Vice President Address at Bharati College The Role of Women in Developing India

Vice President Address at Bharati College The Role of Women in Developing India

The Vice President Perspective on the Existential Threat of Climate Change

One of the critical issues raised by the Vice President was the global threat of climate change. He pointed out that our planet is facing an existential challenge, one that cannot be ignored. The Vice President echoed the Prime Minister’s call for the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, encouraging everyone to plant trees in honor of their mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures. This initiative is not just symbolic but also a practical step toward combating climate change. The Vice President urged students and citizens alike to take this initiative seriously, as it has the potential to make a significant impact on the environment.

The Role of Women in a Developed India

The theme of the Vice President’s address was the role of women in a developed India. He reminisced about the time when India was far from being considered a developed nation. In 1989, when he was elected to the Lok Sabha, the thought of India becoming a developed nation seemed like a distant dream. The economic situation was dire, with the country having to pledge its gold reserves to secure loans from foreign institutions. However, the scenario has changed dramatically over the years.

Today, India is on a rapid path toward becoming a developed nation. The Vice President emphasized that women are the most important stakeholders in this journey. Their participation is not just necessary but crucial for the nation to achieve its goals. The Vice President highlighted the progress India has made in various sectors, from the economy to infrastructure, and pointed out that women have played a significant role in this transformation.

India’s Economic Transformation

The Vice President discussed India’s economic transformation in detail. He noted that just a decade ago, India was considered one of the five fragile economies in the world. However, today, India is among the top five economies globally, ahead of countries like Canada, the UK, and France. The Vice President predicted that in the next two years, India would surpass Japan and Germany to become the third-largest economy in the world. This rapid economic rise is a testament to the resilience and potential of the Indian economy.

However, the Vice President also pointed out that to truly become a developed nation, India’s per capita income needs to increase seven to eightfold. This is a challenging task, but one that is achievable with the right policies and the active participation of women in the workforce. The Vice President stressed that economic growth alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by social and cultural changes that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the significant progress, the Vice President acknowledged that there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One of the most pressing issues is the persistence of anti-national narratives that undermine the nation’s progress. The Vice President urged citizens to prioritize national interest over partisan or self-interest. He emphasized that when it comes to the nation’s development, there is no room for divisive politics or selfish agendas.

Another challenge is the commercialization of education, particularly in the context of government job coaching centers. The Vice President expressed his concern about the exploitation of students through expensive coaching programs that promise government jobs. He called for a more holistic approach to education, one that prepares students for a wide range of opportunities, both within and outside the government sector.

Opportunities for Women

The Vice President highlighted the numerous opportunities available for women in India today. He mentioned sectors like space exploration, where women are making significant contributions. The Vice President shared his experience of visiting ISRO, where he witnessed the incredible work done by women scientists and engineers. He noted that India is no longer a sleeping giant but a rising power, fueled by the active participation of women.

The Vice President also pointed out the importance of financial independence for women. He urged the students to strive for financial independence, as it is a key factor in unleashing their full potential. Financial independence not only empowers women but also contributes to the overall development of the nation. The Vice President cited the example of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which has enabled many women to become entrepreneurs and job creators.

The Importance of Gender Equality

Gender equality was a recurring theme in the Vice President’s address. He acknowledged that despite the progress, gender disparity still exists in various forms. Women with the same qualifications as men often receive lower pay, and in some cases, lack the same opportunities. The Vice President called for changing the mindset and creating an equitable ecosystem that provides women with the same opportunities as men.

The Vice President also addressed the issue of safety for women in India. He expressed his deep concern about the safety of women and girls, particularly in the context of increasing incidents of violence against women. He called for a zero-tolerance policy toward such incidents and urged the nation to create a system that deters anyone from violating the dignity of women. The Vice President made it clear that a society where women do not feel safe is not a civilized society.

Women’s Reservation in Parliament

One of the most significant points in the Vice President’s address was his support for women’s reservation in Parliament, the Lok Sabha, and state legislatures. He described it as a game-changer that would revolutionize policy-making in India. The Vice President noted that this step had been long overdue but was now being implemented with strong intent and commitment. Women’s participation in decision-making bodies, he argued, would ensure that policies are more inclusive and equitable.

The Role of Women in Rural and Informal Economies

The Vice President acknowledged the critical role that women play in rural and informal economies. He noted that women constitute the backbone of these sectors, yet they face numerous challenges that often go unaddressed. The Vice President emphasized the need to empower these women and create an ecosystem that supports their contributions to the economy. He stressed that the future of India as a developed nation depends on the participation of women at all levels, including the grassroots.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In conclusion, the Vice President’s address at Bharati College was a powerful call to action. He urged the students and citizens to take an active role in shaping the future of India. The Vice President made it clear that the journey toward a developed India is a collective effort, and women are at the forefront of this journey. He emphasized that gender equality, financial independence, and safety for women are not just goals but necessities for the nation to achieve its full potential.

The Vice President’s message was one of hope, determination, and commitment. He reminded the audience that the dream of a developed India by 2047 is within reach, but only if everyone, especially women, plays their part. The Vice President’s address serves as a reminder that the future of India lies in the hands of its women, and their participation is crucial for the nation’s success.