneficiaries to contribute positively to society. I commend AHCT and Project Puthri for
their unwavering commitment to this noble cause. The event planning was truly commendable. Adding a
self-defense training session was an excellent touch and a significant enhancement to the program. As a
suggestion, Especially for Puthri students in college, providing access to Udemy and Coursera will allow
them to delve deeper into their passions and acquire specialized skills, giving them a competitive edge in
the job market.
Subramaniyam.K - Harman
At the outset we would like to thank you for the opportunity extended to us in your Udyog Utsav 2024, held
on 16th November [Link] are thankful for the courtesy extended during our visit and the hospitality
provided to us, we are very happy and felt a satisfaction To be part of your team in delivering career
guidance to the Children from Government Higher Secondary Schools in and around Trichy. We wish you
all the best in all your endeavor and the latest project launched NIPUNI…
We would like to extend our gratitude to the AHCT team and Anand for inviting us to be a part of the Udyog
Utsav. It was an absolute pleasure to participate in this meaningful event, and we were truly happy to
interact with the Puthris and be part of their inspiring journey. Our Team also found it to be a very fulfilling
experience to give back to society in such a meaningful way.
The event was extremely well-coordinated and smoothly executed, and kudos to all the AHCT volunteers
for their dedication. It would be helpful if the timings for each batch could be made a little more extensive.
This would allow for more in-depth interactions and ensure that every participant receives the attention
and support they deserve.
Once again, thank you all for including us in this beautiful initiative. We look forward to more such
opportunities to contribute and support your vision.
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January 2025
Fueling Ambitions,
Shaping Careers!
Puthri
Scholarship Program
As the new academic year begins, Puthri scholarship also has been dispersed to 183 scholars for this academic
year alone.
ATOS has been a key partner in empowering scholars Comcast made a remarkable impact on 26th September
through multiple scholarship distribution events. On 15th 2024 through its scholarship distribution event at the
July 2024, at the Avtar Office, ATOS was represented by Comcast Office. This event was attended by a
Mr. Balaji Mathivanan from the Recruitment Team. distinguished panel, including Dalila Wilson Scott,
During this event, 18 scholarships were awarded to Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of
deserving students. Later, on 24th October 2024, ATOS Comcast DE&I and Community Impact; Loren Hudson,
participated in another milestone event held at Shasun Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of
Jain College. Represented by Mr. Krishna Kumar, Comcast Cable; Mr. Kannan Subramaniam, General
Manager Finance, ATOS facilitated the distribution of 26 Manager Comcast; Ms. Shrimathi, Senior Director of
scholarships. In total, ATOS has supported 63 Human Resources Comcast; and Mr. Shyam Krishnan, HR
scholarships, demonstrating its unwavering commitment Operations Manager. A total of 32 scholarships were
to shaping the future of underprivileged youth. distributed, reflecting Comcast’s leadership in diversity,
equity, and inclusion, as well as its dedication to
empowering communities.
Dow further strengthened the scholarship initiative Saint Gobain made a meaningful contribution to the
through an impactful event on 26th September 2024 at scholarship initiative through a key event held on 7th
their office. The event, led by Mr. Ahmed Elmahdy, Senior August 2024 at the Saint Gobain Plant Office. This event,
Director, along with support from Mr. Adi Ganesan, graced by Mr. Pugalenthi, National Head HR, saw 31
Ms. Shreya, and Ms. Prema, resulted in 11 scholarships scholarships being distributed. Saint Gobain’s
being awarded. Dow’s active participation underscores its involvement highlights its strong commitment to
role as a significant supporter of education and career advancing educational opportunities for underprivileged
development for underserved communities. students.
Straive showcased its dedication to community impact Udyog Utsav events marked an important chapter in
through scholarship distributions across two significant scholarship distributions. On 31st August 2024, at Udyog
events. On 23rd August 2024, at the Thousand Lights Office, Utsav Coimbatore, 8 scholarships were awarded to
Straive’s Finance Leadership representative, Mr. Dayalu, deserving students. This was followed by the Udyog
awarded 17 scholarships to deserving candidates. Utsav Chennai edition on 26th October 2024, where 3
Following this, on 6th September 2024, Straive continued scholarships were distributed. Finally, on 16th November
its support at its Trichy Office, where Mr. Mohan, 2024, the Udyog Utsav Trichy event saw the distribution of
Assistant Director, distributed 8 scholarships. In total, 10 scholarships. In total, these events accounted for 21
Straive has contributed 38 scholarships, reinforcing its scholarships, highlighting Udyog Utsav’s significant role
mission to uplift and support young talents. in career visioning and educational upliftment.
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January 2025
From Intent
To Readiness !
Nipuni
Career Pathing Program (NCP)
NCP inaugural sessions had taken place for both Chennai and Puducherry scholars earlier in June and
July. The workshop model sessions marked the beginning of the physical interventions and also the
virtual sessions. So far, there are 4 leader’s talk sessions that have taken place virtually. 72 NCP scholars
have benefitted from the Communicative English Certification Course. These sessions are being
conducted online by ThinkEng and Yzerly.
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January 2025
Creating future
Male Allies !
MITR
Mentoring Sessions
MITR sessions across 18 schools have started with the support of the eminent volunteers. The inaugurals
along with the mindset assessment for the grade of 9th and pre assessment for the grades of 10th, 11th
and 12th have been completed. It was a pleasure to see ITC partners stepping in for the inaugural
sessions at Viralimalai belt. We have completed nearly 697 plus sessions for MITR.
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January 2025
Avtar Human Capital Trust was Honoured with Social Avtar Human Capital Trust has been recognized as a
Enterprise Award at PMI Chennai Chapter's Sangamam leader in the "Doing Good Through Grassroot Actions for
Event Women and Inclusion" category at the prestigious Doing
Good for Bharat Awards 2024, reaffirming its unwavering
We are proud to announce that Avtar Human Capital Trust
dedication to empowering women, fostering inclusion,
has been recognized with the prestigious Social
and driving sustainable community change.
Enterprise Award at the Sangamam event, organized by
the Project Management Institute (PM) Chennai Chapter. The Doing Good for Bharat Awards is an initiative by
CSRBOX aimed at recognizing and honoring outstanding
The award was presented to Mr. Eswar Balasubramanian
contributions in community development, climate action,
in the distinguished presence of Dr. Saundarya Rajesh,
and conservation across India. Formerly known as the
Managing Trustee, Mr. Umasanker Kandaswamy, Trustee
India CSR Impact Awards, this program celebrates the
and Ms. Sridevi S Kumar, by Mr. Parwez Alam M,
efforts of impact professionals, businesses, organizations,
President of PMI Chennai Chapter.
and government entities dedicated to promoting social
This accolade stands as a testament to our unwavering and environmental development throughout the country.
commitment to promoting gender diversity and fostering
The awards are presented during the annual India CSR &
male allies and gender champions within the workplace.
ESG Summit, which is organized by CSRBOX. The 11th
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has edition of this summit took place in New Delhi, bringing
supported and believed in our mission. Together, we will together over 3,000 delegates to discuss and advance
continue to drive impactful change in the pursuit of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental,
equality and inclusion. social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
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January 2025
AHCT
Highlights
EduNXT Chennai and Outstation Summer Camp
In June, Saint-Gobain conducted a career The NIQ Team has conducted POCSO Session for
awareness session at Velachery School for grade 10 students and provided Stationary items
students in grades 11 and 12. The session, led by and story books and also provided 2 Bookracks for
Ms. Yagadarshin, aimed to provide valuable the school. Ms. Annapoorani, had coordinated the
insights into career opportunities, guiding session on 4th of September. NIQ team also
students in making informed decisions about conducted a Menstrual Hygiene session for grade
their futures. The interactive event was designed 11 Puthris and perimenopause session for the
to inspire and motivate the students, helping teachers of GHSS Pallavaram. The team also
them understand the various pathways available provided two book racks to the school along with
to them post-graduation. the stationary items.
KBR team had organized Star Puthri visit to their 11th grade students of GHSS Chettipalayam were
office premises, to meet their President. The 10 visited by their benefactors through an
Star Puthris were able to engage with the engagement session
employees as well.
RKM Usman road school and Mary Clubwala As a part of the previous visit to the corporate
Jadav Schools were visited by the GSK team. The office, the KBR employees conducted a Science
visit was coordinated by Ms. Annapoorani and Working Model session on waste management
Mr. Anand on 18th June and 12th July. and STEM based session. The session was
coordinated by Ms. Laksha and Mr. SuryaMoorthy.
Mr. Satish, employee volunteer from Caterpillar Ford Client Engagement Session-Grade 9 and 12
conducted a Role model session for the Puthris of Puthris of GHSS Perungudi and Shollinganallur
RM Jain School, Tiruvallur. The session was respectively were visited by the Ford employee
coordinated by Ms. Aishwarya. volunteers and given career awareness sessions.
This year we supported 10 students with learning 12 Train the mentor workshops were conducted
devices to continue their education. These for this academic year across all locations for both
laptops were donated by Harman. Project Puthri and MITR. 5 employees from
Harman joined the Bengaluru TTM and 2
employees from GSK joined the MITR training
session.
The TechBlizzard24 sessions offered a rich mix of On June 22nd, 25 students from the 9th grade at
technical insights and innovative topics, featuring Perungudi School participated in an enriching
a keynote by the LTC Leadership Team and a industrial visit to KLA. Organized by volunteers
session on AI’s impact by Gajesh Nagesh. Ms. Priya and Ms. Rupavathi, and guided by
Attendees explored cutting-edge technologies Ms. Yagadarshin, Ms. Devi, Ms. Janani, and
like AI, ML, and RPA, along with a hands-on Ms. Hafeez Fathima, the students were introduced
session on robotics. The program also to key scientific and technological concepts. They
highlighted Lennox’s product portfolio and gained foundational knowledge on topics such as
low-power thermostat design, showcasing the Electrolysis, DC Generators, Logic Gates, the
practical application of innovation. Theory of Projectiles, and Solar Energy Conversion.
The visit aimed to spark curiosity and enhance
their understanding of these important principles,
offering a hands-on learning experience.
8th grade students of GHSS Pallikarnai, were given Deloitte supported 75 bags to the Puthri and MITR
a session based on STEM. scholars in CHSS Maduvinkarai.
3 MoUs were shared with respective institutions Nippon Paint sponsored and completed the
Sri Shankarlal Sundarbai Shasun Jain College for painting work of GHSS Walajabad.
Women, Asan Memorial College of Engineering &
Technology, Asan Memorial College of Arts &
Science.
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