Portraits of Strength

Bravery is not just physical courage in the face of external threat, it is also mental strength and resilience while encountering odds in life. Bravery lies in dreams and in striving to make those dreams come true.

The Prime Minister's monthly broadcast, ‘Mann Ki Baat' often speaks of women working in the hinterlands of the country bringing about change. They are heralding new revolutions within their own domain. Backed by policies and working in coordination with them, these women have become icons within their own communities.

'Portraits of Strength' is an effort to know of the life and times of these inspiring women who have been hailed by the Prime Minister. These women are epitomes of courage and bravery. May they continue to inspire future generations.

Courage means differently to different people. However, bravery is not just physical courage in the face of external threat. Bravery is also standing up for what is correct. It is also breaking traditional thought processes and moving out of a mould that society dictates for us. Bravery is also striving to make a change.

Women are the backbone of any society and can be harbingers of change. A change that begins at grass root level needs to be sustainable and when the nucleus changes only then can we expect changes all around. Any effort in a society which does not have women as a core element is bound to unravel. Furthermore, their sensitivity and empathy is important for tasks to succeed and carry forward. Since they also bear the brunt of ritualistic traditions, a voice that emanates from that stratum is bound to be more emphatic.

There are silent efforts being made across the country but very little is known about them and even lesser is documented. Thus the world at large is unaware of the silent revolution that is being attempted. All it needs is appreciation and, if possible, a helping hand. This encouragement may be in terms of applause or volunteering time. It may also be done by suggesting better means of achieving targets or even teaching them use of technology for reaching out meaningfully.

The Prime Minister's monthly broadcast to the Nation, 'Mann ki Baat' addresses various women-centric issues. On many occasions, he talks about women across the country who are striving to make a difference.

This effort is thus to write about the life and times of brave women who have had the courage to untiringly work towards achieving targets that they set for themselves and which also figure prominently in this popular programme for varied reasons. These are the stories that need to be told not just to recognise their efforts but to also inspire and motivate hundreds of others. They are for people who are facing obstacles as they pursue their goals. They are also for those who make relentless efforts to accomplish their tasks despite the hurdles along the way.

These are tales of women from diverse backgrounds working in different areas. Their background and area of work are important as they exhibit the tale of their struggle and victory over the obstacles. Jamuna Mani is an ASHA worker in Tendagaon of Balasore district of Odisha. Her single-minded dedication to work and tireless efforts ensured that no lives were lost to the scourge of malaria. She was also felicitated by the PM during a separate function at Jatni. Jamuna's spirit bears resemblance to that of Noorjahan who is working with solar lights in Bairi Dariyon village of Kanpur dehat and was called 'the light' by the PM. In the dusty lanes of Dausa, Rajasthan, Geeta Devi is experimenting with the new revolution of solar charkhas and Sonal, an agriculture graduate of Pune, has set a new tradition of gifting plants on auspicious occasions. IIM-A graduate Siddhi Karnani is heralding the organic farming revolution in Sikkim. Gayatri of Dehradun is striving for cleaner rivers while Gauri, a prodigal child is winning hearts. They are the true warriors. Their stories inspire and lead us forward. Their resilience encourages and motivates. They are role models for future generations and the embodiments of the modem Indian woman.

While presenting these stories of resilience and exemplary courage, there is a conscious effort to provide the readers brief information about the places to which the protagonists belong. A brief background of different schemes and institutions which came across these valiant women in their journey to recognition and r fame would help in understanding the stories in proper perspective and the social milieu of these daughters of India.

I thank Director General, Publications Division and her editorial team for their support and guidance in taking this idea to fruition. Their initiative and support has helped me to weave a narrative around the courageous women hailed by none other than the Prime Minister of the country.

This brief compilation is expected to inspire the indomitable spirit of the young generation and give wings to their lofty ideas k and vision in charting a new course of building a 'New India' as envisaged by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

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