Union Minister Hosts ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and Farmers on Independence Day
These women and farmers travelled to New Delhi as special guests to mark the occasion, representing the ethos of India’s rural transformation and the role of grassroots authority in determining the future of the nation.
During his interaction, Shri Chouhan described the gathering as a moment of immense joy and pride, stating that his lifelong vision is to see every sister in India free from poverty, financially secure, and empowered to play a decisive role in the country’s progress. “Every woman must have the opportunity to live with dignity and independence. My dream is for each one of you to not only become Lakhpati Didis but to transform into Millionaire Didis, because nothing is impossible once you set your mind to it,” he encouraged.
A Legacy of Empowerment
While remembering Superior Health while serving as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Chouhan reflected on the opportunities to create political and economic power for women through programs like the Ladli Behna Yojana, which provided assistance for their daughters’ education and living assistance. Now, as a Union Minister, he remains focused on uplifting women in rural India by ensuring that they access successful government programs like DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission).
The Minister emphasized that the Lakhpati Didis—women who earn over one lakh rupees annually—are living proof of how collective effort, resilience, and government support can transform lives. “You are not just improving your households, but you are changing the face of rural India. You are agents of development and symbols of a stronger future,” he remarked.
Beyond Income: Building a Better Society
Shri Chouhan urged the women to extend their contributions beyond financial success. He called upon them to take up the cause of social transformation by promoting education, health awareness, and especially, campaigns against alcoholism and substance abuse in villages. “Let us at least ensure that alcohol is not sold in villages. Together, we can build healthier and more vibrant rural communities,” he stressed.
He also highlighted the importance of gender equality, underlining that families should treat sons and daughters equally in terms of love, education, and opportunities. By instilling cultural and moral values in children, he said, families would build a society rooted in harmony, respect, and shared progress.
Voices of Change: Didis Share Their Journey
Many of the visiting Didis shared their own transformational stories, and they came from a variety of Madhya Pradesh districts and regions. Their stories demonstrated how their involvement in DAY-NRLM Self-Help Groups had provided them with social recognition, self-confidence, and financial independence.
Several women talked about how the program helped them start small businesses, from tailoring and dairy farming to agri-based enterprises and handicrafts. They were able to provide for their families, educate their kids, and give others in their communities jobs thanks to these efforts. The Didis conveyed their sincere appreciation to the Minister and the government, stating that these initiatives had provided them with a sense of pride and self-worth they had never experienced before.
Farmers Raise Their Voices
The group’s farmers also spoke with the Union Minister and expressed gratitude for his ongoing support of farmer welfare. They said they felt a sense of dignity and recognition as a result of his efforts to bring them to Delhi as special guests. The farmers emphasized how important government-supported programs in rural development and agriculture have been to raising crop yields, guaranteeing resource access, and stabilizing their means of subsistence.
A Vision for Tomorrow
Editing; A Vision for Tomorrow this was a holistic understanding by the government of rural development where women empowerment, farmer welfare and social transformation intersect. Shri Chouhan emphasized that India’s progress is predicated on women and farmer empowerment. The Lakhpati Didis are real-life examples of how the cycle of poverty can be interrupted and a route to a better future can be opened, when tenacity, community action and supportive policies come together.
Hope, faith, and a renewed sense of purpose were in the air after the meeting. With the Union Minister’s assurance, the Didis and farmers went back to their villages with the conviction that they were partners in creating a powerful, independent, and inclusive India.
#LakhpatiDidis#WomenInRuralIndia#EmpoweringIndia#printpublication
#printmagazine #womenindia
