GHCI 2025 (Bengaluru, India)

This was my third time attending Grace Hopper Celebration India (GHCI25) in Bengaluru, and once again it reaffirmed something I deeply believe and say, “The energy at GHCI is unmatched!”.

GHCI isn’t just an event — it’s an experience, a feeling that lingers long after the conference ends.

Official photos, unofficially me making sure the tough questions were asked 😉

Day 1 (Dec 2, 2025):

Day 1 at GHCI25 began at 7:00 AM with an incredible buzz and so many people were already standing in line, waiting to get their badges. From the very first hour of the schedule, the venue was alive with activity. Multiple Master Classes and the GHCI 25 Hackathon Finale were running in parallel and every single one of them was packed. The turnout on Day 1 was far beyond usual.

I was truly humbled to serve on the Jury Panel for the GHCI 25 Hackathon Finale. Watching young minds especially college students bring forward bold, thoughtful ideas in Fintech and Social Impact was nothing short of inspiring. A huge congratulations to the winners! 🎉 Every idea had real potential, and each journey is only just beginning. Growth, after all, is built on experiences like these.

But one moment early in the morning stayed with me. By around 8:50 AM, the registration queue had grown even longer, and with sessions scheduled to begin at 9, nearly half the attendees were still stuck outside waiting for their badges. That’s when Shreya Krishnan herself walked up to the registration gate and, without hesitation, told the security team, “Open the gates — girls, get in! The master class and hackathon finale are about to start. You can get your badges later.”

When the security guard hesitated, explaining he’d been instructed not to let anyone in without a badge, she replied firmly, “Who’s the boss here — me or Amit? I am. Do what I say. Open the gates — girls, get in.”

That moment made me smile and pause. It was a powerful reminder of what leadership really looks like — not hierarchy, but clarity, courage, and the willingness to use authority to remove barriers, especially for women.

As the hackathon and master classes wrapped up, the day transitioned beautifully into the Opening Plenary and Welcome Performance. It’s always a joy to witness the cultural performances at GHCI, and this year was no exception. Listening to the new GHCI anthem — a tradition that never fails to stir something special — was a powerful reminder of the collective spirit that defines this community.

I’m deeply grateful to the AnitaB.org India team and community for this opportunity. A special thank you to Shreya Krishnan, Priya Chawla, Karen D’Mello, Richa Bhandari, Pranalika Mahanta, and Aarushi Nair for having me there and for all the incredible work that happens behind the scenes to make GHCI what it is.

Sharing a few glimpses from Day 1 📸 — moments that captured both the excitement and the heart of GHCI.

Left Hackathon Finale Jury; Middle: With Shreya Krishnan; Right: #photooftheday

Day 2 (Dec 3, 2025):

Day 2 reminded me why GHCI is as much about reflection as it is about growth. From the Unconference area to the main stage, learning flowed freely.

A few moments stood out deeply for me:

• A powerful leadership insight: Empathy and kindness are human traits that AI can never replace.
• A reminder that reframed my thinking: “Pressure is a privilege.”
• The Unconference area was electric — celebrating a 75,000+ strong community and the impact of the #IamRemarkable initiative.

Day 2 was shaped by conversations that truly stayed with me. I was grateful for the chance to speak with Rini Simon-Khanna, whose generosity and perspective made our exchange especially memorable. I waited for more than a year to get that precious 5 minute conversation with her, I asked her which has been the most enjoyable decade of her life and she gracefully replied, Each one! Each day is a new challenge and a new experience, just don’t stop yourself from doing what you want to do. Keep working. It was also a pleasure reconnecting with Neerja Ganesh and meeting her daughter — a beautiful reminder of the legacy this community is building.

Attending Shefali Bansal’s session live was another highlight, offering thoughtful and grounded insights. The day ended on a wonderful note at the EntrepreNaari Mela 2.0 by Aspire For Her with Shreya Krishnan, surrounded by inspiring women creating meaningful impact.

It was truly a day of learning — and unlearning.

Left: #photofotheday; Middle: With Rini; Right: With Neerja Ganesh and her daughter

Left: Caught mid-question, because curiosity deserves the mic too; Middle: With Shreya Krishnan; Right: Panel discussion

Day 3 (Dec 4, 2025):

Day 3 at #GHCI25 was all about movement, both literal and metaphorical.

Exploring seven different tracks, meeting experts across disciplines from technology to meditation was a reminder of how beautifully diverse and inclusive our ecosystem truly is.

The event closed on an absolute high:

• An insightful and heartfelt panel discussion with Tahira Kashyap Khurrana.
• A breathtaking live performance by Anjali Srivastava, which was nothing short of mesmerizing.

It felt like the perfect closing note — thoughtful, emotional, and deeply human.

A special thank you to Shreya Krishnan for inspiring me to wear a saree in a professional workspace for the first time. GHCI felt like exactly the right place for that moment. 🌸

Day 3 Photo Dump :)

Until Next Year

A heartfelt thank you to AnitaB.org India team for putting together such a spectacular, meaningful, and empowering event. GHCI continues to be a space where voices are amplified, ideas are nurtured, and communities are strengthened.

Leaving with gratitude, inspiration, and a full heart. Until next year, GHCI! 👋

P.S. This post was crafted with a little help from AI.