Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that the dream of a “Viksit Bharat” or Developed India by 2047 can only be realized through the comprehensive development and empowerment of women. Speaking on Tuesday at Kurukshetra University during the inauguration of a seminar and exhibition titled “Empowered Woman, Empowered Society, Empowered Nation,” the Chief Minister stated that a nation reaches its peak only when its female citizens are truly empowered. The event, organized jointly by the university and the Department of Information, Public Relations, and Languages, served as a platform to highlight the pivotal role of women in nation-building and to announce several new initiatives aimed at supporting female students and researchers in their professional journeys.
Invoking the historical and spiritual significance of Kurukshetra, Saini noted that the battle of the Mahabharata was fought against injustice and for the dignity of women, sending a timeless message that silence in the face of rights violations is unacceptable. He underscored that the central government has identified four essential pillars for a developed nation: women, farmers, youth, and the underprivileged. Saini pointed out that while farmers strengthen the nation’s foundation and the youth drive innovation, empowering women remains the primary basis for social progress. He highlighted that the provincial government has established colleges within a 20-kilometre radius to ensure daughters can pursue higher education in a safe and accessible environment, leading to a significant rise in female literacy and professional participation across the state.
During the seminar, the Chief Minister announced significant upgrades to the academic infrastructure at Kurukshetra University to further these goals. He revealed that the Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence at the university would be further strengthened, offering a 50 per cent fee concession for female trainees to encourage their participation in emerging technologies. Additionally, he announced that a 50 per cent fee discount would be provided to women preparing for competitive examinations, including the civil services, judiciary, and banking, through special coaching arrangements at the university. To address the specific housing needs of advanced scholars, Saini also sanctioned the construction of a new three-storey hostel with modern facilities to accommodate 300 female researchers and international students.
Beyond academic incentives, the Chief Minister showcased the government’s commitment to rural empowerment by distributing sewing and embroidery machines to eight rural women trained through the university’s Women’s Studies Research Centre. These centres, operating in various villages, are designed to help women become self-reliant and financially independent. Saini also took the opportunity to honour nationally acclaimed artists for their outstanding contributions during the Art Festival exhibition, emphasizing that women have historically been the cornerstone of strength and culture in India. He noted that from legendary figures like Rani Lakshmi Bai to modern professionals in IT, medicine, and space research, women continue to elevate the nation’s status on the global stage.
