PM Modi writes to ‘Nari Shakti’, says ‘voice of women’ is ‘voice of India’

In a heartfelt letter to women across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday underlined the importance of women’s reservation in legislative bodies and called for faster action on a long-pending reform.

In a post on social media, he wrote, “Women across India are appreciating the initiative to ensure reservation for women in legislative bodies. Here is my letter to India’s Nari Shakti, reiterating our commitment to implement what has been pending for decades….”

“Our mothers, sisters, and daughters across the country are appreciating the decision to ensure women’s reservation from the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections of the year 2029.”

“In this letter dedicated to the women power of India, I have shared my feelings with the fellow citizens on the subject of soon realizing this resolve that has been pending for decades…,” he said.

The letter comes just ahead of a crucial parliament session, where the government is hoping to push forward the constitutional amendment linked to the women’s reservation law.

Beginning his letter on April 14, Modi also paid tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary.

He described Ambedkar as a guiding force in nation-building and said India continues to be inspired by his commitment to constitutional values.

“Today, 14 April, is a day that holds immense significance in India’s history… I pay tribute to him and recall his commitment to constitutional values which continues to guide our journey,” he added.

The prime minister also noted that women are already shaping India’s progress in multiple fields, start-ups, science, education, arts, sports, and grassroots entrepreneurship. He pointed to the rise of women-led start-ups, achievements of women athletes, and the success of self-help groups and “Lakhpati Didis” as proof of India’s changing social and economic landscape.

He said this growing contribution naturally strengthens the case for greater political representation.

Modi strongly argued that women’s participation in legislatures is essential for India’s future development. He wrote, “It is imperative that we do whatever is possible… for that, the active participation of women is absolutely non-negotiable.”

He also recalled earlier efforts dating back to the time of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, noting that the idea of women’s reservation has had broad political support for decades but remained incomplete.

Modi urged all political parties to support the upcoming constitutional amendment, stressing that delays would be unfair to women.

“The daughters of India cannot be asked to wait endlessly for what is rightfully theirs. When the voice of women becomes stronger in our legislatures, the voice of democracy itself becomes stronger,” he said.