‘From Kalpana Chawla to Dantewada’s women drivers, PM’s Mann Ki Baat hails power of women

It was PM Modi's 40th edition of his radio programme.

By: News Desk |
January 28, 2018 5:00 pm

In the 40th edition of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday talked about the achievements of Indian women across different spheres. The latest episode of Prime Minister’s monthly radio programme was themed around the power of women and their milestones.

“Women in India are making progress in all fields and doing us proud. They are playing a leadership role, which is very heartening,” he said, in this year’s first Mann Ki Baat edition. He also paid a tribute to astronaut Kalpana Chawla ahead of her death anniversary on February 1 and said, “…Her message is, ‘Nothing is impossible for women if they have a strong will.’

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A picture of PM Modi during Mann Ki Baat

The Prime Minister also mentioned about the women in Chattisgarh’s Maoist-hit Dantewada district who have taken up operating e-rickshaws.

“I want to appreciate the women of Dantewada in Chhattisgarh. This is a Maoist affected area but the women there are operating e-rickshaws. This is creating opportunities, it is also changing the face of the region and is also environment-friendly,” he said.

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In October last year, 51 women from Dantewada made headlines after they started learning how to run e-rickshaws to earn their livelihood in a bastion dominated by men. They received the vehicles under ‘Danteshwari Sewa’ and underwent a month-long training session on how to drive it. They were also provided with smartphones which were installed with an application to ensure their safety.