New Delhi: PresidentDroupadi Murmu inaugurated a National Conference on ‘Nari Shakti Se Viksit Bharat’ in New Delhi today, marking the 50th anniversary of International Women’s Day. Organized by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, the conference celebrated the achievements of women while reaffirming the nation’s commitment to gender equality and women-led development.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu extended her warm greetings to all citizens on International Women’s Day. She emphasized that the occasion serves as an opportunity to honor the remarkable contributions of women across various fields, raise awareness about their rights, and promote gender equality.
Reflecting on her own journey from a small village in Odisha to Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu highlighted how her life story symbolizes the progress of women in India. She expressed confidence that with continued efforts, women’s success stories will only multiply, driving the nation towards greater heights.
President Murmu stressed the importance of providing a supportive environment for girls to grow, make independent decisions, and pursue their aspirations without fear or societal pressure. She called for the creation of a safe and respectful society where no girl or woman has to worry about her safety or freedom.
“We must foster a society where every daughter and sister feels secure, whether at home, school, workplace, or in public spaces. Only when women are treated with dignity and respect can we create a truly fear-free social environment,” she asserted.
The President emphasized that as India moves towards becoming the third-largest economy in the world, women’s participation in the workforce must increase significantly. She pointed out that outdated societal beliefs often discourage women’s active economic engagement, such as assumptions that they will take leave for childcare or focus less on their careers.
Challenging this mindset, she stressed that raising children is not solely a woman’s responsibility but a shared societal duty. “A mother’s efforts in nurturing her child contribute to nation-building by shaping responsible and capable citizens,” she remarked.
President Murmu paid tribute to trailblazing women leaders such as Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Sucheta Kriplani, and Hansaben Mehta, who played pivotal roles in shaping modern India. She noted that women’s talent, intellect, and perseverance have driven remarkable progress in fields such as science, sports, politics, and social service.
“Whenever we have respected the talent of women, they have never disappointed us. Indian women have led with distinction, whether in scientific research, governance, entrepreneurship, or global diplomacy,” she stated.
President Murmu reiterated that India’s development hinges on the empowerment of its women. A truly self-reliant and progressive India can only be built when women are given equal opportunities, financial independence, and decision-making power.
Encouraging men to actively support women’s empowerment, she called for a collective effort to create a society where women move forward with confidence, dignity, and equal rights.
“The dream of a Viksit Bharat is one we must fulfill together. Women must advance in their personal and professional lives with determination and self-belief, making significant contributions to India’s growth,” she concluded.
