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.

N. Vinayaka, renowned Kannada Film Director, Actor & Writer, highlighting the importance of cinema stated “Cinema is not just entertainment, it is documentation of our culture, language and generations.” Continuing his address, he insighted “what we do in mise-en-scène is set everything before the camera, and I feel the students here are preparing their own mise-en-scène for life.” He further emphasised, “the 48-hour filmmaking contest teach us not to wait for opportunities, but to create them. National Cinema Day should not be celebrated on just one day, but every day, because cinema educates, enlightens and records history.” Applauding the university and the platform he concluded “I am happy to see Jain University giving such opportunities because participation matters more than winning.”

Dr. Dinesh Nilkant, Pro-Vice Chancellor, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), in his address contrasted the difference between cinema and circus with the remark, “What is the difference between cinema and circus? Circus is entertainment, cinema is an art. Circus is also an art, but then what happens in cinema, you have so many zones to work, you have the camera, you have the direction, you have people working, and a unit of almost 100 people every time they work for something or the other. Learning this art is very important. The students should make the world a classroom for themselves.

” Further highlighting the importance of cinema as a platform for communication and the unrecognised efforts that go into the making of the art, stating, “Cinema is not merely entertainment; it is an art that shapes how society learns, remembers, and communicates. From epics like the Ramayana to contemporary films, generations have understood stories through this medium. Behind every film lies immense effort, compromise, and teamwork, which are often unseen by the audience.” He further stressed on the relation between cinema and journalism students, asserting “For journalism students, mastering the language of cinema, camera, editing, sound, and storytelling is essential.”

Dr. Bhargavi D Hemmige, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, commended the event and the challenge it provided, she remarked “Cinemates 3.0 gives the students a platform to think, create and express through cinema. The 48-hour challenge showcased the efforts put in by the teams, proving that storytelling has no limits”, Further, she emphasised, “Initiatives such as Cinemates provide an essential space for students to experiment, innovate and demonstrate their creative capabilities to a wider audience.”

The event gathered over 50 participants across multiple colleges in the country out of which 16 were shortlisted and Government Arts & Science College of Chennai stood victorious with their short film “Aruvazhi” and the professional category was taken by storm by AAG Production’s “The Future Killer”. Further adding to the remarkable cinematic experience was ‘Mise-en-scène’, a vibrant exhibition that highlighted the vast diversity and richness of Indian cinema.

Showcasing well-established production houses, the exhibition offered audiences a glimpse into the enduring legacy of Indian filmmaking. From Bollywood to Sandalwood and Tollywood, the showcase illuminated the rich line of storytelling across various film industries in India. On the occasion of National Cinema Day, cinephiles and aspiring filmmakers came together for a day filled with creativity, culture, and insightful discussions.