Women Leadership Conclave 2023 – A success

Leading voices in the business and academic communities gathered on 10th March 2023 for the Women Leadership Conclave 2023 at Lalith Ashok, Bengaluru.

The event addressed the role of women in business and society, with a focus on the International Year of Millets 2023. The event featured a virtual Chief Guest address by Justice MN Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of India and special address by Kamakshi Devi Wadiyar from Mysore Royal family. Shikha Sharma National President,Food and Nutrition Council of the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry;G100 India Country Chair Food Innovation and Director,Kanti Lab Services Pvt Ltd organized the event in collaboration with Institute of Directors, Bangalore. An enlightening talk on women empowerment was delivered by Harbeen Arora Rai (Founder, G100 & WICCI). Millets have been a staple of the Indian diet for centuries and are now being rediscovered as a nutritious and sustainable source of food. Dr. Khadar Wali,an independent scientist known as the “Millet Man of India,” is at the forefront of this movement. He delivered the keynote address about his work reviving traditional millet consumption, cooking and cultivation practices. Dr Jayaprakash Narayan (Managing Trustee, World Ayurveda Foundation) also delivered an illuminating talk about the numerous ayurvedic benefits of millets.

The “Sihi Journal”, curated in partnership with @Prerita Chauthaiwale(Founder, Purple Blue house) was unveiled at this event. Ms Chauthaiwale also shared the importance of the stalwarts of the industry collaborating with budding startups.

Panel discussions took place with Mr C Vasudevappa (Ex Vice Chancellor, NIFTEM) and Prof. Raghunath (Chairman, South Asia Academy of International Business) delivering the Inaugural addressed respectively. The first panel discussion talked about about engaging and inspiring women in the business world- with Mr J Sundareshan (Governance, Compliance and Sustainability Advisor) as the moderator, while Mr Baranidharan Pacha (CCO, Chef’s Imprint), Ms Jyothi VK (General Counsil & VP, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited), and Mr GK Suresh (Former VP, New Product Development, ITC Limited) shared valid opinions regarding legal risks and compliance risks in business, importance of mental and physical health and knowing the right way to market products to grow business.

This was followed by a second panel discussion curated by Lakshmy Shankar, G100 Global Chair Business Networking about the oppourtunities and challenges faced while harnessing the potentials of the millet industry by distinguished speakers-Mrs Jayanti Ramanan (Mentor Sewa International Clevelend Chapter), Ms Selvalakshmi KM (Founder, FarmztoFamiliez), Ms Deepa Madhusudan Patil (Farmer- Dhruvdhaanya Millet Farming) and Ms Ruchika Bhuwalka (Founder- Millet Amma) with Dr Rajashree Krishnaswamy (Founder, CEO- Catalyze Centre for Learning) as the moderator.

All the esteemed speakers articulated wonderfully about the challenges faced in their individual journeys while acknowledging the current success in their businesses.The closing address was articulated well by @ Priya Vishwanathan General Manager, Ama Stays. The Conclave came at a pivotal moment as India prepares to take a leading role with its rich history and vibrant present, in celebrating the International Year of Millets 2023.

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