In a move celebrating women’s achievements, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that his social media accounts will be taken over by women achievers from various fields on March 8, marking International Women’s Day.
Speaking in his monthly Mann Ki Baat address, Modi encouraged people to honor and respect the resilience of women, noting their increasing participation across sectors. He said these women will share their journeys and experiences through his social media platforms, which have millions of followers across X, YouTube, and Instagram.
This is not the first time Modi has taken such an initiative. In 2020, he had similarly handed over his accounts to seven leading women.
Beyond the Women’s Day announcement, the prime minister also spoke about rising obesity in India, urging people to cut their oil consumption by 10% and challenge others to do the same. Citing research, he pointed out that one in eight people suffers from obesity, and rates among children have quadrupled in recent years. Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra and others contributed audio messages to emphasize the importance of fitness.
Modi also encouraged citizens to experience “one day as a scientist” by visiting research laboratories or planetariums on National Science Day, February 28. He highlighted India’s advancements in artificial intelligence, referencing global praise for the country’s progress at a recent AI conference in Paris.
Turning to India’s achievements in space, Modi lauded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for launching its 100th rocket, calling it a milestone that reflects the country’s ambition in space exploration. He noted that in the past decade alone, ISRO has launched 460 satellites, including many for foreign nations. He also praised the increasing participation of women in India’s space sector.
With March 8 being International Women’s Day, Modi emphasized the role of Nari Shakti (women’s power) in nation-building. He cited Hansa Mehta, a key advocate for women’s rights, who highlighted women’s contributions in India’s independence movement and beyond.
“This Women’s Day, I will dedicate my social media platforms to inspiring women from across the country,” Modi announced. “These women have excelled in diverse fields, innovated, and created their own unique identities. On March 8, they will share their experiences, challenges, and achievements through my accounts.”
Women interested in participating can join via a special forum on the NaMo app, he added.
In another segment of his address, Modi spoke about India’s rich biodiversity and efforts to protect its wildlife. He noted the importance of conservation efforts, particularly for endangered species like the Asiatic lion, hangul, pygmy hog, and lion-tailed macaque.
Highlighting India’s cultural connection with wildlife, he referenced traditions such as Maharashtra’s Waghoba worship, Lord Ayyappa’s association with tigers, and Kerala’s Pulikali dance. Modi praised the Soliga tribe in Karnataka for coexisting with tigers in the BRT Tiger Reserve, significantly reducing human-wildlife conflicts. He also acknowledged Gujarat’s efforts in protecting the Asiatic lion population in Gir.
“Thanks to these conservation efforts, the populations of tigers, leopards, lions, rhinos, and barasingha have seen significant growth in recent years,” he said, adding that India’s diverse wildlife reflects its deep-rooted commitment to nature.
He also mentioned Anuradha Rao, dubbed the ‘Deer Woman’ for dedicating over three decades to protecting deer and peacocks in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With World Wildlife Day approaching next month, Modi urged people to recognize and support those working in wildlife conservation.
The prime minister wrapped up his address by encouraging students preparing for board exams to remain stress-free and stay positive, and also made a brief mention of the ongoing Champions Trophy, drawing a parallel between India’s achievements in cricket and space.
With an eventful Women’s Day celebration planned and discussions spanning health, science, wildlife, and space, Modi’s latest Mann Ki Baat touched on a wide range of national and global themes.
(With PTI inputs)
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