06-03-2026 : Address by the Honorable Governor at the Ceremony Organized on the Occasion of International Women’s Day.

Jai Hind!

On the auspicious occasion of International Women’s Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the entire Matri Shakti (women power) of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, and to the learned women, dedicated workers, and the daughters present in this hall who are the guiding lights of the future.

Today’s occasion celebrates the eternal glory of women’s power that has guided human civilization throughout history. International Women’s Day reminds us of the fundamental truth that the progress of a nation and the dignity of women are complementary to each other.

The program began with a deeply devotional Saraswati Vandana presented by the daughters of Matri Anchal Sanstha, Haridwar, which filled the entire atmosphere with spiritual energy. The cultural performance by the girls of Balika Niketan, Almora beautifully brought alive the rich folk traditions of our Devbhoomi. Seeing the confidence and talent of these daughters fills my heart with immense joy. I wish all these beloved daughters a bright and glorious future.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the women honored with the ‘Mahila Kalyan Utkrisht Seva Samman 2026’. Your spirit of service is a source of inspiration for society. I also convey my best wishes to all the young boys and girls who received certificates of appreciation and mementos. Your achievements will bring new energy to the vision of building a developed India.

Our culture has an immortal saying:
“Yatra Naryastu Pujyante, Ramante Tatra Devatah” — meaning where women are respected, there the gods reside.
This is not merely a verse but the very foundation of Indian philosophy. A woman is not only the source of creation but also the first teacher of values and the protector of society’s moral direction.

In our Sanatan culture, women are not just a part of society but the very symbol of consciousness and power in creation. In Indian philosophy, women are revered as Shakti. We remember Goddess Saraswati for knowledge, worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, and invoke Goddess Durga for the destruction of evil.

History bears witness that the land of India has given birth to extraordinary women who changed the course of time with their intellect and courage. We had scholars like Gargi and Maitreyi, who challenged great sages in philosophical debates. We had women seers like Lopamudra and Arundhati, who composed hymns of the Vedas.

When the honor of the nation was at stake, brave warriors like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Rani Chennamma, and Akka Mahadevi displayed unmatched courage. The exemplary governance and justice established by Ahilyabai Holkar remain an inspiration even for modern democracy.

When I speak about my Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, I bow with reverence to the struggle and dedication of its women. The steadfastness of mountains and the continuous flow of rivers are reflected in their personalities. From agriculture to managing households, and now contributing to the economy through self-employment, our mothers and sisters are the true backbone of this state.

Today is the day to salute the courage of Teelu Rauteli, who fought seven battles in her youth. It is the day to remember Gaura Devi, whose leadership in the Chipko Movement taught the world the importance of environmental protection. It is also the day to salute Bachendri Pal, who hoisted the Indian flag on Mount Everest and gave wings to the dreams of countless daughters. These personalities proved that when a woman makes a determination, she not only transforms her own future but also changes the direction of history.

Under the visionary leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has moved beyond Women Development towards Women-Led Development. The schemes of the central government have brought revolutionary changes in the lives of women. This is not merely a policy shift but a new chapter in India’s development journey, where women are not just participants but leaders of progress.

The Ujjwala Yojana has freed millions of mothers and sisters from smoke-filled kitchens, protecting their health and dignity. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign has changed societal attitudes and improved the gender ratio. Under the Mudra Yojana, nearly 70% of the beneficiaries are women, who are becoming self-reliant through small and medium enterprises.

Through the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures has been ensured, providing a strong constitutional foundation for women’s participation in political leadership. The Jal Jeevan Mission, with its “Har Ghar Nal Se Jal” initiative, has relieved rural women from the hardship of walking miles to fetch water.

A woman is not only the foundation of the family but the consciousness of society and the strength of the nation. With this vision, our state government is working with dedication for the empowerment of women in Uttarakhand. Government policies are strengthening women economically and socially.

Under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, more than 2.5 lakh women in Uttarakhand are earning over ₹1 lakh annually and moving towards self-reliance. The Mukhyamantri Mahalakshmi Kit Yojana has become a blessing by creating an atmosphere of celebration and care for the birth and well-being of daughters.

Through Self-Help Groups, women in remote villages of Uttarakhand are bringing the mantra of “Vocal for Local” to life. Their contributions in organic farming, handicrafts, and tourism are giving new momentum to the state’s economy. By providing 30% reservation for women in government services, the state government has strengthened their career opportunities and security.

I firmly believe that education is the most powerful weapon that can break the chains of social barriers. Educating a man educates an individual, but educating a woman educates an entire family and generations to come. Today’s daughters are leading the nation in every field.

India is changing. No field is now inaccessible to women. Our daughters are flying fighter jets, guarding our borders, and reaching the heights of space. From corporate boardrooms to sports arenas, from Olympic medals to startup unicorns, women power is shining everywhere.

Brothers and sisters,

The vision of a Developed India by 2047, envisioned by the Honorable Prime Minister, cannot be realized without women’s power. If India is to become a Vishwaguru once again, we must bring the energy of half of our population to the center of nation-building.

The dream of a self-reliant India will be realized only when the women of India are self-reliant and empowered—when they are educated, healthy, and equal participants in decision-making. We must create an ecosystem where daughters do not have to struggle for opportunities but receive them naturally.

On this day, we must not only celebrate but also introspect. We must build a society where security, respect, and equality are not just slogans but realities on the ground.

To all the women present here, I say: never underestimate yourselves. You possess the strength to cradle a child with one hand and shape the destiny of a nation with the other. You are not only the light of your families but the torchbearers of the nation.

If India is to become a developed nation and regain its status as a global guide, women’s power must be placed at the center of nation-building. When women are safe, educated, and empowered, society prospers and the nation becomes strong.

Let us take a pledge on this International Women’s Day that every daughter of Uttarakhand will have the wings to fly, every sister will receive respect, and every mother will hold her head high with pride.

Once again, my heartfelt greetings to all of you on International Women’s Day.

Jai Hind! Jai Uttarakhand!