India’s demographic dividend is often described as its greatest strength—but only if its young people are equipped with the skills demanded by a rapidly evolving digital economy. As emerging technologies reshape every industry, the need for inclusive, future-ready skilling models has never been more urgent, especially for communities that have historically been denied equal access to education and opportunity. It is within this context that the Ladli Foundation has launched the Institute of Future Skilling, a pioneering initiative designed to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity for underprivileged girls and transgender youth.
In this exclusive conversation, Mr. Devendra Gupta, Founder of Ladli Foundation, offers an in-depth look at the vision, design, and transformative potential of this first-of-its-kind institute. He explains how the program goes beyond conventional training by integrating advanced courses in AI, Web 3.0, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and emerging technologies with real employment pathways. Gupta also reflects on the centrality of inclusion, the institute’s collaboration with IACT and other partners, and how this model can be scaled nationwide to build a workforce where every young person—regardless of gender, identity, or background—can participate with dignity, confidence, and hope.
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Q&A
Q. Was the vision behind establishing the Institute of Future Skilling, and which key challenges did you set out to tackle through it?
A. The vision behind establishing the Institute of Future Skilling was to bridge a critical gap that exists after intermediate education. A large number of students, especially from marginalized backgrounds, are unable to continue higher studies in regular colleges — mainly due to financial constraints or lack of access to quality institutions. Many of them, particularly young girls, become vulnerable to exploitation because of limited career opportunities.
Through this initiative, we aim to empower such students by providing free, advanced skill training that prepares them for future-ready jobs and sustainable livelihoods. The Institute is designed as a safe, inclusive learning space where marginalized and out-of-school youth — especially girls — can explore modern career pathways, develop digital and professional competencies, and gain the confidence to shape their own futures.
Our goal is not just to train them for employment but to enable them to live with dignity, independence, and hope.
Q. How did the idea for this initiative come about, especially in collaboration with Swami Avdhesh Anand Giri Ji Maharaj and his Mission?
A. The idea for this initiative emerged from a shared vision between Ladli Foundation and H.H. Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, who has been a guiding force and spiritual inspiration in my journey. Swami Ji’s mission has millions of devoted followers who contribute their skills, time, and resources toward creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. His extraordinary work, particularly in empowering transgender communities through the establishment of the Kinnar Akhada, reflects a deep commitment to social transformation and sustainable empowerment.
The Institute of Future Skilling aligns perfectly with this vision. Together, we aim to reduce the vulnerability of marginalized and transgender youth, protect them from exploitation, and help them build dignified livelihoods through education, skilling, and inclusion. This collaboration embodies the spirit of “Seva through Skill” — transforming compassion into action for real social change.
Q. Why was it important to focus specifically on underprivileged girls and the transgender community in this project?
A. It was crucial to focus on underprivileged girls and the transgender community because both groups face deep-rooted social exclusion and exploitation. For transgender children, the struggle often begins within their own families, followed by rejection from society. They lack safe access to education and are frequently denied opportunities for dignified livelihoods — pushing many into begging or prostitution. Similarly, underprivileged girls face barriers to higher education and are often vulnerable to exploitation due to poverty.
Through this project, we aim to break this cycle by providing them with advanced skills, education, and employment opportunities
Q. What kind of digital and technical skills will the students be trained in, and how do you plan to keep the curriculum industry-relevant?
A. The Institute of Future Skilling is designed to equip students with cutting-edge digital and technical skills aligned with emerging industry demands. Our curriculum focuses on advanced AI, Web 3.0 technologies, data science, media production, animation, digital marketing, and management skills that prepare learners for the rapidly evolving job market.
To ensure the curriculum remains industry-relevant, we continuously collaborate with industry experts, tech partners, and corporate mentors who help us update modules based on current market trends and future employment landscapes. This approach ensures that every student is not just trained but truly future-ready and employable
Q. How will the training at the institute translate into real livelihood opportunities or jobs for the participants?
A. Our goal is not just to train students but to ensure direct livelihood opportunities after completion. The Institute of Future Skilling follows a “Train-to-Employ” model, where every course is designed in partnership with industry experts and potential employers.
We provide hands-on training, internships, and placement linkages with leading organizations so participants can seamlessly transition into the workforce or start their own ventures. Special focus is placed on marginalized girls and transgender youth, helping them build financial independence and social acceptance through meaningful careers.
Through our partnerships with corporates, digital platforms, and government programs, we’re turning skill training into a gateway for sustainable employment and dignity.
Q. More than 100 children participated in the launch event. What kind of response are you seeing from the community so far?
A. The response from the community has been truly overwhelming. At the launch event itself, seeing more than 100 children and young people participate with such enthusiasm was deeply inspiring. Parents, local leaders, and educators have all expressed immense appreciation for creating a space where marginalized and transgender youth can learn with dignity and without discrimination.
Many families who were once hesitant about allowing their daughters or transgender children to pursue education are now coming forward, eager to enroll them. This shift in mindset shows that our initiative is not just providing skills — it’s breaking social barriers and building trust within the community
Q. Can you share how your current partners—including IACT and other supporters—have contributed to the success of this initiative?
A. Our partners have been instrumental in transforming this vision into reality. IACT Education, with its strong academic expertise and cutting-edge training infrastructure, has played a crucial role in designing the curriculum and ensuring that our students receive industry-aligned, hands-on training. Their support has helped us make advanced digital and technical education accessible to marginalized and transgender youth — completely free of cost.
Additionally, our philanthropic supporters and community partners have contributed resources, mentorship, and job-linkage opportunities, making this initiative a collaborative model of social innovation. It’s their shared commitment to inclusive development that has allowed the Institute of Future Skilling to emerge as a beacon of hope and empowerment for those who are often left behind.
Q. What steps are being taken to ensure the inclusion of transgender individuals in this program, and how do you plan to support them during and after the training?
A. Inclusion of transgender individuals is at the very heart of this initiative. We’ve created a safe, stigma-free learning environment where they are treated with dignity and equality. Special outreach drives are being conducted with the support of Swami Avdhesh Anand Giri Ji Maharaj’s Mission and the Kinnar Akhada, ensuring transgender youth are not only encouraged to join but also feel a sense of belonging.
During training, we provide counseling, mentorship, and personalized skill guidance to help them overcome social and emotional barriers. After completion, our focus shifts to placement support, entrepreneurship guidance, and linking them with inclusive employers — so that they can secure sustainable livelihoods and lead lives of self-reliance and respect.
Q. Looking ahead, what are your goals for scaling or replicating the Institute of Future Skilling in other locations or states?
A. Looking ahead, our goal is to scale the Institute of Future Skilling into a nationwide movement. We’ve already established 100 ICT labs across Delhi’s government schools, creating a strong digital foundation.
In the first phase, over the next 24 months, we aim to set up one Future Skill Center for every ten schools, establishing 10 new centers to provide after-school opportunities for our existing girl students and marginalized youth.
Once this model is successfully implemented, we plan to replicate it across other states, empowering thousands more students—especially girls and transgender youth—with advanced digital skills and employability training to prepare them for the jobs of the future.
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