Adolescent girls from underserved communities were introduced to higher education opportunities and emerging career pathways at the 17th edition of Udyog Utsav 2026, organised by Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT) in association with Hindusthan College of Arts & Science (Autonomous) in Coimbatore on Saturday (July 18, 2026).The conference is the flagship event of Project Puthri, an initiative of AHCT that supports adolescent girls through career guidance, mentorship and exposure to higher education, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to pursue academic and professional goals.Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director of Avtar Career Creators Limited and Managing Trustee of AHCT, said career choices should never be left to chance, particularly for girls who may not have access to adequate guidance and opportunities. She said helping young girls identify their strengths and explore diverse career options would enable them to make informed decisions about their future, while creating a positive impact on their families and communities.Coimbatore Corporation Commissioner Katta Ravi Teja said empowering girls through education and career guidance was essential for building stronger communities. He said initiatives such as Project Puthri broadened students’ aspirations, built their confidence and enabled them to make informed choices. The conference featured the Project Puthri pledge, scholarship distribution to deserving students, scholar interaction sessions, a self-defence workshop and exhibition stalls by educational institutions and corporate organisations. Published - July 19, 2026 06:54 pm IST