New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised the rising participation of women in India’s defence, science, and technology sectors, describing it as a sign that the country is “moving in the right direction.”
Speaking at the International Arya Mahasammelan 2025 in New Delhi, he highlighted the symbolic moment when President Droupadi Murmu recently flew in a Rafale fighter jet with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, one of India’s first women Rafale pilots. He said this milestone reflected the growing presence of women in frontline defence roles and leadership positions.
The Prime Minister noted that Indian women are now contributing across a range of fields from flying fighter jets to operating drones in modern agriculture as “Drone Didis.” He added that India today has the highest number of female STEM graduates globally, with women taking leadership roles in science and technology.
During the event, PM Modi released commemorative coins marking the 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati and 150 years of Arya Samaj’s service to society. He described Arya Samaj as a movement embodying India’s civilisational identity and self-renewing Vedic spirit, saying it transcends sectarian boundaries and reflects the collective soul of the nation.
He compared Arya Samaj’s principles to the eternal flow of the Ganga, symbolising purity, resilience, and the power to rejuvenate. PM Modi also credited Swami Dayanand Saraswati for his progressive vision, his advocacy for women’s empowerment, and his lasting contribution to education and social reform.
The Prime Minister recalled that several revolutionaries, including Lala Lajpat Rai and Ram Prasad Bismil, drew inspiration from Arya Samaj’s ideals during the freedom struggle. He lamented that the organisation’s contributions to India’s independence movement have not received the recognition they deserve.
He urged members of Arya Samaj to continue promoting the study of ancient manuscripts and encourage youth to adopt sustainable practices such as natural farming.
The Mahasammelan, part of the Jyana Jyoti Festival, marks both the 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati and 150 years of Arya Samaj’s role in education, reform, and national upliftment. It also features an exhibition showcasing the organisation’s historic contributions and its alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
