How India's Daughters Are Powering a New Era of Growth and Innovation

What happens when a nation begins to truly believe in the potential of its women? You get a country where girls are launching rockets, women are flying fighter jets, rural entrepreneurs are piloting drones over farms, and homemakers are turning into business leaders.

This isn't a futuristic dream—this is today’s India.

On the momentous occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, one of India’s most revered women rulers known for her wisdom and courage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message that resonated across generations: India’s growth story is now being led by its women.

And he didn’t just make a symbolic statement—he backed it with numbers, initiatives, and examples that are transforming how women participate in India's development journey. From science labs to startup boardrooms, rural farms to Parliament halls, Indian women are scripting a new narrative of leadership, inclusion, and impact.

Women Rising in Science and Innovation

India's space journey reached a historic high with the Chandrayaan-3 mission—but what many may not realize is that over 100 women scientists and engineers played critical roles in making that mission a success. PM Modi proudly highlighted this during his address at the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan, signaling a decisive shift in how women are contributing to STEM fields.

Girls are not just enrolling in science and mathematics in increasing numbers—they are excelling. The message is clear: India's daughters are no longer confined by stereotypes. They're building rockets, coding software, and innovating at scale.

“India’s daughters are breaking barriers every day,” Modi said, emphasizing a societal shift that is opening new doors for women and girls across the country.

A New Era of Women Entrepreneurs

One of the most remarkable shifts has come in India’s startup ecosystem. Nearly 45% of Indian startups now have at least one woman director, according to PM Modi. That’s a staggering figure for a country that, just a decade ago, saw very limited female participation in entrepreneurship.

Be it fintech, agritech, healthtech or edtech—women are increasingly founding, funding, and scaling businesses that solve real-world problems. They're not just part of the workforce—they're leading from the front.

This is more than just a statistic—it’s a signal that women are not only creating wealth but also reshaping how businesses think about innovation and inclusion.

Economic Empowerment from the Ground Up

No transformation is possible without financial inclusion. The Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Modi pointed out, has brought more than 30 crore women into the formal banking system. That’s not just about opening bank accounts—it’s about opening doors.

Under the Mudra Yojana, over 75% of the collateral-free loans have been taken by women. These are loans that are helping women set up tailoring units, beauty salons, grocery shops, and even digital startups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

One of the most exciting initiatives mentioned was the Namo Drone Didi campaign. Yes, you heard that right—rural women are now piloting drones for precision farming. Technology, once considered out of reach for rural India, is now being held in the hands of women who are using it to increase crop yield, monitor fields, and gain new income streams.

“This initiative is boosting confidence, creating identity, and increasing the income of our rural sisters,” said PM Modi.

The Rise of ‘Lakhpati Didis’

A silent revolution is underway in rural India. Over 1.5 crore women have become what the government calls ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women earning ₹1 lakh or more annually through micro-enterprises. These include everything from making pickles and handicrafts to operating eco-tourism ventures and digital services.

With Self-Help Groups (SHGs) empowering over 10 crore women, we are witnessing a bottom-up economic model led by women. Programs such as Bank Sakhis (rural banking correspondents) and Bima Sakhis (insurance enablers) are enabling financial literacy and access at the grassroots.

“They are not just earning, they are leading,” Modi underlined.

Women in Governance and Policy

From being voters to becoming lawmakers, women are increasingly shaping India’s policies. Modi highlighted that 75 women are currently Members of Parliament, and the country has seen women occupy top positions such as the Defence Minister and Finance Minister.

The recently passed Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which ensures reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, is a landmark in the pursuit of inclusive governance.

This representation is not tokenism—it is a recognition of the leadership women bring to the table.

Women in Uniform, Leading with Courage

What does it take to serve on the nation’s borders? Grit, resilience, and now—more than ever—Indian women.

From female cadets at the NDA to women Border Security Force officers and fighter pilots flying advanced jets, Indian women are stepping into roles once reserved for men. The PM cited the Navika Sagar Parikrama, a 250-day global maritime expedition completed by women naval officers, as a symbol of courage and strength.

“From fighter jets to INS Vikrant, women officers are leading from the front,” he declared.

Infrastructure That Empowers

Empowerment is not only about big platforms—it’s also about dignity and safety at home. Under housing schemes, over 4 crore homes have been built, many registered in women’s names. LPG connections under Ujjwala Yojana, tap water, electricity, and toilets—these aren't just basic amenities anymore. They are powerful enablers of dignity and independence for millions of women.

Schemes like Ayushman Bharat, offering up to ₹5 lakh of health coverage, have particularly benefited women who often lacked access to quality healthcare.

A Legacy That Inspires the Future

As PM Modi paid tribute to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, he reminded the nation that women-led development isn’t a new concept—it’s part of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. But today, it’s more urgent, more impactful, and more visible than ever.

“Matrushakti is the strength behind a Sashakt Bharat,” he said, reaffirming that the road to a self-reliant India runs through the empowerment of its women.

The Startup Lens: Why This Matters

For the Indian startup ecosystem, this wave of women-led change means more talent, more innovation, and more inclusivity. Whether it’s a woman leading a climate tech firm, building a D2C beauty brand, or launching an edtech startup from her village—India’s women are creating new models of entrepreneurship.

With access to capital, digital tools, and policy support, this momentum can drive India toward becoming a $5 trillion economy—not just in numbers, but in equality and opportunity.

What we are witnessing today is more than just women empowerment—it's women-led development. And as India marches forward, it's increasingly clear that the future is not only digital, not only green—but also, undeniably, female.