Chhavi Rajawat
During Navratri, it’s natural for one to reflect on Nari shakti, the feminine power. With the upcoming elections, I am witnessing a transformative narrative in our nation, one that embodies this shakti. Gone are the days when empowerment initiatives suggested that women were inherently weak; today, we see women recognized as strong, capable, and efficient, needing only opportunities to excel. This shift, fuelled by the current government’s support and understanding, fills me with optimism for the profound changes ahead for our country.
Since 2014, from my vantage point as both an observer and a participant in rural and urban development, I have watched the emergence of swift, progressive ripples. These ripples seem poised to swell into a massive wave of change that promises to envelop everyone in its path and catalyse a domino effect of transformation across every individual it touches. The most significant shift has been in the move from merely focusing on women’s development to spearheading women-led development, a change championed by our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi (NaMo). This evolution is evident not only through the long-awaited passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill but also through comprehensive schemes that contribute to sustainable individual and national development-emphasizing that the growth of each citizen is crucial to the nation’s overall advancement. These initiatives span various sectors, from environmental conservation and infrastructure to economic growth, from Yog to global health innovations, and from fostering start-ups to creating manufacturing giants, all under the banner of the Make in India movement. This has instilled a sense of pride in every Indian, both at home and abroad, a pride rooted in our long journey since independence.
Historically, laws pre-independence ignored the needs of women, effectively side-lining half of our population. However, recent amendments have shattered these constraints, acknowledging every Indian’s role in our goal to become a $5 trillion economy by 2027- 28. We’re seeing the rise of lakhpati didis and drone didis, who are revolutionizing farming communities. Alongside these developments are educational programs, Mudra loans, the 112 India app, training initiatives, the establishment of working women’s hostels, and special security cells-all under the broad umbrella of Nari Shakti Vandan. From building essential infrastructure like toilets and roads to providing economic empowerment through various loan schemes and investment opportunities offering higher interest rates for women, these measures address both basic and advanced needs, enabling women to lead and ensuring their voices are heard and heeded for balanced development.
Development in India cannot be lopsided, focusing solely on urban or male-dominated sectors. Holistic advancement must include our youth and women. We are gaining momentum, and it is crucial that we familiarize ourselves with the available schemes, share this knowledge, and actively participate in the electoral process to vote for ongoing development. After the elections, we must be ready to buckle up and embark on a transformative journey that will see India soar to new heights. This is the promise of NaMo’s leadership, and it is this positive wave that I am prepared to ride.
Article written by Chhavi Rajawat an urban bred citizen who worked in rural Rajasthan as sarpanch for two terms from 2010-2020.
