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As artificial intelligence reshapes the future of work, questions of access and inclusion are moving to the centre of the conversation. Against this backdrop, Anudip Foundation’s work in digital skilling for marginalised communities came into focus at the recent Pre-Summit Event for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, AI & the Future of Work, at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi.
Aligned with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the gathering brought together senior government officials, corporate leaders, social sector organisations, and international delegates, positioning inclusive skilling as a critical pillar of India’s AI-led growth.
Highlights from the event:
Here’s a look at some of the key moments from the event:
- The lamp-lighting ceremony was graced by Mohammed Y. Safirulla (IAS, Director – India AI Mission, MeitY), Anandrao V. Patil (Senior IAS, Additional Secretary – Higher Education), Yogesh Brahmankar (Innovation Director – Innovation Cell), and Anudip’s CEO, Ms Monisha Banerjee.
- Minister of State for Education and DoNER, Govt of India, Dr Sukanta Majumder, graced the event with his virtual presence through a video message where he commended the initiative, stating, "Platforms like this create meaningful dialogue and help translate policy vision into grassroots impact."
- Mohammed Y. Safirulla delivered the keynote speech, where he highlighted the seven pillars of the IndiaAI Mission, previewed the upcoming IndiaAI Summit and emphasised impact through the People-Planet-Programme framework, “The objective, or the mantra, as we call it, is impact, how AI drives change across people, planet, and progress.”
- Panel discussions: The event featured three panels that explored the power of collaboration between government bodies, corporates such as Microsoft, Accenture, Lenovo, EXL, and Oneworld Colab Pte. Ltd, iMerit and Capgemini, and social organisations, including the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Tata STRIVE, NASSCOM Foundation, Kantar India Foundation and Sattva Consulting, among others, to build scalable AI for India. The discussions focused on reskilling trainers and youth for resilience in the age of AI, as well as advancing inclusive AI solutions through hyper-localised inputs for model training. The panels also featured dignitaries from the World Bank, GIZ, and other international organisations.
- Cup of Connections 3.0: Three Anudip alumni joined CEO Monisha Banerjee for Cup of Connections, sharing inspiring transformation journeys with AI leaders and policymakers, sparking motivation for millions to follow the same path.
- Student AI project showcase: Anudip students showcased impactful AI projects: AI-powered Financial Tracker and Planner, AI-Automated Interviewer, and UltraWatch: Micro Disaster Guard, highlighting real-world skills and the strength of talent from underserved communities.
Addressing the event, Anudip’s CEO, Monisha Banerjee, emphasised, "The India AI Mission's charter is primarily to be able to democratise AI innovation, AI talent, and AI opportunity for everybody. At Anudip, we attempt to do it through dialogue, participation, and actual action to be able to bridge the divide that AI could possibly create if we do not take corrective measures right now."Reinforcing this commitment to inclusive and responsible AI-led growth, Anudip Foundation, the Kolkata-based NGO has, since 2007, empowered over 600,000 young people, including 315,000 women, from underserved communities across India by equipping them with future-ready digital skills. With 90+ centres across 22 states and a growing presence in the USA, its efforts have enabled sustainable livelihoods and an average 240% increase in family incomes, with 7 out of 10 graduates securing employment.
This sustained impact reflects Anudip’s focus on translating dialogue and policy intent into measurable action, bridging the digital divide and ensuring technology creates opportunity, not exclusion.Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
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