New Delhi, March 7 National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar said on Saturday that true women's empowerment begins with breaking mental barriers created by fear, self-doubt, and long-standing social conditioning.
Addressing a national convention of women thought leaders at Vigyan Bhavan, Rahatkar noted that Indian civilization has traditionally viewed women not merely as individuals or social roles, but as embodiments of power, creation, and consciousness.
Referring to the cultural symbolism of Goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga, she said that Indian society has historically recognized women as the foundation of knowledge, prosperity, and strength, rather than limiting them to the family sphere.
Rahatkar stated that real freedom for women begins from within, as many limitations are often internalized from childhood through societal expectations about how far girls can dream, speak, or aspire.
"When a woman recognizes that she is not merely a victim of circumstances but a carrier of change, she rises with confidence and becomes a force of transformation in society," she said.
Citing the mythological story of Goddess Durga emerging from the collective energies of the gods to defeat Mahishasura, she said that the narrative symbolizes how united positive forces can defeat injustice.
The NCW chief also emphasized that empowering mothers is key to building a strong nation, as confident mothers nurture confident children, who in turn strengthen society and the country.
She said that discussions on the empowerment of women must also connect India's traditions with contemporary realities to ensure greater participation of women in nation-building.
The two-day convention, titled "Bharati – Nari to Narayani," has been organized by the Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad in association with the Rashtra Sevika Samiti and Sharanya at Vigyan Bhavan.
It will conclude on Sunday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the concluding session.
The Rashtra Sevika Samiti, founded in 1936, functions as a women's organization parallel to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for men.