Avtar Human Capital Trust's 3rd Male Allyship Synergy Summit Focuses on Building Inclusive Leadership

Chennai, 14 February 2026: Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT), the non-profit arm of Avtar, hosted the third edition of the Male Allyship Synergy Summit (MASS) at the Tidel Park Auditorium in Chennai. The summit brought together over 400 school students, college youth, educators, corporate representatives and institutional partners to deepen conversations on male allyship and responsible citizenship.

(3rd from Left) Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director of Avtar and Managing Trustee of AHCT; (Extreme Right) Dr. Sam Paul, Chairman and Managing Director of Paulson’s Beauty & Fashion Pvt. Ltd

MASS is an initiative of MITR (Men Impacting Trust & Respect), a flagship programme of AHCT that works with adolescent boys to foster awareness, empathy and accountability in advancing gender equality. The summit reflects AHCT’s sustained commitment to engaging boys and young men early, enabling them to become active allies in building safe, respectful and inclusive spaces.

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Delivering the inaugural keynote address, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director of Avtar and Managing Trustee of AHCT, underscored the long-term vision behind the initiative. “Through MITR and MASS, we work with boys and young men to help them see respect and inclusion as personal responsibilities and not abstract ideas. When boys grow up standing for fairness and dignity, they become men who strengthen families, workplaces and communities. For nearly half our population to truly thrive, the other half must step forward and contribute actively and consciously — this shift is essential to the India we aspire to build by 2047,” she said.

A Male Allyship Pledge was administered early in the programme, reinforcing a shared commitment among participants to uphold respect, fairness and equity in their schools, colleges, workplaces and communities.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Sam Paul, Chairman and Managing Director of Paulson’s Beauty & Fashion Pvt. Ltd., highlighted the vital role men play in fostering equitable ecosystems. “Equity does not begin in boardrooms; it begins at dining tables and in classrooms. It grows when boys and men move from being bystanders to active partners in creating spaces where women and girls can thrive,” he noted.

Dr. G. Vanitha, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women and Children Unit, Greater Chennai Police, graced the event as Guest of Honour and emphasised the importance of collective effort in advancing gender equality.

A rally led by Dr Saundarya Rajesh and other dignitaries marked a powerful highlight of the summit. Students marched with placards carrying messages such as “Disrespect is not a joke – call it out,” “Stand with girls,” and “Gender equality starts at school,” sending a strong public call for respect, safety and equality.

The summit also saw enthusiastic participation from schools and colleges. Certificates were presented to participating institutions, and prizes were awarded to winners of student contests that showcased thoughtful performances on gender equality and social responsibility. Creative activities such as elocutions, poster-making and college skits encouraged students to examine gender norms and civic values. Interactive sessions on CPR, cyber safety, substance abuse and volunteering broadened the conversation to responsible citizenship.

Mr Eswar Balasubramanian, Senior Vice President, AHCT, outlined the vision and objectives of the summit, while Mr Umasanker Kandaswamy, COO of Avtar and Trustee – AHCT, concluded the event by reiterating the importance of sustained engagement in shaping attitudes and behaviours.

The event was supported by Striim as Vision Partner for the second consecutive year, along with Harman as Gold Sponsor, Flex as Transport Partner and Sweet Karam Koffee as Refreshments Partner.

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