Women’s Leadership Key to Building a Viksit Bharat by 2047 Says President Murmu

Speaking at the centenary celebrations of St Teresa’s College in Kochi on October 24, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized that the active participation of women is essential for India to harness its demographic dividend and realize the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. Highlighting the transformative potential of women-led development, she noted that societies guided by women leaders are likely to be both more humane and efficient.

Murmu underscored significant strides in gender-focused initiatives, pointing out that the Gender Budget allocation has surged by four and a half times over the past decade, while women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have nearly doubled between 2011 and 2024. “Achieving a 70 per cent women workforce participation rate is a key pillar for Viksit Bharat,” she stated, praising women from diverse socio-economic backgrounds for driving India’s progress.

The President lauded Kerala’s exemplary gender ratio, suggesting it as a model for other states. She highlighted the state’s legacy of women leaders, citing Ammu Swaminathan, Annie Mascarene, and Dakshayani Velayudhan—three of the 15 women in India’s Constituent Assembly—who shaped discussions on fundamental rights, social justice, and gender equality. She also celebrated trailblazers like Justice Anna Chandy, India’s first woman High Court judge, and Justice M Fathima Beevi, the first woman Supreme Court judge in 1989, as examples of Kerala’s contributions to national leadership.

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Addressing the students of St Teresa’s College, Murmu described them as representatives of a vibrant, thriving India. She commended the college’s alumni for their significant contributions to nation-building and praised its community initiatives, such as selfless work in flood relief camps and the SLATE project, which promotes Sustainability, Leadership, and Agency through Education. “This aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, positioning institutions like St Teresa’s to help India become a knowledge superpower,” she said. The college’s Radio Kochi 90 FM initiative, fostering community engagement in local taluks and gram panchayats, also earned her praise.

Murmu urged the students to make bold life choices, encouraging them to pursue paths that reflect their passions and capabilities. “Women-led development will shape a more inclusive and effective future,” she said, expressing confidence that the students would drive progress in their chosen fields. The President’s address underscored the critical role of women in achieving India’s ambitious developmental goals by 2047, calling for continued efforts to empower and uplift women across all sectors.

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