On International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media turned into a platform for some of India’s most inspiring women. Accomplished women from diverse fields took charge of his accounts, sharing their stories of perseverance, ambition and success.
This isn’t the first time the Prime Minister has handed over his digital presence to women achievers. A similar initiative was carried out in 2020, when seven remarkable women took center stage. This year, the tradition continued with six more changemakers who are pioneers in sports, rural entrepreneurship and science, using this space to amplify their voices.
Chess Grandmaster R Vaishali
The first to take over the social media account was R Vaishali, a chess prodigy who has been making strategic moves since the age of six. The Grandmaster, who earned her title in 2023, acknowledged the growing support for women in sports and encouraged young girls to chase their dreams.
“I feel that today’s India provides a lot of support to women athletes, which is very encouraging. From inspiring women to pursue sports to training to giving them adequate sporting exposure, the progress India is making is exceptional,” she shared.
For Vaishali, chess is more than just a game — it’s a teacher, shaping discipline and resilience. “Your passion will power your success,” she wrote to aspiring athletes.
Elina Mishra and Shilpi Soni
Stepping into the spotlight next were two brilliant minds from India’s scientific community. Elina Mishra, a nuclear scientist at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Shilpi Soni, a space scientist at ISRO.
Their message was simple yet powerful: science is limitless, and women are leading the charge.
“The infinite world of science and technology is both exciting and gratifying. The sheer joy we feel when our designed and developed systems are put into application is beyond words. India’s nuclear and space programme has many such scientists like us, whom we acknowledge,” they wrote.
While Mishra spoke about the life-saving potential of nuclear technology, Soni highlighted the thrill of problem-solving in space exploration.
Ajaita Shah
Ajaita Shah, the force behind Frontier Markets, took over Modi’s account to emphasise the role of technology in empowering rural women. “A financially empowered woman is a confident decision-maker, independent thinker, architect of her own future and a maker of modern India!” she wrote.
Having spent nearly two decades working in rural development, Shah has witnessed firsthand how financial inclusion can transform lives. She highlighted initiatives like the ‘Meri Saheli’ app, which uses AI and digital tools to support women entrepreneurs in villages.
“With better access to banking, social security, healthcare and sanitation, women today are finding it easier to pursue their dreams and uplift their communities,” she added.
‘Mushroom Lady’ of Bihar Anita Devi
From the fields of Bihar to the Prime Minister’s social media, Anita Devi’s journey is one of grit and determination. Known as the “Mushroom Lady of Bihar”, she founded the Madhopur Farmers Producers Company in 2016 to empower women through agriculture.
Starting with just a small training session under the JEEViKA project and NRLM, she now provides seeds, fertilisers and pesticides to farmers, helping women achieve financial independence.
“I have seen many struggles in life, but I always wanted to achieve something on my own. In 2016, I decided to take the path of self-employment and founded Madhopur Farmers Producer Company Limited,” she shared.
Her work has not only transformed her life but also created opportunities for hundreds of rural women.
Dr Anjlee Agarwal
Closing the campaign was Dr Anjlee Agarwal, a passionate advocate for universal accessibility and the founder of Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility. For over three decades, she has worked to make public spaces more inclusive, ensuring barrier-free mobility for people with disabilities.
“Ultimately, I aim to be a leading force in creating accessible and inclusive environments in India, with a deep commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities,” she wrote.
Through training programs for government bodies and educational institutions, she is actively reshaping India’s approach to inclusivity. “Today, many women with disabilities are excelling in sports, commerce, education, and more. May we keep adding momentum to this and cement India’s position as a pioneer in this area,” she concluded.
(With inputs from agencies)