Page 19 - NIS ENGLISH 1-15 May, 2026

Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created an eye-catching sand sculpture dedicated to the spirit of Nari Shakti Vandan at Puri Beach.

not as a political maneuver, but as a decision taken in the political debate for nearly four decades, and the time has
national interest—a rightful entitlement for Nari Shakti and now come for women—who constitute half of the coun-
a reflection of India’s deep-rooted cultural ethos. Yet, once try's population—to receive their rightful representation.
again, the decades-old cycle of "ifs, buts, and caveats" has Furthermore, the Prime Minister himself urged all political
thrown up roadblocks in the path toward implementing parties to deliberate thoughtfully and, with the utmost sen-
women's reservation by 2029. Ever since convening this sitivity, cast their votes in favor of the women's reservation
special session, the Prime Minister has consistently empha- amendment. Appealing on behalf of the nation's women,
sized to the nation that not a single day should be wasted in he urged all Members of Parliament to ensure that they do
bringing the women's reservation policy to fruition. nothing that might hurt the sentiments of Nari Shakti. He
The Central Government had been optimistic that— stated that millions of women across the country are looking
much like in September 2023—the "Temple of Democracy" toward the Parliament, its objectives, and its decisions. The
would once again resound with a resounding affirmation of Prime Minister called upon the MPs to listen to the voice
democratic commitment regarding women's reservation. of their conscience, keeping in mind the mothers, sisters,
However, a consensus failed to emerge; lacking support daughters, and wives in their own homes. Prime Minister
from the Opposition, the government was unable to muster Modi described this amendment as a momentous oppor-
the requisite numerical strength within Parliament to pass tunity to serve and honor the women of the nation, and he
the constitutional amendment bill. made a heartfelt appeal to the members:
Prime Minister Modi’s commitment was not limited
merely to introducing the amendment bill in Parliament; “I would say to all Members of Parliament...
while participating in this special discussion, he also Listen to the voice of your conscience, keeping in
unilaterally declared that he would accord full credit mind the mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives in
to the Opposition in exchange for their support of this your own homes...
amendment. The time allotted for the discussion in the This is a magnificent opportunity to serve and pay
Lok Sabha was also extended, and on the first day, the homage to the nation's Nari Shakti.
Do not deprive them of new opportunities.”
debate continued until 1:00 AM. The Central Government "If this amendment is passed unanimously, the
also effectively resolved the issue by providing reasoned nation's 'Nari Shakti' will be further empowered...
responses to dispel the misconceptions being circulated and the country's democracy will be further
regarding the amendment. All relevant information was strengthened.
made available to address and allay the voices and sen- Come... let us together create history today. Let us
timents of dissent. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that grant the women of India—the country's 'half-
the issue of women's reservation has been a subject of population'—their rightful due."

May 01-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 17