Sat Mar 08 18:42:09 UTC 2025: ## Modi Celebrates Women’s Day by Highlighting Success of “Lakhpati Didis” in Gujarat
**Navsari, Gujarat –** On International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with several “Lakhpati Didis” – self-help group members earning over ₹1 lakh annually – in Navsari, Gujarat, to showcase the growing economic power of Indian women. The meeting highlighted the success of government initiatives aimed at empowering women and boosting rural economies.
The Prime Minister emphasized the cultural reverence for mothers in India, stating that every day should be celebrated as a tribute to their contributions. He engaged in conversation with several women who shared their entrepreneurial journeys. These included a group producing traditional beadwork, generating employment for over 400 women and marketing their products across India; a group manufacturing *mishri* syrup with an annual turnover of ₹25-30 lakh; and several “Drone Didis,” women who have successfully transitioned into drone operation, earning up to ₹2 lakh annually. One woman even shared her ambition to become a crorepati (earning over ₹1 crore) through her hard work.
Modi expressed his aspiration to create three crore, and potentially five crore, “Lakhpati Didis,” highlighting the significant economic contribution of rural women to India’s growth. He praised their adaptability to technology, citing the rapid learning curve of the “Drone Didis” who mastered drone operation in just a few days. The Prime Minister also emphasized the government’s support for women entrepreneurs, encouraging them to adopt online business models.
The event served as a testament to the success of the Lakhpati initiative, a government program designed to promote diversified livelihoods for women through collaborative efforts involving various government departments, the private sector, and market players. The program focuses on targeted planning, implementation, and monitoring to ensure the sustainable income generation of participating women. Modi concluded by reiterating the significant role of Indian women in the nation’s economic strength, extending far beyond traditional household roles.
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