Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th Jan. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2025 took on a transformative tone this year as it turned its spotlight on women’s leadership and their profound contributions to Bharat’s progress on the global stage. In Odisha, during the fourth plenary session titled ‘Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti’, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar underscored a vital message: true progress is incomplete without addressing the deeply rooted human and societal challenges that hold women back.
At the heart of his speech was a bold assertion that gender equality and women’s development are no longer peripheral issues but integral to Bharat’s international vision. As Bharat marches toward its goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), PBD 2025 has brought to the forefront the need to recognize and celebrate women’s role in shaping that future, both domestically and across the diaspora.
The Role of Women in Bharat’s Vision of Progress
In his keynote address, EAM Jaishankar set a compelling tone by linking gender equality to Bharat’s foreign policy and international engagements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He highlighted Bharat’s advocacy for women-led development during its G20 presidency, where this concept was successfully embedded into the G20 framework and further advanced at global forums such as the Summit of the Future.
Jaishankar pointed out that while traditional metrics like GDP growth, urban expansion, and infrastructure development are critical, they fall short of capturing the essence of human progress. “We are addressing not challenges which are obvious and simple, but things which are very deeply ingrained in society,” he remarked, calling attention to the structural inequities that begin at the family level.
The Minister stressed that the discrimination women face often starts at birth, manifesting in unequal access to resources such as nutrition, healthcare, and education. These disadvantages compound over time, spilling over into workplace inequities and limiting opportunities for women to thrive. “It becomes an issue of who has, in a way, a claim on the resources of the family, and that is where actually the deepest discrimination is practised,” he noted.
Women in the Diaspora: Champions of Change
The session celebrated the achievements of women leaders within the Bharatiya diaspora, showcasing how they have broken barriers to emerge as influential figures in diverse fields such as business, technology, arts, politics, and community service. Women of Bharatiya origin, living abroad, have consistently exemplified resilience and innovation, making significant contributions to their host countries while remaining deeply connected to their Bharatiya roots.
These women serve not only as role models but as bridges between Bharat and the global community, embodying the ideals of Nari Shakti (women’s power). Their accomplishments are a testament to the potential of women to drive transformative change when given equitable opportunities.
EAM Jaishankar emphasized that fostering such role models and inspirational figures is essential to addressing deeply ingrained societal challenges. “Like any change, as I said, they require role models, they require inspirations,” he stated, underscoring the need for collective efforts to empower women and redefine progress.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
While the achievements of women leaders were celebrated, the session did not shy away from confronting the systemic challenges that continue to hinder gender equality. Jaishankar’s remarks drew attention to the pervasive biases that women face, starting from the family unit and extending into professional spaces.
He articulated a vision for societal change that goes beyond surface-level metrics, advocating for policies and initiatives that address the human side of progress. These include measures to ensure equal access to education and healthcare, promote women’s participation in the workforce, and create an environment where women can lead without barriers.
The session also explored how Bharatiya women in the diaspora can play a pivotal role in driving this change by serving as advocates and contributors to Bharat’s development. Their global experiences and perspectives are invaluable assets in shaping policies and programs that prioritize inclusivity and equity.
Women as Architects of Bharat’s Global Future
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 session on women’s leadership is a timely reminder that Bharat’s journey toward becoming a developed nation hinges on its ability to unlock the potential of half its population. Women are not just participants in this journey but architects of its future, driving innovation, fostering cultural exchange, and advocating for a more inclusive world.
EAM Jaishankar’s emphasis on integrating gender equality into Bharat’s foreign policy reflects a broader acknowledgment of women’s indispensable role in achieving sustainable progress. His remarks serve as a call to action for both domestic and international stakeholders to prioritize the empowerment of women as a cornerstone of development.
However, addressing deeply ingrained biases requires more than rhetoric. It demands systemic change, targeted policies, and the active involvement of men as allies in this mission. The government’s initiatives, such as advocating for women-led development at the G20, are commendable, but their success will ultimately depend on effective implementation and grassroots impact.
Conclusion: A Collective Commitment to Gender Equality
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 has reaffirmed the centrality of Nari Shakti in Bharat’s vision of progress. By celebrating the achievements of women leaders and confronting the challenges they face, the session has set the stage for meaningful dialogue and action.
As Bharat aspires to become a Viksit Bharat, the contributions of women—both within the country and across the diaspora—will be instrumental in shaping its path. The session’s emphasis on the human side of development serves as a powerful reminder that true progress is not just about building roads or airports but about fostering an equitable society where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.
In the words of EAM Jaishankar, “Progress is superficial until we address the human side of that progress.” This year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has made it clear: the future of Bharat’s development is inextricably tied to the empowerment of its women, and their leadership will continue to illuminate the path forward.
The post Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and the Human Side of Progress appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
