Values rooted in Matriarchal culture: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the Madhya Pradesh government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is working to honour and empower all mothers and sisters in the state. The Central Government has granted 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament, while 35 per cent of positions in urban local bodies and government services in the state are reserved for women. Under PM Shri Modi’s leadership, women are advancing to top positions in the Indian armed forces. To ensure that state women are economically and socially prosperous and confident, the government has launched numerous welfare schemes.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said women establishing industries receive subsidies, and an additional 2 per cent registry discount encourages more sisters to own property. He was speaking at the Chief Minister’s residence during the ‘Sashakt Aur Samrth Nari Samwad’ on Tuesday, engaging with educated women, those linked to ‘Ajeevika Mission’ and ‘Drone Didis’. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav posed for group photographs with the women and announced an honorarium of ₹51,000 for schoolgirl Sargam Kushwah for her patriotic song performance. He affirmed that such dialogues with sisters and daughters would continue in the coming months. The Chief Minister said that not women but sisters as a whole had visited his residence, and his affection for them filled everyone’s hearts with warmth and emotion.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav credited his success to his elder sister Smt. Kalavati Yadav, who inspired him into politics and provided the necessary support and encouragement. The values, affection and courage imparted by his mother and sister laid the foundation for his journey of progress. In the family, daughters-in-law are treated equally as daughters, deserving equal affection, care and respect. Sanatan culture is based on maternal authority; the mother is life’s first teacher. India uniquely links the nation to the mother principle. The values, affection and courage imparted by his mother and sister laid the foundation for his journey of progress.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the state is undertaking initiatives to preserve its heritage and development. He noted that industrial growth is being pursued in parallel with the expansion of healthcare services. The state government is leasing 25 acres of land for medical colleges and hospitals under the public–private partnership model, an innovative initiative in which Madhya Pradesh has taken a pioneering lead at the national level. Medical colleges are steadily increasing; the government funds MBBS fees (₹70-80 lakh) for economically weak meritorious students. The state started honouring body and organ donors with a guard of honour, with positive results. Beyond allopathy, the government expanded Ayurvedic and paramedical education and employment.

While discussing startup opportunities for women entrepreneurs, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh is leading the nation in the fastest pace of industrial growth and has emerged as a pioneer in the startup ecosystem. Over the past two years, the state government has actively promoted startups, a large number of which are being led by women entrepreneurs from the state. The government is extending support to women across sectors ranging from micro enterprises to heavy industries. As many as eighteen new policies have been formulated with a special focus on women. Following the Gujarat model, the first Global Investors Summit (GIS) was organised in Bhopal, while earlier regional industry conclaves were held at the divisional level. These sustained efforts are resulting in large-scale investment inflows and industrial development, creating significant benefits and new opportunities for women in the state.

Over the past two years, the state government has undertaken numerous initiatives for women’s empowerment, yielding visible and far-reaching impact across sectors. The Ladli Behna scheme has brought a positive transformation in household environments, while enhancing women’s economic independence along with their confidence and self-respect. Citing the example of Ratlam district, where women hold all major administrative posts, the Chief Minister noted that several districts in the state are led by women Collectors and Superintendents of Police. He said that women are discharging even the most challenging responsibilities across all spheres of life with dedication and full accountability. In educational institutions, girls lead merit lists. The government stands with women at every step. Five-day offices benefit working women.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav held direct dialogue with sisters excelling in various sectors, sharing experiences, challenges and innovations in health, education, textiles, trade and other fields. He emphasised this was not merely dialogue but an extension of society’s living tradition where women advance from earth to sky, fulfilling social, cultural and economic responsibilities. Women today are not just participants but leaders in the state.

A Unique Initiative – Direct Dialogue

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav held a direct interaction with sisters who are doing outstanding work in various fields across the state. In this unique programme, women active in healthcare, education, textiles, trade and other sectors shared their experiences, challenges and innovations.

At the outset of the dialogue, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that this was not merely a discussion, but an extension of a vibrant social tradition in which sisters are moving forward at every level, from the ground to the sky, while shouldering social, cultural and economic responsibilities. He stated that in Madhya Pradesh today, women are not just partners in development but are actively assuming leadership roles.

Values Given by Mother Are Our True Heritage

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, interacting with the sisters, said that the values imparted by one’s mother are a priceless heritage. Recalling his mother with reverence, he said that she never discriminated between him and his friends and showered equal love and affection on all. He stated that he strives to work in accordance with the values instilled by his mother.

Chief Minister honours Sargam’s melody, Rewards ₹51,000

During the event, young girl Sargam Kushwah presented a patriotic song. Her melodious and confident performance captivated everyone present. Appreciating her talent, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed her as a “nightingale” and honoured her with a cash award of ₹51,000. The award symbolised the Chief Minister’s sensitive and encouraging approach towards nurturing young talent.

We have entrusted administrative responsibility to women’s power

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that women are currently serving as Collectors in 17 districts of the state. Out of 16 major urban local bodies, 9 have women Mayors. Among 7,321 councillors, 4,154 are women. Similarly, 519 out of 875 District Panchayat members and 4,068 out of 6,771 Janpad Panchayat members are women. Out of 22,923 Gram Panchayats, women are Sarpanches in 12,319 Panchayats. He said that this clearly reflects women’s empowerment in Madhya Pradesh. In addition, women are efficiently discharging responsibilities as Superintendents of Police, Municipal Corporation Chairpersons, Municipal Council Presidents and District Panchayat Presidents in several districts. This transformation shows that direct engagement with half the population is now visible in policies and administration as well. The Chief Minister said that the role of women’s power is vital in making society balanced, sensitive and strong.

Sadhvi Gyaneshwari Didi Serving Cancer Patients

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that women are setting new benchmarks through innovation in every field. Referring to Sadhvi Gyaneshwari Didi of Jabalpur, he said that, along with running a spiritual ashram, she is also serving cancer patients. He informed that the medical institution established by her, “Viraj Hospice,” provides care to terminal cancer patients who stay at the ashram until their final moments, receiving treatment and compassionate support.

Ratlam sets an example of Women’s empowerment

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Ratlam district has also set a strong example of women’s empowerment, with women occupying most key administrative positions. He cited Collector Smt. Meesa Singh, CEO Zila Panchayat Sushri Vaishali Jain, Additional Collector Dr. Sarani Srivastava, Deputy Director Agriculture Smt. Neelam Chauhan, Deputy Director Public Relations Smt. Anuradha Geharwal, Assistant Commissioner Tribal Welfare Smt. Ranjana Singh, Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Sandhya Belsare, Medical College Dean Dr. Anita Mutha, Deputy Director Social Justice Smt. Sandhya Sharma, District Commandant Home Guards Smt. Roshni Bilwal, SDM Ratlam City Smt. Archie and SDM Alot Smt. Rachna Sharma.

Dipali Sharma giving modern identity to Indian textiles

Textile entrepreneur Dipali Sharma shared that she and her sister have been running a handloom-based apparel brand for the past 12–13 years. Their aim is to present Bag prints, Chanderi fabric, handloom khadi and traditional Indian textiles to the younger generation with modern silhouettes and customisation. She said that their work goes beyond fashion and focuses on empowering handloom artisans through direct engagement. More than 50 per cent of employees in her organisation are women, providing employment to sisters both directly and indirectly. She stated that their products are being appreciated nationally and internationally, and a manufacturing unit will soon be launched to provide opportunities to more women.

From Tradition to Modernity – Smt. Renu Nayak

Bhopal-based entrepreneur Ms. Renu Nayak has proved that with clarity of thought and innovative vision, tradition and modernity can blend beautifully. She runs “Signature Boutique,” where she designs contemporary apparel for the new generation. Her specialty lies in presenting traditional prints like Maheshwari and Bag Batik in modern western attire. She believes that traditional Indian textiles are not just heritage but can also be a strong identity in today’s fashion industry. She works with prestigious platforms such as the government emporium Mrignayani, giving wider recognition to local artisans and traditional art. Thanking Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, she said that initiatives like regional conclaves, MSME dialogues and the Global Investors Summit are highly inspiring for emerging entrepreneurs.

‘Mukt’ Campaign becomes a People’s movement in Healthcare: Dr. Pooja Tripathi

Professor Dr. Pooja Tripathi, Super Specialist Dentist and Founder of Global Welfare Smile Foundation, shared details of her 15-year campaign against oral cancer. Since 2011, she has been working towards a tobacco-free society. She said that her ‘Mukt’ campaign has now become a people’s movement. In 2017, she created a world record by administering a tobacco-free pledge to thousands, and in 2025, set another world record by administering the pledge to around 1.5 lakh people at the same time on a single day. Her organisation conducts awareness programmes in schools, colleges, universities and industries, and continuously runs campaigns through MOUs.

Inspiration and Role Model: Sushri  Sargam Kushwah

Where there is determination, there is a way. Shushri Sargam Kushwah embodies this saying. Her melodious voice enthralled the audience at the “Empowered and Capable Women Dialogue Programme.” Despite being visually impaired, Sargam has established her identity at the national level through talent, consistent practice and confidence. She believes that music is not just a means of expression, but a voice of inner strength and resolve.

A Confluence of education, sensitivity and empowerment: Dr. Anjali Chaudhary

Dr. Anjali Chaudhary is a strong example of education, entrepreneurship and social responsibility. She is a Professor and Head of the Biotechnology Department at LNCT Educational Institution and also successfully runs her enterprise, Hari Life Sciences, at Bag Mugalia. She believes that science is not limited to laboratories but is a means to guide society and life. As a sensitive entrepreneur, she provides academic, professional and family counselling, aiming to empower students mentally and emotionally alongside academics.

‘Didi Sudhana’ Cattle Feed Boosts Milk Production

Smt. Sangeeta Malviya said that she is a board member of Atmanirbhar Mahila Farmer Producer Company Limited, Ichhawar, formed under the FPO scheme on 31 January 2021. Today, 2,000 farmer shareholders are associated with the company. It provides high-quality seeds, fertilisers, medicines, prom compost and vermicompost. The company developed ‘Didi Sudhana’ cattle feed for dairy farmers, which has shown up to 96 per cent nutritional value, leading to increased milk production. The company has achieved a turnover of ₹6.03 crore and a net profit of ₹4.5 lakh so far. She thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission for encouraging women’s self-reliance.

Proud to be daughters of Madhya Pradesh

Shushri Pinky Tiwari said that she has been associated with the broadcast industry for the past 18 years, working in community radio set-ups, documentaries, corporate films, government programme hosting and currently in branding, communication and marketing. She said that women receive continuous support and encouragement through empowerment schemes in Madhya Pradesh, and it is a matter of pride to say that they are daughters of the state. She expressed hope that women progressing in media and marketing would continue to receive similar support.

Namo Drone Scheme Transforms the Life of Smt. Vandana Kevat

Smt. Vandana Kevat of village Bhanpur in Silwani block of Raisen district has achieved economic progress with the help of a self-help group and the Namo Drone Scheme. She is now known as “Drone Didi” in her area. She said that joining the self-help group transformed her life, making her economically independent and enhancing her social respect.

Continuous dialogue strengthening women power

This is not the first time that Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has held direct dialogue with sisters. He regularly invites women working in various fields to his residence for interaction. Through these dialogues, he understands their work, challenges and expectations from governance, and takes policy suggestions seriously. Such interactions infuse women with renewed energy and confidence.