Acknowledging the powerful role of women in shaping the society and underscoring the need to empower them so as to ensure a better future, formed the crux of Shri Narendra Modi’s address at the Mahila Sashaktikaran Sammelan in Tapi, on the afternoon of 14th February.
Speaking about the inspiring growth story of Gujarat, Shri Modi said, “Gujarat is not willing to get stuck. We want to develop more, we want to scale more heights,” while adding that amongst the many initiatives taken towards ensuring this, were the steps to give nutrition to women and children, and which had made a significant difference to their lives.
Talking about the momentous contribution of the Aanganwadi workers and their equally inspiring success story which was a result of the Gujarat government’s relentless efforts to empower them, Shri Modi said, “There was a time when no one knew the Aanganwadi women. This has changed now. You can go to any village and see,” said Shri Modi. He also spoke of how the monetary acknowledgement given to Aanganwadi workers through the Mata Yashoda awards was way high than those given to government bureaucrats for their good work. He stated that this was reflective of the emphasis given by the state government towards appreciating their significance in the state’s growth story. “The future of Gujarat lies in the hands of these women,” said Shri Modi.
Shri Modi also spoke of how Gujarat had given due emphasis on its livestock by initiating Pashu Aarogya Melas, whereby even the poor could take good care of their livestock with due support from the Government.
Shri Modi appreciated and expressed gratitude at the presence of a large number of women on the occasion and said that this was proof enough of the freedom and empowerment given to the women of Gujarat. “The women of Gujarat have become integral parts of the development journey of Gujarat and your enthusiasm shows that,” said Shri Modi, while adding that many programmes and schemes for the welfare of women were being dedicated at the Sammelan, and also that the relentless efforts of women in the State’s development journey were being duly honoured here.
On the occasion, Shri Narendra Modi also gave away the Mata Yashoda Awards and other prizes to the Anganwadi workers and women who have been winners of various sports competitions. Shrimati Anandiben Patel, Shri Ganpatsinh Vasava and Shri Mangubhai Patel were among the dignitaries to attend the Sammelan.
