Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday inaugurated a seminar and exhibition on the theme “Empowered Women, Empowered Society, Empowered Nation,” jointly organized by Kurukshetra University and the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department at Kurukshetra University. On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the dream of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ can be realized only through the development of women.
When women are empowered, the nation will scale new heights. He said that Kurukshetra is the land where Lord Shri Krishna guided Arjuna by delivering the message of the Gita during the Mahabharata, showing the path of duty and righteousness.
The war of Mahabharata was not merely for power, but against injustice. The insult of a woman conveyed to society that remaining silent in the face of injustice is also unrighteous.
He said that even today, society must raise its voice against injustice by following this ideology. Earlier, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini visited the women empowerment exhibition set up at the Crush Hall and inaugurated the seminar at the auditorium by lighting the ceremonial lamp followed by the Vande Mataram.
On this occasion, he also released the seminar souvenir prepared by the Public Relations Department and the souvenir of the art festival. Describing women as the cornerstone of nation-building, the Chief Minister said that the dream of a developed India cannot be fulfilled unless women are empowered.
He emphasized the need to strengthen four key pillars of Viksit Bharat—women, farmers, youth, and the poor. He said that strengthening farmers strengthens the foundation of the nation, while youth should be encouraged to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Empowering the poor is also a priority in nation-building. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, several concrete steps have been taken for women’s empowerment.
There was a time when families hesitated to send daughters far away for education, and many girls were deprived of studies due to safety concerns. Understanding this issue, a comprehensive roadmap was prepared, and now colleges have been established within a radius of every 20 kilometers so that girls do not have to travel far and can study in a safe environment.
Today, the results are visible—girls are studying freely, progressing, and fulfilling their dreams. Through self-help groups, women’s incomes have increased significantly, with many earning in lakhs, strengthening both their confidence and social standing.
He said that in 2023, important steps like the “Nari Shakti Vandan” initiative have been taken to ensure women’s participation. Referring to history, he cited examples of great women such as Rani Lakshmi Bai, Gargi, Maitreyi, and Jijabai, stating that women have always been the foundation of strength, knowledge, and values.
Today, women are making remarkable contributions in fields like IT, healthcare, engineering, and space, bringing global recognition to the country. Kurukshetra University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Somnath Sachdeva welcomed the guests and said that women’s role is crucial and decisive in building a strong society and nation.
He noted that in the context of the “Nari Shakti Vandan Act,” the topic becomes even more relevant, as women’s representation in Parliament and Assemblies is still below expectations relative to their population. Policies made without women’s perspectives remain incomplete.
He explained three key concepts—equality, equity, and inclusivity—stating that equality means equal rights, equity means fair opportunities based on need, and inclusivity means taking everyone along. While the Constitution ensures equality, achieving equity and inclusivity on the ground still requires effort.
The “Nari Shakti Vandan Act” is an important step in this direction to strengthen women’s political participation.
AI Centre to be strengthened at Kurukshetra University
The Chief Minister said that the Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence at Kurukshetra University will be further strengthened. Women trainees will be given up to 50 percent concession in fees so that they can advance in new technologies and prepare for the future.
50% fee concession for girls preparing for competitive exams
He said that special coaching facilities will be provided at the university for girls and women preparing for civil services, judicial services, and banking examinations. They will also receive up to 50 percent concession in fees so that financial constraints do not hinder their progress. These are not just schemes but the foundation of our future.
Women’s hostel for 300 researchers to be built at KU
The Chief Minister said that a modern hostel with a capacity of around 300 research scholars and international women students will be constructed at Kurukshetra University. The three-storey hostel will have rooms with attached bathrooms and all modern facilities.
8 sewing machines distributed to rural women for training
On this occasion, the Chief Minister distributed sewing and embroidery machines to 8 rural women who received training through camps organized by the Women’s Studies Research Centre, with support from the Kurukshetra University Alumni Association. It is noteworthy that the Centre has established training centres in several villages to promote self-reliance among rural women. The Chief Minister encouraged the trainees by distributing the machines.
Nationally acclaimed artists honoured
During the art festival exhibition, the Chief Minister honoured nationally acclaimed artists—Aradhana Tandon (Panchkula), Anjani Reddy (Hyderabad), Meenakshi Jha Banerjee (Delhi), Dr. Kusumlata Sharma (Bhopal), Anita Raghuvanshi Malik (Delhi), Ritu Singh (Delhi), Vinay Kumar Sharma (Jaipur), K.K. Gandhi, Gaurai Shankar Soni (Jaipur), and Pradeep Nayak (Goa)—for their outstanding artworks.
On this occasion, former Minister of State Sh. Subhash Sudha, Deputy Commissioner, Vishram Kumar Meena, Saraswati Heritage Board Vice Chairman Dhuman Singh Kirmach, teachers, and a large number of girl students were present.