More than ten years ago, while he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had conceptualized something avant-garde: harnessing the potential of half of India's population, most probably women, with scientific and strategic methods. The quotation by Modi as Chief Minister went viral on the Modi Archive Instagram account, propagating how enterprising his mind is.
"From my experience, I can tell you that 50 percent of India's population is an agent of change in its development. If used scientifically, it could become a key factor in making the 21st century the era of India. It can emerge as a formidable force", Modi said on December 9, 2013.
His statement points at an age-old vision to include the vital role played by women in India's development.
One extremely enlightening example of this was the 2013 speech by Modi, then Gujarat CM, in which he spoke compellingly of how demographically, the Indian population was powerful in transforming India's future and gave special reference to women.
"Did you know? Narendra Modi's vision for India's development always had a secret ingredient — 50 per cent of the population! Yes, that's right, women! Nobody thinks of women's rights more than this guy," an interpretation of his remarks posted on the Modi Archive Instagram account said.
The PM said women, who are 50 per cent of India's population, can play a leading role in national progress.
His vision did not just stop at the recognition of the contribution of women but went further to its utilization, which was to be achieved and utilized by scientific and strategic measures. From his approach, he brought out a point that was very salient to make regarding the necessity of mainstreaming their capacities within the development agenda.
Analysts have underscored the fact that this above-mentioned quote underlines Modi's vision of gender inclusiveness.
It shows how the policies and the vision of Modi have always been to tap the complete potential of all demographic segments, including women.
Further, Modi's vision was not only limited to Gujarat; it actually envisioned the larger potential of India's demographic advantage.
He suggested that with scientific and strategic plays with this potential, India could dominate much of the 21st century and emerge as an international powerhouse.
This clearly brings out his belief in human resources, especially women, as the driving force towards national growth and transformation.
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