Women to lead ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision: Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered an inspiring address at the National Conference of the Committee on Empowerment of Women in Parliament and State and Union Territory legislatures, underscoring the pivotal role women are playing in shaping India’s ambitious vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. With passion and conviction, Birla hailed women as the architects of a prosperous and self-reliant India, emphasizing their leadership and contributions across diverse sectors as the nation strides toward becoming a developed powerhouse.

“Women are not just participating but leading the charge in building 'Viksit Bharat' with their vision and dynamism,” Birla declared. He stressed that true national prosperity hinges on the financial independence of women, who make up half of India’s population. “When women are financially empowered, the dream of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' a self-reliant India will achieve unparalleled success,” he said, igniting applause from the audience.

Birla’s remarks come at a time when India is rallying behind 'Viksit Bharat-2047,' a bold roadmap to transform the nation into a developed economy by the centenary of its independence. The vision, as outlined on the government’s dedicated portal, emphasizes economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and robust governance. To engage the youth, the government has launched an interactive platform on MyGov.in, inviting ideas to shape this transformative journey. Birla urged central and state committees to collaborate closely, noting that women’s empowerment is a gradual but essential process. “It’s not an overnight achievement but a sustained effort requiring unity and purpose,” he said.

Reflecting on India’s historical commitment to gender equality, Birla highlighted the contributions of the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly who enriched the Indian Constitution, one of the world’s longest written charters. “Unlike many global constitutions, ours guaranteed women the right to vote, equality, and justice from day one,” he said proudly. This legacy, he noted, continues to inspire modern policies ensuring women’s participation in governance, administration, and nation-building.

Birla celebrated the strides women have made in fields as varied as finance, technology, sports, and defense. He pointed to the election of Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, as India’s President, as a symbol of the nation’s pride in its diverse female leadership. “From local bodies to Parliament, women are at the forefront, driving reforms and strengthening democratic institutions,” he said, citing the 33 percent reservation for women in state assemblies and constitutional bodies as a landmark achievement.

The Speaker also praised parliamentary committees for prioritizing girl child education, healthcare, and financial independence key pillars for a stronger, more inclusive future. “Rural women, in particular, are poised to become the driving force behind 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,'” Birla predicted, referencing the policy framework launched during the Covid-19 pandemic to foster economic self-sufficiency. He envisioned a future where women-led initiatives in villages spark a revolution of self-reliance, transforming India’s economic landscape.

Birla reserved special praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on 'Stree Shakti' (women’s power) during the inauguration of the new Parliament building. He noted that new laws and policies framed by parliamentary committees reflect women’s voices and aspirations, with similar efforts mirrored across states. “As women propose reforms, we see tangible progress in governance and society,” he said.

Looking ahead, Birla set an ambitious goal: achieving 100 percent literacy among women. “This milestone will unlock unprecedented empowerment, paving the way for a truly self-reliant India,” he said. With women already excelling in defense, science, and sports, Birla’s vision painted a future where their contributions propel India to global leadership.

As the conference concluded, Birla’s words resonated as a call to action, urging continued efforts to harness women’s potential in building a developed, inclusive, and self-reliant India by 2047.