Agartala, March 8 (NationPress) On Sunday, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan engaged with members of Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) during a visit to the International Trade & Fair Centre in Tripura to celebrate International Women’s Day. He commended their significant role in fostering grassroots development and enhancing women’s empowerment.

Speaking to a crowd of SHG participants and the ‘Lakhpati Didis’ initiative at the Fair Centre in Hapania, near the capital, the Vice-President remarked on India’s remarkable evolution over the last decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, shifting from mere women development to a model where women lead.

He emphasized that Self-Help Groups have become a vital force for social and economic empowerment, allowing women to emerge as confident leaders and active players in the nation’s advancement.

While discussing the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, Radhakrishnan noted that approximately 10 crore women have joined Self-Help Groups nationwide, with over two crore already classified as ‘Lakhpati Didis’. A ‘Lakhpati Didi’ is defined as an SHG member whose annual household income surpasses Rs 1 lakh.

Praising the Tripura government’s initiatives, he stated that the state aims to produce 1.35 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’, showcasing the swift progress made in women’s empowerment.

The Vice-President highlighted other initiatives like ‘Namo Drone Didi’ and the prioritization of women beneficiaries in programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Ujjwala Yojana, which have significantly transformed women’s lives.

Reflecting on the increasing achievements of women in education and business, Radhakrishnan expressed optimism that many ‘Lakhpati Didis’ would soon elevate to ‘Crorepati Didis’, further bolstering the nation’s economy.

Additionally, the Vice-President explored SHG booths at the Fair Centre and was informed about the local products presented by Self-Help Groups from various districts.

The event also saw the participation of Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu, Chief Minister Manik Saha, several Legislative Assembly members, senior government officials, and various Women’s Self-Help Group members.

Earlier, he addressed the 14th convocation of Tripura University.

On Sunday morning, he visited the Mata Tripura Sundari temple in Udaipur, southern Tripura, to offer his prayers. This temple is recognized as one of the 51 Hindu Shakti Peethas.

Radhakrishnan paid homage to fallen soldiers at the Albert Ekka Memorial Park located at Lichu Bagan, near Agartala.

A post shared on the Vice-President of India’s X handle stated: “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 honored the exceptional bravery and ultimate sacrifice of the hero from the 1971 Indo-Pak War during the Battle of Gangasagar, calling it an everlasting symbol of the Indian Armed Forces’ indomitable spirit.”

“Recalling his visit to the birthplace of Lance Naik Albert Ekka in Gumla, Jharkhand, during his Governor tenure, the Vice-President mentioned that the nation continually draws inspiration from the soldier’s valor and selfless service,” the post concluded.