Lucknow,

April 15 (HS): In

India’s democratic journey, there are certain moments that are not merely

announcements of a policy or a bill, but carry the potential to change the

course of history. The ideas expressed by Narendra Modi at the Nari Shakti

Vandan Act Conference held at Vigyan Bhavan were filled with such historic signals.

In the context of the special parliamentary discussions scheduled for April 16,

17, and 18, the vision he presented has the capacity to shape not only India’s

democratic structure but also the political culture of the world, says Prof.

Geeta Singh Director, CPDHE, University of Delhi.

The Nari

Shakti Vandan Act is not merely a provision to grant women representation in

Parliament and State Assemblies. It is an effort to correct a deep historical

imbalance that, for a long time, deprived national policy-making of the

experiences, sensitivities, and perspectives of half the population. When half

of a society’s strength is not fully included in the decision-making process,

the nation’s progress also remains incomplete. This Act paves the way toward

completing that incompleteness.

In Indian

civilization, women have not been viewed merely in social roles; they have been

regarded as the foundation of creation, strength, and values. The tradition of

“Yatra Naryastu Pujyante, Ramante Tatra Devata” (where women are honored, there

the divine resides) has long existed in our culture. Women have been seen as

Lakshmi (prosperity), Saraswati (knowledge), and Durga (power). However, across

many historical periods, social and political structures failed to fully

translate this ideal into practice, resulting in limited participation of women

in nation-building.

Today, as

India redefines its role on the global stage in the 21st century, it has become

essential that national policies represent the complete consciousness of

society. The Nari Shakti Vandan Act is the result of this broader national

vision. With increased participation of women in Parliament and Assemblies,

policy-making will naturally become more sensitive, balanced, and reflective of

diverse social experiences.

Women

possess the ability to understand the subtle dimensions of life. Their

experiences in areas such as family, society, education, health, environment,

and social justice are broader and more humane. Therefore, when women become

part of the decision-making process, policies evolve from being mere

administrative documents into reflections of real societal needs.

Experiences

from many countries around the world affirm this truth. Where women’s political

participation has increased, significant improvements have been observed in

policies related to education, healthcare, child welfare, and social justice.

In India too, after the introduction of reservations for women in Panchayati

Raj institutions, this transformation has been clearly visible. From village

panchayats to district councils, millions of women have demonstrated remarkable

leadership and administrative capability.

The Nari

Shakti Vandan Act seeks to expand this experience to the national level. It is

not merely a policy to increase representation; it is a step toward making

democracy more inclusive and balanced. In his address, the Prime Minister

emphasized that the Indian woman is not only a force demanding rights but also

a bearer of culture and values. Women have played a crucial role in sustaining

the Indian family system, social harmony, and community life. Therefore, when

women actively participate in national policy-making, the spirit of values,

discipline, and service will also strengthen in politics.

At a time

when many democracies around the world are grappling with political

polarization, aggression, and self-centered politics, India can offer an

example of sensitive, women-centered governance. In Indian culture, power does

not merely mean authority but also creation and balance. The Nari Shakti Vandan

Act is a significant step toward establishing this balanced power.

However,

it is important to understand that this transformation will not come through

legislation alone. A change in social mindset is equally necessary. Along with

political opportunities, women must also receive training, resources, and

social support. Families, society, and political parties must work together to

create an environment where women can confidently assume leadership roles.

For

India’s younger generation, this Act can serve as a source of inspiration. When

young girls see women playing decisive roles in Parliament and Assemblies, they

will develop aspirations to lead and contribute to nation-building. This will

further strengthen the roots of democracy. This Act is not only a need of the

present but also a preparation for the future. In the coming decades, India is

moving toward becoming a major global economic and cultural power. It is

therefore essential that the talents, energy, and vision of women are fully

utilized in the nation’s development journey.

The Nari

Shakti Vandan Act symbolizes the belief that India’s future will be strong only

when its women are equally empowered. This is not merely a question of

political representation but of the reawakening of national consciousness. This

Act will achieve success in accordance with its objectives, and in the coming

years, India’s political character will become more sensitive, inclusive, and

value-driven. It will then be said that Indian democracy has truly recognized

its other half. And perhaps history will remember this moment as the time when

India not only honored women but placed them at the center of nation-building.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi