From Shakti to Society: The Enduring Strength of Women — Give to Gain

In India, women are not just respected — they are revered. In March, as the nation comes alive with the vibrant celebrations of Navratri, we once again bow to the divine feminine energy — Shakti — in her nine powerful forms.

In March, the world observes International Women’s Day 2026 under the powerful theme “Give to Gain”, carrying forward the spirit of reverence into meaningful action and reflection.

From the concept of Shakti to the spirit of every woman shaping our society, the idea of feminine strength is deeply woven into our cultural consciousness.

We are a country where women are celebrated in many forms — as creators, nurturers, leaders, and change-makers. India has long given women a place of honour, strength, and identity. But true celebration goes beyond symbolic recognition or festive rituals. It reflects a deeper belief — that women are the foundation of progress, and their strength is the strength of society itself.

While we celebrate women as embodiments of power during festivals like Navratri, are we equally committed to ensuring dignity, opportunity, and equality for them in everyday life?

Genuine empowerment lies not just in words or traditions, but in creating a society where every woman feels empowered to dream, lead, and thrive.

The True Meaning of “Give to Gain”

At its core, the philosophy of “Give to Gain” — the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day — represents a simple yet powerful truth: when we invest in others, especially women, the returns extend far beyond individuals and benefit society as a whole.

Giving, in this context, goes beyond symbolic gestures. It means ensuring that daughters have access to quality education, that women are encouraged to pursue their ambitions, and that safe and inclusive environments are created where they can grow with confidence and dignity.

Families become stronger when women are empowered. Communities grow healthier and more resilient. Nations progress with greater balance and inclusivity.

Every empowered woman becomes a force of transformation — shaping not only her own future, but also the future of society at large.

Empowering Women: A Global Priority

Across the world, empowering women is recognised as a cornerstone of sustainable development. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals highlight this through SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

The reasoning is clear: no society can truly progress if half of its population is denied equal opportunities.

Countries that invest in women’s education, health, and economic participation consistently witness stronger social indicators and more inclusive growth.

As former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan once said, “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.” Empowering women is therefore not merely a social objective; it is a development imperative that strengthens the foundations of a nation.

Women Who Shaped History

India’s history is filled with examples of women who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and leadership. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Rani Durgavati remain timeless symbols of bravery and resistance. During the freedom struggle, countless women stepped forward as leaders, organisers, and activists, playing a vital role in India’s journey to independence.

In modern India, women continue to break barriers across fields such as sports, healthcare, civil services, science, space research, entrepreneurship, and the armed forces. From Olympic medals to space missions, their achievements demonstrate a powerful reality: women have never lacked capability — they have often only lacked opportunity.

The Philosophy of “Give to Gain”

When society gives women education, encouragement, and opportunity, the gains return multiplied.

“Giving” means ensuring access to learning, safe environments, leadership roles, and economic participation.

“Gaining” represents the transformation that follows — stronger families, healthier communities, and more inclusive development.

An educated girl uplifts an entire household. A financially independent woman strengthens economic stability. A woman leader brings diverse perspectives to governance. Empowering women, therefore, creates progress that spans generations.

A Personal Reflection

When I look back at my own journey, I often think about how a single moment can quietly change the direction of one’s life.

I am a native of Panipat, Haryana, but was born and brought up in Delhi. The environment was supportive in many ways, but patriarchal social norms were still quite strong. It was not very common to see girls from our surroundings preparing for careers in administration or imagining themselves in positions of public leadership.

The idea of civil services entered my life almost unexpectedly. During my final year of graduation, I came across an article about the role administrators play in shaping policies and improving people’s lives. For the first time, I realised that governance was not simply about authority or power — it was about creating meaningful social change.

Choosing to prepare for the civil services was therefore not merely a career decision. It was a decision to step onto a path that no one in my family had taken before. The journey was not always easy. Like many aspirants, I experienced moments of self-doubt, particularly after my first attempt when I could not clear the mains examination.

However, that phase became a turning point. I worked harder on my weaker subjects, focused on improving my General Studies preparation, and strengthened my answer-writing practice. With the constant support of my family and renewed determination, I cleared the examination in my second attempt in 2008 with an All India Rank of 13.

Looking back today, that moment did not only change my life. It also reinforced a belief that sometimes the first step towards empowerment is simply the courage to believe that our aspirations are valid.

Policy Efforts in India

Recognising the importance of empowering women, India has introduced several initiatives over the years. Programs such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao aim to improve the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.

The National Policy for Empowerment of Women (2001) laid the foundation for gender equality across sectors. The reservation of seats for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions has significantly increased women’s participation in grassroots governance.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several women-centric policies, legislative programs, and schemes are being implemented across India to strengthen women’s empowerment and participation.

More recently, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam marks a historical initiative toward expanding women’s representation in legislative bodies, including the State Assemblies and the Union Parliament.

Together, these efforts reflect a significant shift from focusing merely on women’s welfare to promoting women-led development.

Change Begins at the Grassroots

My early years in the civil services took me to the remote tribal regions of Tripura in 2009–10. Serving there was one of the most transformative experiences of my professional journey.

Through continuous field visits and by learning the local language, I gradually developed closer connections with the communities.

One incident remains vivid: in Maldapara village in Ambassa, officials had to walk nearly eight to ten kilometres because there was no road connectivity. Essential services such as healthcare, education, and anganwadi support were not reaching the village regularly. Pregnant women and young children were particularly affected.

To address this, we coordinated with nearby Border Security Force camps and arranged accommodation so that officials could stay closer to these villages and provide regular support. Experiences like these taught me a vital lesson: governance is not about files or reports. Behind every policy challenge lies a human story and a hope for a better future.

The Ripple Effect

Later, when I served as Deputy Commissioner in Jhajjar, Haryana, the experience carried special meaning because it connected me back to my roots. Initial hesitation among some people about accepting a woman officer in that leadership role gradually transformed into acceptance through consistent engagement with communities.

During that period, we worked on initiatives such as Soch Pe Dastak, Naari Ki Choupal, and Mhari Laado to promote gender equality and encourage positive social conversations around girls’ education, dowry, female foeticide, and equal opportunities.

What I realised was that representation itself sends a powerful message. When young girls see women in leadership roles, it quietly expands their sense of what is possible for their own future.

Youth: The Torchbearers of Change

Young minds today hold the ability to reshape societal thinking and redefine long-standing norms. Change begins when youth choose to question stereotypes, promote equality, and practice respect for women — not just in words, but through everyday actions and decisions.

When youth embrace these values, they become powerful agents of transformation, driving meaningful change and building a more inclusive and balanced future.

Giving Today, Gaining Tomorrow

The idea of “Give to Gain” reminds us of a simple yet profound truth about social progress. Empowering women is not about granting special privileges; it is about recognising and unlocking the immense human potential that already exists within half of our population.

When women are given the opportunity to learn, lead, and contribute meaningfully, the benefits extend far beyond individual success.

An educated girl often becomes the foundation of a stronger family. A confident and economically independent woman contributes to the stability and prosperity of her community. When women participate in leadership and decision-making, societies become more inclusive, balanced, and forward-looking.

The ripple effect of empowerment reaches across generations and strengthens the very fabric of a nation.

Former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once said, “Empowering women is a prerequisite for creating a good nation.” His words capture the essence of what true progress looks like.

In the end, empowering women is not merely a matter of fairness. It is a pathway to building stronger families, more resilient communities, and a more confident nation. A society that truly values strength does not limit it to symbols — it reflects it in its actions, its policies, and its everyday choices.

When we give women opportunities, encouragement, and respect, we do not diminish power — we expand it. And in doing so, we create a future where progress is not just celebrated, but shared by all.