Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a challenge to India’s woman power and it has proved to be a death knell for the perpetrators. Addressing a public rally in Bhopal, he said that India will not tolerate any form of proxy war and is determined to respond firmly to such acts of terror.
The Prime Minister was addressing the Women Empowerment Maha Sammelan organized on the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai at Jamboori Maidan in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh today. He said that Operation Sindoor has become a symbol of India’s bravery.
The terrorists had challenged the power of women. This challenge became fatal for them and their masters. Our army entered the enemy’s home hundreds of kilometers away and destroyed their terrorist hideouts. Operation Sindoor is the biggest successful operation in the history of India so far. Mr. Modi said that the clear message of the 140 crore people of the country is that now bullets will be answered with shells. He said that, now we will kill terrorists even by entering their homes and those helping them will also have to pay the price for it.
Referring to the public welfare schemes of the government, the Prime Minister highlighted the public welfare schemes inspired by the ideals of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. He said the government is following her mantra of “Nagarik Devo Bhava” in its governance and has made Women-Led Development the foundation of national progress. Women, he said, are at the center of every major government initiative.
In his address, the Prime Minister stated that India is leaving behind an era when women were kept away from modern technology. He noted that today, women are leading in areas such as agriculture technology, with initiatives like the Namo Drone Didi campaign boosting both their morale and income.
He highlighted that a growing number of women are pursuing careers in science, engineering, medicine, and aviation, with increasing enrollment in science and mathematics subjects. He also proudly mentioned that more than 100 women scientists and engineers contributed to the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The Prime Minister spoke about past societal norms where women often hid their health issues or avoided hospital visits during pregnancy due to concerns of being a burden on their families. He credited the Ayushman Bharat scheme for helping eliminate these barriers by offering free medical treatment of up to 5 lakh rupees, ensuring women receive the healthcare they need without financial stress.
Further underlining the government’s efforts to ease the lives of women, Prime Minister Modi mentioned schemes that ensure basic amenities such as tap water, electricity, LPG connections, bank accounts, and toilets. He described these not merely as facilities but as symbols of the government’s respect for women, which have significantly reduced daily hardships.
Highlighting the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the Prime Minister informed the audience that over 4 crore houses have been built for the poor, with the majority being registered in the names of women. For many, this marked the first time property had ever been registered in their name, making them rightful homeowners and enhancing their sense of dignity and empowerment.
Paying tribute to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, Prime Minister Modi praised her exceptional leadership and contributions to education and public welfare during a time when the country was under colonial rule. He noted her devotion to both God and public service, describing her as a powerful example of how determination and resolve can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
During the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated key infrastructure projects including the Indore Metro’s first phase and two regional airports – one in Satna and another in Datia. The Datia airport, built on 124 acres, cost 60 crore rupees, while the Satna airport was completed at a cost of approximately 37 crore rupees. These projects are expected to boost regional connectivity, accelerate economic development, and generate employment opportunities.
Mr. Modi also released the first installment for the construction of 1,271 Atal Gram Seva Sadans, which will provide permanent office infrastructure for village panchayats and improve local governance through the Atal Gram Sushasan Bhawan initiative. To honour the legacy of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a commemorative postage stamp and a 300 rupees coin were released. The Prime Minister also visited an exhibition dedicated to good governance, women empowerment, and the cultural heritage associated with Lokmata Ahilyabai, organized by the Department of Culture.
Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and several other dignitaries attended the event.
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