• Members of the Organising Committee,

• Distinguished   Guests,    awardees,    speakers    and panelists

The progress of any society, is reflected, in the progress of its women. Across India today, women are leading change, in every sphere of national life, — serving in our armed forces, driving scientific innovation, building enterprises, strengthening institutions, excelling in sports and the arts, and contributing to governance, and public service. Their achievements, continue to redefine aspirations, for future generations.

As our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, has said, “India’s Nari Shakti, is the corner stone of nation-building. Our mothers, sisters, and daughters, are enhancing the pride of Maa Bharati, with their amazing talent, and skills, in every field.”

This vision represents, a significant evolution in, India’s development journey. Women are not merely participants, in the nation’s progress; they are principal architects. As India moves, towards the vision of, Viksit Bharat 2047, the leadership and aspirations of women will play an increasingly, decisive role.

The Shakti Awards, celebrate this spirit. The remarkable women honoured today, come from diverse walks of life, yet share a commitment, to excellence, resi-lience and service. Their journeys remind us, that true leader-ship is measured, not only by personal success, but by the positive impact, created in the lives of others. I extend heart-felt congratulations, to every awardee, for inspiring society, through dedication and achievement.

Today’s Conclave, also highlights, an issue of profound national importance — women’s health. Empowerment cannot be complete, without good health. Access to quality health-care, enables women to pursue, education, careers, entrepreneur-ship and leader-ship with, confidence and dignity. Investing in women’s health, is therefore an investment, in stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger nation.

Among the many health challenges, confronting our society, breast cancer has emerged, as one of the most significant challenge. The encouraging reality, is that, when detected early, it is highly treatable. This makes awareness, regular screening and timely diagnosis, critical components of, public health strategy.

In this regard, I commend, the Namo Shakti Breast Cancer Screening Mission, for combining innovation, with compassion. By using AI-enabled, non-invasive screening techno-logy and mobile units, the Mission is making preventive health-care, more accessible, particularly for women, with limited access, to timely screening. Its collaboration with ASHA workers, Aangan-wadi workers, and community networks, strengthens awareness, and encourages, early intervention.

India’s health-care land scape, is undergoing a trans-formation, through greater emphasis, on preventive care, digital health, and expanded access, to quality medical services. Technology is becoming, an important partner, in this journey. Artificial Intelligence, digital diagnostics and data driven health-care, have the potential to improve, early detection, strengthen delivery, and bridge gaps, in access, particularly in under-served areas. Combined with skilled professionals, and compassionate care, these innovations, can significantly improve outcomes.

As we celebrate, women’s achievements today, let us re-affirm, our collective responsibility, to build an environment, where every woman has the opportunity, to realise her full potential. Governments, health-care institutions, civil society, industry and community organisations, must continue working together, to expand opportunities, strengthen health-care, promote safety, and ensure, that no woman is left behind.

We must also remember, the millions of women, who contribute silently, every day — mothers, care-givers, farmers, workers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Their contributions form the foundation, of our society.