Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday, 2 September declared that Sita's character in the Ramayana was 'much greater' than that of Lord Rama, invoking her sacrifices and struggles as an enduring inspiration for women. He made the remarks at the inauguration of the fifth edition of 'Together We Grow — International Women Entrepreneurship Day', organised by the Ubuntu Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs Association at the FKCCI auditorium in Bengaluru.

What Shivakumar Said

'Ramayana's Sita's character is much greater than Rama's. Her sacrifices and struggles are an inspiration. Women are creators, and those of you who have built enterprises by overcoming challenges are role models,' Shivakumar said, addressing the gathering of women entrepreneurs.

He also cited Congress leader Sonia Gandhi as a symbol of women's sacrifice and leadership. 'Sonia Gandhi faced many setbacks in her life, including the death of Indira Gandhi and the assassination of her husband. Despite these challenges, she led the party. Although she had opportunities to become Prime Minister twice, she gave way to economist Manmohan Singh. This is an example of a woman's sacrifice. Women nurture and create leaders,' he said.

Government's Women-Centric Schemes

Shivakumar highlighted several welfare programmes his government has implemented for women. He noted that 1.22 crore women are receiving ₹2,000 a month under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. Under the Shakti scheme, women can travel free of cost in government buses across Karnataka, a move he said had boosted confidence and self-reliance.

He also cited loans at four per cent interest, subsidies, and the Stree Shakti scheme as part of the government's five guarantee schemes aimed at empowering women. 'Around 40 per cent of doctors graduating every year are women. Women are not confined to the kitchen. They are good thinkers and entrepreneurs,' he said.

Call for Women's Leadership at All Levels

The Chief Minister asserted that women's leadership was essential from gram panchayats to Parliament, welcoming the 33 per cent reservation for women across party lines. He also referenced mythological figures such as Draupadi and Kunti, as well as the worship of Chamundeshwari and village deities in Karnataka, to underscore women's historically significant place in Indian culture.

Shivakumar urged society to move away from the preference for a male first child. 'As parents, we must teach values and discipline to our children. We must take pride in seeing our daughters become empowered women who can successfully manage both their families and businesses,' he said.

Bengaluru Infrastructure and Tunnel Project

Separately, Shivakumar used the platform to seek support for Bengaluru's proposed tunnel road project, aimed at easing traffic congestion in a city that now has around 1.4 crore vehicles. He said the government was investing ₹1.5 lakh crore in infrastructure development to strengthen the city's transportation network. 'There is opposition to the tunnel project for political reasons. The project will save people's time and money. As entrepreneurs, you should raise your voice in support of the project,' he told the audience.

Shivakumar closed by urging women entrepreneurs to remain confident and become active partners in Karnataka's development, stating: 'Where there is hard work, there will be results.'