In his 12th consecutive Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the contribution of India’s Constitution makers, emphasising that the document has been the nation’s guiding light for the past 75 years.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort in New Delhi, Modi paid tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru, B.R. Ambedkar, Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and S. Radhakrishnan, among others.
Hailing ‘nari shakti’, he also highlighted the contribution of women leaders in shaping the Constitution. “Our Nari Shakti also played an important role. Leaders like Hansa Mehta and Dakshayani Velayudhan made significant contributions in strengthening the Constitution of India,” Modi said, highlighting the role of women members of the Constituent Assembly.
THE WEEK, as part of its Republic Day Special issue, had profiled the 15 founding mothers of the Constitution, including Hansa Mehta and Dakshayani Velayudhan.
President Droupadi Murmu, in her opening piece for THE WEEK’s special issue dated February 2, 2025, had hailed their contribution in the making of the republic. “The ‘Founding Mothers’ of the Constitution had distinct experiences and insights of their own, which enriched the debates of the Assembly and made the process inclusive. Each of them overcame many obstacles to create a path for others like them,” Murmu wrote.
In his speech today, PM Modi also acknowledged the growing contribution of women in India's economic and social progress. “From start-ups to the space sector, from the playing fields to the armed forces, our daughters are making their mark. Today, with pride, women stand shoulder to shoulder in the country's journey of development,” he said.
He also recalled the “proud moment” when the first batch of women cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA). In fact, THE WEEK had done an EXCLUSIVE article (issue dated June 8, 2025) on these women, their training, their day and their dream.
Lauding the transformative power of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the country, PM Modi said these groups are not just economic units but catalysts for social change and empowerment, driving grassroots development.
From NaMo Drone Didi' to 'Lakhpati Didis'
He highlighted the 'NaMo Drone Didi' initiative, which equipped rural women with essential drone operation skills, creating livelihood opportunities and also instilling identity and pride. He also shared an anecdote from a village, where a 'Drone Didi' recounted how she is now recognised as a "pilot"!
Modi also reiterated the government's pledge to turn three crore women into 'Lakhpati Didis' - women who earn over Rs one lakh annually. "I am happy to inform the nation that with the support of our nari shakti, two crore women have already become Lakhpati Didis," he said.