New Delhi, March 8: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, a vintage video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resurfaced, sparking discussions about women’s rights in India. In the video, originally from a 2003 event when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he emphasized that India has historically regarded women not as inferior but as divine figures.
The video was shared by ‘Modi Archive’ on the social media platform X, highlighting India’s early recognition of women’s voting rights, granted in 1947, well before many other democracies, including the United States. Modi stated, “It took over a century for some of the oldest democracies to grant women the right to vote, while India did so in 1947.”
The post further elaborated on the legislative framework that has since been established to empower women, including the reservation of 33 percent of seats for women in Parliament. Modi questioned why women’s power should be confined to families and advocated for their representation in decision-making bodies at all levels.
In another segment of the post, Modi presented a perspective on civilization, asserting that no other tradition has elevated women to the status of deities. He noted that women in India are revered as embodiments of deities like Amba, Durga, Saraswati, and Lakshmi, signifying a long-standing respect for feminine power.
Earlier this week, Modi remarked on the contributions of women to India’s progress, stating, “Women are shaping India’s growth with their determination, creativity, and unique enthusiasm. Their achievements inspire our nation and strengthen our collective resolve to build a developed India.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, emphasizing the need to create opportunities for women to realize their full potential and contribute to the nation’s development. Modi concluded that as India progresses, women’s aspirations and contributions will continue to guide the country’s journey toward becoming a strong and prosperous nation.