The Tamesis
April 17, 2026
New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described the special session of Parliament starting today as a “historic step” to strengthen women’s empowerment, reaffirming the government’s commitment to increasing women’s dignity and representation in public life.
Modi said in a post on
The Prime Minister also quoted a Sanskrit verse and said, “You rise and illuminate the world with your light. Saints of Kanwar origin call you with their hymns of prosperity and abundance,” underscoring the cultural and philosophical perspective that places women at the heart of the country’s progress.
His comments come as Parliament convenes in a rare special session and is expected to consider key legislative proposals, including measures aimed at increasing women’s representation in the legislature. The government views these efforts as part of a broader agenda to promote inclusive growth and gender equality.
Women’s empowerment has long been a central theme in Indian political discourse, with multiple governments exploring ways to expand women’s participation in governance. While the retention proposal has seen both progress and setbacks over time, this session is being closely watched for tangible results that could turn long-term commitments into reality.
Modi’s statement set the tone for the conference, which saw women’s empowerment not just as a policy goal but as an issue linked to national pride and civilizational values.
