Bengaluru, 14th May 2025: In a major step toward realizing the goals of Vision Viksit Bharat@2047, Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), a leading business school in India, hosted a national seminar titled “Empowering Rural Women through Digital Inclusion: The Role of NGOs” under the prestigious Indian Council of Social Sciences Research (ICSSR). The seminar brought together experts, policymakers, development professionals, and grassroots change-makers to discuss how digital equity can accelerate women’s empowerment in rural India.
The event commenced with an insightful inaugural address by Dr. Neelam Gupta, President & CEO, AROH Foundation, along with Mr. Madhuban Pandey, Co-Founder & CEO, SCORE Livelihood Foundation. The keynote speech covered topics like “The importance of digital equity for rural women”, “Current government initiatives and policies”, and “NGOs as facilitators of digital inclusion”.
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Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director, BIMTECH, shared, “Empowering rural women through digital inclusion is not just a social imperative but also a national priority. As we work towards Vision Viksit Bharat@2047, we must ensure that no one is left behind in the digital journey. Our commitment is to create platforms that spark dialogue, inspire action, and build a more equitable and empowered society. We will incorporate expert feedback and stakeholder insights from the seminar into the upcoming phases of fieldwork and analysis.”
A compelling fireside chat on the theme “Breaking Digital Barriers: Voices from the Ground’, offered a powerful glimpse into the experiences of rural women who have successfully navigated digital challenges. Organisations like Hand in Hand India, Resham Sutra, and the Grameen Foundation presented inspiring examples of women leveraging digital literacy to launch micro-enterprises, access government schemes, and connect with broader markets. Through personal stories, the session highlighted how access to digital tools has powered women to achieve financial independence. It also underscored the significant role NGOs play in providing digital mentorship.
The day continued with two engaging in-depth panel discussions. The first, “NGOs as Catalysts for Digital Equity,” explored how NGOs and Self Help Groups are designing tailored programs to bridge the digital divide and foster community-driven adoption of technology. The second panel, “The Future of Digital Inclusion: AI, FinTech, and Beyond,” delved into emerging technologies such as AI-driven tools, mobile banking, UPI, and microfinance apps that are revolutionizing financial access for rural women. Panellists also raised critical ethical questions about digital expansion, including data privacy, accessibility, and ensuring that technological growth remains inclusive and equitable.
A special segment on “BIMTECH’s Contribution towards a More Inclusive and Sustainable World, through their ongoing European Union funded project KODECET, and AIDEdu” was also presented along with a workshop on “Using ISDM Data Sight”. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks, certificate distribution, and open-floor reflections. Participants engaged in thoughtful discussions and informal networking, celebrating the shared mission of digital empowerment for women.
This initiative was organized under the ICSSR Research Grant Vision Viksit Bharat Project@2047, along with the collaboration of Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow and Indian School of Development Management (ISDM).
Inspired by its founders Late Basant Kumar Birla and Sarala Birla, BIMTECH pioneered innovative programs like PGDM, PGDM-International Business (IB), PGDM-Retail Management (RM), and PGDM-Insurance Business Management (IBM), nurturing individuals into global leaders. Also, BIMTECH is now AACSB accredited, joining the Ivy League of Top Globally Recognized B-Schools. Fostering a symbiotic relationship, the institute excels in management education, supported by its globally placed robust alumni network of over 8000 individuals.
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