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Felicitates and gives certificates to 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 25th August participated in Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. He handed out certificates and felicitated 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis who recently became Lakhpati during the third term of the present government. The Prime Minister also interacted with Lakhpati Didis from across the country. Shri Modi released a Revolving Fund of Rs 2,500 crore, benefiting about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHG). He also disbursed bank loans of Rs 5,000 crore which will benefit 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs. Since the inception of the Lakhpati Didi Yoajna, one crore women have already been made Lakhpati Didis and the government has set a target of three crore Lakhpati Didis.
The Prime Minister began his address by expressing gratitude towards the huge crowd of mothers and sisters who were present on the occasion. Before moving further, the Prime Minister paid condolences to the victims of the bus accident tragedy in Tanahun, Nepal where several people from Jalgaon lost their lives. He informed that the authorities contacted their Nepalese counterparts as soon as the mishap took place and Union Minister Rakshatai Khadse was sent to Nepal. He said that the mortal remains of the deceased have been brought by special Air Force aircraft and those injured are being looked after. He prayed for their speedy recovery and assured all possible assistance from the Central and State Governments.
Expressing happiness over the attendance of a huge crowd of mothers and sisters at the mega event of Lakhpati Didi Sammelan, Shri Modi said, “Today, funds of more than Rs 6000 Crore were disbursed for lakhs of Women SHGs spanning across India”. He added that this corpus of funds will bolster many women to transform into ‘Lakhpati Didis’. The PM also extended his best wishes.
Prime Minister Shri Modi underlined that the mothers and sisters of Maharashtra give a glimpse of the glorious culture and traditions of the state. “Traditions of Maharashtra are known not only in India but around the world”, the Prime Minister remarked. He mentioned witnessing the culture of Maharashtra during his recent visit to Poland and said that the people of Maharashtra are highly respected by Polish citizens. He spoke about the Kolhapur Memorial that is dedicated to the spirit of service and hospitality of the people of Kolhapur by the people of Poland.
Recalling the era of World War II when thousands of women and children from Poland were given refuge by the royal family of Kolhapur by following the traditions laid down by Shivaji Maharaj, the Prime Minister expressed pride when such tales of valor were narrated to him during his visit to the nation. He exhorted the citizens to follow a similar path and make continuous efforts to raise the state’s name in the world.
Shri Modi remarked that the culture of Maharashtra is a creation of the brave and courageous women of that land. He added that the entire India has been inspired by ‘Matrushakthi’ of Maharashtra. The Prime Minister said, “Our Jalgaon is a shrine of Varkari tradition. This is the land of the great saint Muktai.” He added that her achievements and penance were an inspiration for today’s generation as well.