Women’s Blessings Are My Strength, Wealth, and Shield: PM Modi

Navsari- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of development initiatives in Navsari, Gujarat, on International Women’s Day. Addressing a large gathering, he emphasized the pivotal role of women in India’s progress and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their empowerment.

PM Modi unveiled two flagship programs of the Gujarat government—G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) and G-MAITRI (Gujarat Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for Transforming Rural Income). He lauded these schemes as critical steps towards improving economic opportunities for rural families, especially women.

Emphasizing women-led development, the Prime Minister said, “Women’s blessings are my strength, wealth, and shield.” He highlighted various government measures, such as direct fund transfers into women’s bank accounts, the expansion of maternity leave, and laws against triple talaq. He also underscored the increase in women’s participation in politics, the judiciary, and entrepreneurship, noting that nearly half of India’s startups have women in leadership roles.

PM Modi praised Gujarat’s women-led cooperative model, citing the global success of Amul and Lijjat Papad as examples of women’s economic empowerment. He also recognized the state’s role in pioneering water conservation efforts, with thousands of projects completed in Navsari alone under the “Catch the Rain” initiative.

Addressing women’s safety, he highlighted stringent legal reforms under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which ensures faster trials for crimes against women. “Justice delayed is justice denied. With our new laws, verdicts in heinous crimes like rape will be delivered within 45 days,” he stated. The Prime Minister also noted successful convictions under the BNS, citing cases in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal where swift justice was served.

PM Modi reaffirmed his vision of a Viksit Bharat, driven by empowered women. He emphasized the government’s aim to create three crore “Lakhpati Didis” in the next five years by increasing financial independence among women through self-help groups.

Asserting that rural India’s soul lies in the empowerment of women, he urged the nation to continue its journey toward gender equality and economic progress. “Nari Shakti is rising, surpassing every fear and doubt,” he concluded.