Insights from PM Modi’s Independence Day Speech: Women Empowerment and the Vision of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ – 7 Key Takeaways
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 10th consecutive Independence Day speech from the historic Red Fort in Delhi. This annual event, eagerly anticipated by the entire nation each August 15th, saw Modi addressing a wide range of topics concerning India, speaking for a duration of 90 minutes. Dressed in a vibrant Bandhani print turban, Modi focused on the significant theme of women’s empowerment during his address.
Modi underscored the progress Indian women have achieved in recent years, both nationally and internationally, emphasizing their pivotal role in various sectors. He highlighted that women’s leadership is key to future development. Moreover, he elaborated on the government’s forthcoming plans aimed at bolstering women’s advancement across all fields.
Key highlights from PM Modi’s Independence Day Speech:
India takes pride in having the highest number of women pilots in the civil aviation sector.
PM Modi hailed the increased participation of Indian women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines.
Women scientists heading the Chandrayaan mission were proudly acknowledged, marking a shift in traditionally male-dominated domains.
A novel plan for empowering women’s self-help groups in the agricultural technology sector is on the horizon.
Training opportunities will be provided for women to operate and maintain drones, commencing with 1,500 women’s self-help groups.
Modi emphasized that even the G-20 consortium recognized India’s strides in women-led development.
Commending women’s self-help groups, PM Modi expressed his aspiration to create ‘lakhpati didis’ (prosperous sisters).
What Exactly is the Dream of Lakhpati Didis?
Speaking on the 77th Independence Day from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his government’s collaboration with Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to create two crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in rural areas.
He highlighted that currently, 10 crore women are part of these SHGs, playing roles in banks, Anganwadi centers, and healthcare services within villages. The Prime Minister also emphasized the potential of science and technology in rural development, particularly in the agricultural sector.
PM Modi unveiled plans to empower Women’s Self-Help Groups by providing training and loans for drone operation and repair. This initiative, termed “Drone ki Udaan,” will involve 15,000 SHGs. Additionally, he introduced the upcoming ‘Vishwakarma Yojana,’ aimed at benefiting skilled individuals in traditional crafts, especially from the OBC community.
Under the ‘Vishwakarma Yojana,’ craftspeople such as weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, and barbers, will receive support to the tune of 13-15 thousand crore rupees. The scheme aims to uplift these traditional crafts by providing resources for growth and development.
PM Modi expressed his aspiration to create two crore ‘lakhpati didis’ in villages, envisioning a landscape where women hold economic prosperity. He remarked on the increasing prominence of women in STEM fields and highlighted India’s women-led development approach, which has garnered recognition even from the G-20 consortium.
In the pursuit of this vision, the government plans to train two crore women through the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme, which aims to encourage micro-enterprise establishment. This initiative will encompass skill development in various areas such as plumbing, LED bulb manufacturing, and drone operation and repair.
