Vice President Radhakrishnan Interacts With SHG Members In Tripura, Praises Role Of 'Lakhpati Didis'

(MENAFN- IANS) Agartala, March 8 (IANS) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday interacted with members of Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) at the International Trade & Fair Centre in Tripura on the occasion of International Women’s Day and praised their contribution to grassroots development and women’s empowerment.

Addressing a gathering of SHG members and ‘Lakhpati Didis’ at the International Trade & Fair Centre in Hapania, on the outskirts of the capital city, the Vice President said that India has experienced a major transformation in the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, shifting from women development to women-led development.

He noted that Self-Help Groups have become a powerful tool for social and economic empowerment, helping women become confident leaders and active contributors to the country’s progress.

Highlighting the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, Radhakrishnan said that around 100 million women across the country are connected to Self-Help Groups, and more than 20 million women have already become ‘Lakhpati Didis’. A ‘Lakhpati Didi’ is an SHG member whose annual household income exceeds Rs 1 lakh.

Appreciating the efforts of the Tripura government, he mentioned that the state has set an ambitious goal of creating 135,000 ‘Lakhpati Didis’, reflecting rapid progress in women’s empowerment.

The Vice President also highlighted initiatives such as ‘Namo Drone Didi’ and the focus on women beneficiaries under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Ujjwala Yojana, which he said have significantly improved women’s lives.

Noting the increasing achievements of women in education and entrepreneurship, Radhakrishnan expressed confidence that many ‘Lakhpati Didis’ will soon become ‘Crorepati Didis’, further strengthening the nation’s economy.

The Vice President also visited SHG stalls at the International Trade & Fair Centre in Hapania and was briefed on the local products showcased by Self-Help Groups from various districts.

The event was attended by Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu, Chief Minister Manik Saha, several members of the Legislative Assembly, senior officials of the state government, and members of various Women’s Self-Help Groups.

Earlier in the day, the Vice President addressed the 14th convocation of Tripura University.

He also visited the Mata Tripura Sundari temple in Udaipur, southern Tripura, on Sunday morning to offer prayers. The temple is one of the 51 Hindu Shakti Peethas.

Radhakrishnan also paid tribute to martyred soldiers at the Albert Ekka Memorial Park in Lichu Bagan on the outskirts of Agartala.

A post on the Vice President of India’s X handle said: “Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan paid floral tributes to Param Vir Chakra awardee Lance Naik Albert Ekka at the Albert Ekka War Memorial in Agartala, Tripura today. He remembered the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of the 1971 Indo-Pak War hero during the Battle of Ganga Sagar, calling it a timeless example of the indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces.”

“Recalling his visit to Lance Naik Albert Ekka’s birthplace in Gumla, Jharkhand, during his tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, the Vice President said that the nation continues to draw inspiration from the brave soldier’s courage and selfless service,” the post added.