In his 99th Mann Ki Baat address, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the contribution of women in India in realizing the country’s true potential. From the brave daughters who participated in the rescue mission after the disastrous earthquake in Turkey to women showcasing their velour in all three defence forces, PM Modi highlighted several examples of India’s ‘Nari Shakti’ playing a significant role in the country’s progress.
Nari Shakti in Defence Forces
PM Modi talked about Group Captain Shalija Dhami, who became the first woman air force officer to receive Command Appointment in the Combat Unit, with a flying experience of close to three thousand hours. Similarly, Captain Shiva Chauhan became the first woman officer to get posted at Siachen, where the temperature falls to minus sixty degrees. India also appointed a ‘Woman only’ platoon in the UN Mission.
Women Achievers
PM Modi highlighted two women behind ‘The Elephant Whisperers,’ which became the first Indian production to win an Oscar. He also spoke about Surekha Yadav, who became Asia’s first loco pilot and set a precedent by becoming the first woman loco pilot of Vande Bharat Express. In the same month, producer Guneet Monga, and Director Kartiki Gonsalves made the whole nation proud, by winning Oscar for their documentary ‘Elephant Whisperers.’
Jyotirmayi Mohanti, the scientist of Bhabha Atomic Centre, won the special IUPAC award in the field of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. India’s women’s team also created history by winning the first U-19 T20 World Cup.
Nari Shakti in Politics and Farming
PM Modi pointed out that for the first time in history, a woman MLA and minister are holding office in Nagaland. He further pointed that the rising demand for lotus stems in Kashmir, known by the local name of ‘Nadru.’ He talked about how farmers have created a Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO), and 250 farmers have become a part of it, able to export to foreign countries.
PM Modi also talked about the farmers who have shifted towards growing lavender and the benefits they are receiving through the government’s Aroma scheme. He added that around 2,500 farmers in the small town of Bhadarwah, in the Doda district of Jammu & Kashmir, are growing lavender and have benefitted from the Aroma scheme of the government.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat address highlights the significant role of Nari Shakti in various fields, showcasing their contribution to realizing India’s true potential. The examples given by the Prime Minister are an inspiration to women across the country and a reminder that their contribution to the country is invaluable.
