'Leading from front': PM Modi hails women leadership in science and technology

PM Modi speaking at International Arya Mahasammelan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday applauded the increasing women's leadership roles in the field of science and technology in the country. PM Modi said this is a reflection of the nation’s progressive direction.

Speaking at the International Arya Mahasammelan 2025 in Delhi, the PM Modi said that President Droupadi Murmu recently flew in a Rafale fighter jet, accompanied by Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, one of India’s first women Rafale pilots.

He said that it was a symbol of women’s growing presence in frontline defence roles.

PM Modi noted that India has the highest number of female STEM graduates in the world. He also spoke about women promoting modern agriculture by becoming government's flagship programme 'Drone Didis'.

“Just two days ago, our President Droupadi Murmu Ji took a sortie in a Rafale fighter aircraft. Her companion was Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh. Today, our daughters are flying fighter aircraft and also promoting modern agriculture by becoming Drone Didis. Today, we can proudly say that India has the highest number of female STEM graduates in the world. Today, women are also playing leadership roles in the field of science and technology," PM Modi said, emphasising that women are now leading from the front in varied sectors.

PM Modi also highlighted the principles of Arya Samar and the ideals of Swami Dayanand Saraswati on casteism, untouchability and discrimination.

"Swami Dayanand Saraswati ji knew that if India has to progress, it will have to break not only the chains of slavery but also the chains that bound our society. Therefore, Swami Dayanand Saraswati denounced casteism, untouchability and discrimination," he said.

Highlighting the role of Arya Samaj in the freedom struggle, PM Modi said, "Unfortunately, due to political reasons, the role of Arya Samaj in the freedom struggle did not get the respect it deserved. From its inception till today, Arya Samaj has been an organisation of patriots."

PM Modi said Arya Samaj has fearlessly advocated Indianness.

"Be it anti-India thinking, those imposing foreign ideologies, divisive mindsets, Arya Samaj has always challenged them," he noted.

"I am satisfied that today, when Arya Samaj and its establishment are completing 150 years, the society and the country are paying homage to the great thoughts of Dayanand Saraswati in this grand manner," he said.