Mysuru: In a landmark step towards democratising Artificial Intelligence (AI) for every citizen, JanAI, an initiative of Head Held High Foundation launched the world’s first JanAI Café in H.D. Kote recently creating a first-of-its-kind community hub where rural folks can learn, build and use AI to improve their lives and livelihoods.
The JanAI Café has been established within a Millets Café run by women from the Jenukuruba tribal community, in partnership with Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM).
The launch was graced by SVYM Founder Dr. R. Balasubramaniam and Dr. Joram Aniya. Both are full-time members of NITI Aayog, who addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of community-driven innovation, grassroots entrepreneurship and inclusive AI adoption in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The event was also attended by CEO of SVYM Savitha Solugudu, CEO of Head Held High Foundation Pankaj Singh Thakur, along with representatives from The Nudge, community leaders, women entrepreneurs and youth AI Ambassadors from H.D. Kote.
JanAI Café represents a new model for community-centred AI adoption — a trusted neighbourhood hub, enabling citizens to learn, build and use artificial intelligence to solve local challenges and create new livelihood opportunities.
A key highlight of the event was the release of the JanAI H.D. Kote Community Listening Inception Report, representing one of India’s first grassroots AI-readiness and community aspirations studies.
Speaking at the launch, JanAI Founder Madan Padaki said, “The JanAI Café is a new model for how AI can reach every citizen. We believe that before AI can solve problems, it must first learn to listen. That is why our journey begins by listening to communities, understanding their aspirations and challenges and then empowering local youth to build solutions with AI.”
“The JanAI Café brings together community listening, trusted local leadership, AI adoption, entrepreneurship and measurable impact under one roof, create local opportunities, strengthen livelihoods and accelerate,” he added.
The initiative aligns with JanAI’s mission of empowering rural youth with the mindsets, skills and tools to harness Artificial Intelligence in service of their communities —transforming local aspirations into entrepreneurial solutions that drive inclusive growth.
The initiative demonstrates the power of Samaaj, Sarkar and Bazaar coming together to build trusted community infrastructure that enables AI adoption, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth from the grassroots upward.
This post was published on September 25, 2026 7:30 pm