PM Modi hails 'nari shakti' in Independence Day speech

NEW DELHI: Hailing the role of women in shaping Indias economic and social progress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that every sector now proudly acknowledges the strength of Indias nari shakti (women power). Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Indias 79th Independence Day, Modi said, Today, everyone has started acknowledging the power of women in India. Our women are not just beneficiaries of the growing economy, they have significantly contributed to its acceleration. Our mothers and daughters have made immense contributions. From start-ups to the space sector, our daughters are excelling, he said. Modi further noted that women are making remarkable strides in sports, shining in the armed forces, and proudly contributing to the nations development, standing shoulder to shoulder with men. The nation was filled with pride when the first batch of NDA women candidates passed out. It was a moment of great honour, and the entire country, along with the media, followed it closely, he added. Highlighting the central governments Lakhpati Didi initiative, the Prime Minister said, We had pledged to make three crore women Lakhpati Didis , and I am satisfied with the rapid progress we are making. We will achieve the target ahead of schedule. I am happy to share with the nation that, in no time, two crore women have become Lakhpati Didis . Witness the strength of our Nari Shakti . He added, Some Lakhpati Didis are sitting in front of us today. They are my strength, and I believe their growing involvement will further accelerate Indias development journey. Apart from the Lakhpati Didis , dozens of children supported under PM CARES, boys and girls living in child care institutions, Anganwadi workers, and staff from one-stop centres attended the Independence Day event as special guests at the Red Fort. Modi also pointed out that, in the past, womens self-help groups (SHGs) were largely ignored. But in the last ten years, SHGs have achieved remarkable success. Their products are now reaching global markets. The sisters of ten crore SHGs are doing business worth lakhs and crores of rupees. Referring to the governments NaMo Drone Didi initiative, he said, NaMo Drone Didi has become a new identity for Nari Shakti . I met a sister in a village who said that people now call her Pilot. She said it with immense pride. She wasnt highly educated, but she had earned great respect.