During the interaction, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of national unity, diversity, and the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (One India, Great India). He encouraged participants to engage with people from different states, fostering a deeper sense of unity and solidarity. PM Modi also touched on the theme of perseverance, urging the attendees to not fear failure but to learn from it. “Never be scared of failure. There should be a spirit to learn from failure; whoever learns from failure achieves success,” he remarked, reinforcing the value of resilience and determination.

When asked about his own sources of inspiration, the Prime Minister drew strength from the tireless work of India’s farmers and soldiers. He shared, “I see farmers and feel how hard they work. I see soldiers standing guard at the borders for hours and think I don’t deserve the right to rest.” This sentiment reflected PM Modi’s unwavering commitment to a disciplined and hardworking lifestyle, which he credits as a cornerstone of his productivity.

The discussion also highlighted the role of responsible citizenship in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat. PM Modi urged the youth to take an active role in nation-building, stressing the importance of contributing to platforms like the My Bharat Portal. He advocated for the cultivation of good habits, including discipline, punctuality, and maintaining a daily diary, all of which contribute to personal and national growth.

The Prime Minister highlighted several government initiatives, particularly those aimed at empowering women. He spoke about the creation of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis (wealthy women), showcasing how such schemes have transformed lives and contributed to economic development. One participant shared a heartfelt story about their mother, whose products gained international recognition thanks to these initiatives. PM Modi also pointed to the success of the Digital India campaign, noting how affordable data rates have revolutionized connectivity and made digital services more accessible to the masses.

In terms of national cleanliness, the Prime Minister reiterated the significance of collective action. “If 140 crore Indians commit to maintaining cleanliness, India will always remain Swachh (clean),” he declared. He also championed the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, encouraging people to plant trees in honor of their mothers, further promoting environmental conservation.

The conversation concluded with a call to embrace physical well-being through the Fit India Movement, with PM Modi urging all participants to incorporate yoga and fitness routines into their daily lives for a healthier nation.

The event also saw foreign participants express their admiration for India’s warmth and hospitality, sharing their positive experiences from their visits to the country. This further reinforced the global appeal and significance of India’s rich culture and growing influence on the world stage.

Through this engaging interaction, Prime Minister Modi not only outlined his vision for a Viksit Bharat but also inspired the next generation to take responsibility for the country’s progress, fostering a collective commitment to the nation’s future.

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The event was launched with a bang as colorful fireworks lit up the sky, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Indian women’s sports. The inaugural HIL brought together four teams: Delhi HG Pipers, Odisha Warriors, Ranchi Radh Bengal Tigers, and Surma Hockey Club. The captains of these teams—Neha Goyal, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, and Udita—were joined by the Chief Guest, Kalpana Murmu, the MLA of Gandei, to unveil the official trophy of the tournament.

Several prominent figures attended the event, including Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirki, Minority Affairs Minister Hafizul Hasan, MP Dr. Mahua Maji, MLAs Sukhdev Bhagat and CP Singh, Suresh Baitha, Hockey India President Dilip Tirki, and General Secretary Bholanath Singh. Representatives from the Austria Hockey Federation were also present to show their support.

A Bright Future for Women’s Hockey

In her speech, MLA Kalpana Murmu expressed her confidence that women’s hockey will reach new heights, much like the moon that shines brightly in the sky. She emphasized that the HIL would provide an opportunity for young girls, particularly from smaller towns and villages, to chase their dreams of playing hockey. Highlighting Hockey India’s commitment to empowering women in sports, she stated that this league was a step forward in that direction.

Kalpana also encouraged the audience to cheer for their daughters and sisters, recognizing the immense hard work they put into reaching the field. She predicted that the HIL would grow in the coming years, with teams from across India participating in the future editions.

A Dazzling Display of Fireworks and Traditional Dance

The celebrations continued with a stunning light and fireworks display as Kalpana Murmu officially launched the HIL at precisely 8:27 PM. The stadium was set ablaze with vibrant colors as artists performed various traditional dances of Jharkhand, including Chhau, Damkach, Jhumar, and Santali. The dance parade, set to the anthem “We will play, we will win,” pumped up the crowd, who responded with a thunderous round of applause.

Empowering Women Through Light and Music

The cultural program also featured a striking beam light show, lasting about an hour, which focused on the theme of women’s empowerment and the increasing involvement of women in hockey. The light show included a tribute to India’s tricolor and changed colors as the song “Come on India, Keep your head high” by Sukhwinder Singh played, signaling a sense of pride and unity. The audience was also treated to a visual journey of Indian hockey, showcasing its history from its founding in 1925, to the six Olympic medals won in 1928, and the 30 Olympic medals India has earned to date.

Energetic Musical Performances

To further excite the crowd, Indian Idol star Radha Srivastava took the stage and delivered an electrifying performance. Her energetic renditions of popular songs like “Pighla De Janjeerein,” “Kar Har Maidan Fateh,” and “Mora 18 Saal Ho Gelo Re” kept the audience thoroughly entertained. Radha’s rendition of her iconic hit “Chhaniya Hai Saiyan Silpat Pe Pisi” added an extra layer of excitement, as the crowd cheered enthusiastically.

The event’s host, Sahil Vidoria, kept the energy high with his engaging commentary, frequently shouting “Johar Ranchi!” to rally the audience and keep their spirits lifted throughout the evening.

The inaugural ceremony of the Women’s Hockey India League was not only a significant event for Indian women’s sports but also marked Ranchi’s role as a key city in hosting such a monumental occasion. This launch has set the stage for what promises to be a bright future for women in hockey and sports across the nation.

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During his address, Jaishankar pointed out that women-led development had already been incorporated into India’s foreign policy. He emphasized the necessity of involving women in all societal spheres, which is central to India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation. He also noted that during India’s chairmanship of the G20 Summit, the country strongly advocated for the concept of women-led development, ensuring its inclusion in the G20’s conceptual framework. This advocacy was also highlighted during the Summit of the Future.

Jaishankar elaborated on India’s development cooperation with nations, particularly in the Global South, where the country engages in various projects and capacity-building efforts across 78 countries. He remarked that many of these initiatives focus on gender-sensitive issues, women’s equality, and opportunities, illustrating how these goals are deeply embedded within India’s foreign policy.

The External Affairs Minister also linked the advancement of women to the broader goal of achieving a Viksit Bharat, stressing that a modern, industrial, and tech-centric society could not overlook half of its talent. He emphasized the importance of addressing traditional and societal barriers to women’s participation in the economy and development.

Jaishankar further discussed the role of women role models, emphasizing the need to make these examples not just visible but also trends that can be internalized and replicated across society for broader transformational change.

In his concluding remarks, Jaishankar pointed out that while economic metrics such as GDP and infrastructure are often used to measure the progress of a nation, true development must also consider the human side of progress—an aspect that includes ensuring gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, held annually, serves as a significant platform for the Indian government to engage with the global Indian diaspora. This year’s 18th edition, organized in collaboration with the Odisha state government, took place in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10. The theme of this year’s convention, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” reflects India’s focus on leveraging the diaspora’s support in shaping the nation’s future. Over 50 countries are represented by diaspora members who have registered for the event, underscoring the global significance of the gathering.

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