Pune: Ajeenkya DY Patil University launches ‘Loknetri’ initiative to nurture women leaders

Pune, 8th August 2026: Ajeenkya DY Patil University has launched the ‘Loknetri’ initiative through its School of Governance and Public Policy to prepare women for leadership roles through education, training and capacity building. The programme will be implemented in collaboration with the Shweta Shalini Foundation.

The initiative was inaugurated at a programme chaired by Dr Ajeenkya D Y Patil. Shweta Shalini, president of the Shweta Shalini Foundation; Ankita Patil-Thackeray, chairperson of the Pune Zilla Parishad Women and Child Welfare Committee; Pooja Patil, chairperson of Ajeenkya DY Patil University; vice-president Esh Patil; Vice-Chancellor Dr Rakesh Kumar Jain; and programme director Sneha Mehta were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ajeenkya D Y Patil said that the participation of every section of society is essential for nation-building and the creation of a better society.

“Women can play a major role in this process. The School of Governance and Public Policy will work towards making them more capable and confident through education and training,” he said.

Addressing students, Dr Patil also highlighted the sweeping changes expected due to artificial intelligence. He said AI would transform the nature of jobs and create demand for a different set of skills.

“At the same time, we must also look at the positive potential of AI. It may help us move towards the dream of creating an ideal and corruption-free society,” he said.

Shweta Shalini said women often think beyond themselves and work for the larger good of society. She said various studies have shown that welfare schemes tend to function effectively in places where women have greater participation in decision-making.

“If India wants to emerge as a global leader, it cannot afford to leave 50 per cent of its women behind,” she said.

She pointed out that women’s representation in decision-making remains limited in India and stressed the importance of empowering women and building their confidence to take up leadership roles.

“The Loknetri platform will work towards preparing women for leadership and giving them the confidence to participate actively in public life,” she said.

Ankita Patil-Thackeray said women are already making significant contributions across sectors and that structured education and leadership training could help create a stronger generation of future women leaders.

“The School of Governance and Public Policy and the Loknetri initiative can play an important role in identifying, training and empowering women for leadership positions,” she said.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Rakesh Kumar Jain described the initiative as an effort to nurture a new generation of leaders in politics, governance and administration.

Esh Patil said women have the ability to achieve remarkable success, but not everyone gets equal opportunities. She said the Loknetri initiative would work towards creating such opportunities for women.

Programme director Sneha Mehta shared details about the initiative, while Prof Bindiya Naik conducted the proceedings.