Bengaluru, April,1: Jain (Deemed-to-be University), one of India’s leading private universities, hosted its TD-PCL Symposium 2026 which marks the culmination of the Transdisciplinary Project-Centric Learning (TD-PCL) Framework centered around AI: Advancing Gender & Financial inclusion for Viksit Bharat 47; where students transform theoretical learning into 336 research projects, 12 patentable innovations and 25 startup models. The event commenced with dignitaries speaking on the various topics from Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs), startup culture and other socially relevant subjects including a panel discussion.
Dr. Leena James, Professor, School of Business & Management, and Chair, UNAI SDG 5 Global Hub, emphasised the need for a mindset shift towards true empowerment, stating: “Curiosity, the willingness to learn, unlearn and relearn, that gives you wings, that gives you freedom to explore. The world does not owe us any favours because we are females.” She added, “Inclusion gets you a seat on the table and diversity will ensure voice on the table.” Underlining financial empowerment as a cornerstone of equality, she further noted, “Financial independence is not about earning money to take care of yourself, it’s about being able to handle your finances.”
Dr. Dinesh Nilkant, Pro Vice-Chancellor, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), underscored the transformative role of technology in nation-building, stating: “Artificial intelligence must not only drive innovation but also bridge long-standing gender and financial divides. Its true power lies in democratising opportunity, ensuring that every woman has equal access to financial systems, knowledge, and avenues for growth. Inclusive technology will be the cornerstone of a truly developed and equitable India.” He further added, “Innovation creates impact when ideas go beyond boundaries and serve society.”
Dr. Roopa Traisa A, Associate Professor & Organising committee Member, Faculty of Management Studies, highlighted the need for equitable leadership opportunities, stating: “Women form a significant share of the workforce, yet remain underrepresented in leadership, reflecting a persistent glass ceiling. Bridging this gap requires fair promotions, pay parity, and unbiased succession planning.”
The panel discussion, centered around AI: Advancing Gender and Financial Inclusion for Viksit Bharat 2047,” featured Ms. Asha Sampath, Founder Brand Horizon and Brand Advisor, Ms. Aswathy Girijadevi, Director, Software Engineering, Data & AI Enablement, Ford Pro, Ms. Vijayashanti C G, Program Director, Software Factory, Cross-Domain Computing Solutions, Bosch Global Software Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Sangeeta Devanathan, Deputy Dean, Academics, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) and moderator Mr. Vineeth Ravindran, Assistant Professor and Member, TD-PCL Working Committee, JU-CMS. The panel discussion accentuated that inclusive growth must extend beyond economic metrics to ensure equitable participation.
Drawing on live experiences, speakers highlighted lifelong learning, challenging gender stereotypes, and the role of supportive family structures in advancing women’s progress. The panel addressed both the opportunities and risks of AI, noting its potential to expand access while also reinforcing bias if built on skewed data. Panellists called for responsible AI, stronger grassroots efforts in education and healthcare, and policy support for economic inclusion. A key takeaway was the need to move from representation to meaningful participation, ensuring not just a seat at the table but a voice. The session concluded with a call for financial independence, confidence, and active engagement, especially among young women, to build an inclusive and sustainable Viksit Bharat 2047.
