Expressnews
Chennai, September 2025: AHCT annually conducts Udyog Utsav, a career visioning event. Designed specifically for Puthri Scholars under AHCT’s flagship initiative, Project Puthri, this event equips underprivileged schoolgirls with career intentionality, empowering them to be economically independent and socially confident. Today the Chennai edition commenced with the inaugural address by Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Trustee of AHCT and Founder-President of Avtar Group.
It was with this vision that Avtar launched Project Puthri, a first-of-its-kind initiative to in still career intentionality in underprivileged girl students. Project Puthri has transformed the lives of over 22,000 underprivileged schoolgirls across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Telangana, and Karnataka. In collaboration with over 130 schools, the program engages students from Grade 8 to 12, imparting weekly training in 40 life skills including leadership, decision-making, critical thinking, and resilience. Additionally, psychometric assessments and career guidance are offered to students in Grades 10 to 12.
Highlights of the Event
The event featured the Puthri Pledge, recognitions for participating schools, scholarships awarded to 4 meritorious Puthri Scholars, awards for winners of various competitions,cultural performances and inspiring testimonies of Puthri and Nipuni Scholars. Additionally, knowledge-sharing sessions by leading educational institutions and industries created awareness on higher education and career opportunities. With over 20 institutions and corporate organisations participating, Project Puthri offered an invaluable knowledge-sharing platform for Puthri Scholars. Launched in 2017, Project Puthri is India’s first ever initiative focused on building career intentionality among underprivileged adolescent girls aged 13 to 18.
During the event Dr. Saundarya Rajesh said “Every girl child must aspire to a meaningful career, take charge of her life and safety, and achieve economic independence. When I faced the challenges of taking a break and re-entering the workforce, I realized that countless women encounter the same struggle. This motivated me to create a social enterprise that has since enabled over two lakh second-career women to return to work,” she said. Highlighting the larger impact of women’s economic empowerment, she added, “When women are financially independent, they not only secure their own lives but also significantly boost the nation’s GDP.”
The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. B. Meena, Vice Principal, Patrician College of Arts and Science, who highlighted the pivotal role of academia in shaping career pathways for underprivileged girls. She emphasized the importance of Puthri Scholars making the most of the opportunities offered to them and focusing on building strong skill sets to achieve success in their chosen careers.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Bharath Seeman, Founder of Race and Chairman – Competitive Exams, Veranda, addressed the gathering and inspired the Puthri Scholars to pursue their aspirations with courage and determination. Citing the Tamil saying “Peridhinum Peridhu Kēl” (Always ask for the greater), he urged the scholars not to settle for modest opportunities but to aim high and work towards building distinguished careers. He further encouraged them to prepare for competitive examinations as a pathway to exceptional career opportunities. The Guest of Honour, Mr. N. Manoharan, Chief General Manager, LPG, TNSO, IOCL, and the Special Guest, Ms. S. Vaijayanthi, Senior Director, UPS India Technology Centre, also addressed the Scholarsand motivated them to achieve in their careers. The dignitaries gave away prizes and awards to the Puthri Scholars, encouraging them to step forward with confidence and determination.
xThe Nipuni Program
The Nipuni Career Pathing Program, designed as a bridge between higher education and employability, is now running successfully across Tamil Nadu colleges, with the goal of skilling 10,000 college students by 2030. During the academic year 2024–25 alone, scholarships worth ₹78 lakhsand vocational training support were provided to students pursuing arts, science, and engineering courses.
