As I reflect on the theme of this year’s Independence Day, "Viksit Bharat" or "Developed India," it brings a mix of pride and unease. As a woman who has had the privilege of running my own organization, traveling across the world, and representing our nation on global platforms, I often find myself reflecting on what true development means—not just for Bharat as a country, but for the women who call this land their home.
The Bengal Rape Case : A Somber Recall
The recent Bengal rape case was a brutal reminder that, despite all the progress we’ve made, the safety and dignity of women in India remain precarious. I remember reading the news and feeling an overwhelming sense of anger and sadness. It’s moments like these that make me question what our freedom really means. Is it just about being free from colonial rule, or does it extend to the everyday freedom of women to live without fear of violence?
As an empowered woman, I’ve often been celebrated for my achievements, but incidents like this remind me that our battle is far from over. The horrors of gender-based violence are not just isolated incidents; they’re symptoms of a deeper malaise in our society that we can no longer ignore.
What Does a Woman Want?
The question of what women want is one I’ve often pondered, both personally and professionally. The answer is clear: women want to live with dignity, respect, and the freedom to shape their own destinies. We want to be valued for our contributions, to have our voices heard, and to be safe in our own homes, workplaces, and streets.
As someone who has traveled the world, representing India on various platforms, I’ve seen the potential that lies within us. I’ve met women who are breaking barriers, leading from the front, and making extraordinary contributions. Yet, I’ve also seen the barriers that still exist—the societal expectations, the subtle biases, and sometimes the overt violence that remind us that our fight for true equality is far from over.
Equal Participation : My Vision for a Viksit Bharat
In my role as the head of an organization and as a representative of India on the global stage, I’ve seen firsthand the power of equal participation. Yet, I also see the gaps. The vision of "Viksit Bharat" will remain incomplete unless women are truly equal partners in this journey. We need to move beyond tokenism and ensure that women are not just present but are empowered to lead, to innovate, and to shape the future of our nation. This isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s a national imperative. When women thrive, nations prosper. When women are included, development is holistic and sustainable.
Equal Liberty : The Foundation of Development
Liberty is a word we often hear, but how many women in India truly experience it? The liberty to choose our paths, to live without fear, to make decisions about our own bodies and futures—these are the cornerstones of a truly developed society. Yet, even as someone who has achieved a level of success and independence, I can’t ignore the moments when I’ve felt my own liberty constrained by societal expectations, subtle prejudices, or outright threats to my safety.
How Long Will It Take?
The question of how long it will take to achieve true gender equality in India is one that haunts me and I wish I had a definitive answer. It’s a question that keeps me up at night, especially when I think about the incredible women I’ve met along the way—strong, capable, and full of potential, yet held back by societal norms and systemic barriers. It’s a question I ask myself every time I read about another case of violence against women, every time I see a talented woman overlooked for a promotion, and every time I hear a story of a girl whose dreams are cut short by societal norms.
The truth is, I don’t know how long it will take. But what I do know is that the journey towards a truly "Viksit Bharat" requires relentless effort from all of us. It requires changing not just laws, but hearts and minds. It requires every woman and man in this country to stand up against injustice, to support one another, and to refuse to accept anything less than true equality.
Viksit Bharat — A Future Worth Fighting For
This Independence Day, as we celebrate the theme of "Viksit Bharat," I find myself filled with a renewed sense of purpose. The vision of a developed India is not just about economic growth or technological advancements; it’s about creating a society where every woman feels safe, respected, and equal. It’s about ensuring that the next generation of women can walk their paths with confidence, knowing that their country values their contributions and protects their rights.
As a woman who has had the privilege of contributing to India’s progress, I refuse to let the challenges I’ve faced define my experience. Instead, I see them as a call to action—a reminder that the work we do, whether in our own communities or on global stages, is vital to the future of our nation. Together, we can build a "Viksit Bharat" that truly embodies the spirit of freedom and equality for all its citizens.
This is the Bharat I dream of — where every Indian can not only survive but thrive, where our independence is not just celebrated, but lived every day.
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