Vice-President Dhankhar Hails Meghalaya’s Growth and Women Empowerment

In a vibrant interaction with Self Help Groups (SHGs) from Meghalaya, Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, delivered a compelling address in New Delhi, applauding the state's strides in economic development, women’s empowerment, and its alignment with national growth strategies. SHG members representing Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills regions gathered to hear the Vice-President's words of encouragement and insight into India’s evolving socio-economic landscape.

From Freebies to True Empowerment

The Vice-President began his address by challenging the notion of empowerment through mere financial handouts or doles. “To empower the pocket of a person by freebies is not true empowerment,” Shri Dhankhar declared. “True empowerment is when you hand-hold an individual so that they can uplift themselves. That is what brings true satisfaction and pride—not just for the individual, but for the family and the nation.” His remarks emphasized capacity-building and self-reliance as foundational pillars for sustainable development.

Celebrating the North East: A Jewel of the Nation

Calling the North East the “jewel of our country,” Shri Dhankhar reflected on India’s evolving foreign and regional policy focus. He highlighted how the “Look East” policy of the 1990s has been transformed into the dynamic “Act East” initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “This shift is not just semantic,” he said. “It has been backed by real, measurable actions that have propelled the North East, especially Meghalaya, into a new era of economic and infrastructural advancement.”

He further described Meghalaya as “heaven for tourists” due to its rich natural beauty and cultural wealth, noting that these attributes could be harnessed more effectively to boost tourism and related services.

Harnessing Meghalaya’s Potential

Shri Dhankhar noted that the state of Meghalaya holds vast untapped potential in various sectors, including mining, information technology, tourism, and services. He stressed the importance of nurturing human resources as the key to fully realizing this potential. “The real resource is the people,” he asserted. “Talent must be encouraged and supported, especially in a way that fosters independence and dignity.”

Women at the Forefront of Change

In a significant portion of his speech, the Vice-President praised the role of women in Meghalaya’s development story. He lauded the state for achieving a tenfold increase in both the revolving fund for SHGs and the number of active women’s groups. “Societal and economic development must go hand in hand, and this balance is achieved when women are central to the process,” he said. “It is heartening to see Meghalaya leading by example.”

A Decade of Visionary Leadership

Shri Dhankhar emphasized the impact of strong and visionary governance on national and regional development. He attributed much of India’s progress in the last ten years—particularly in economy, infrastructure, technology, and women’s empowerment—to Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. “Leadership that catalyzes officials and institutions to move in the right direction is crucial. That is exactly what we are witnessing today at both the Centre and in Meghalaya,” he stated.

He was equally appreciative of the state leadership, congratulating Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma for his “deep commitment” to Meghalaya’s progress. He highlighted the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth, citing a notable 13% year-on-year rise, with projections estimating the state’s economy to exceed ₹66,000 crores. The state, he noted, is ambitiously targeting a $10 billion economy by 2028—an objective he called “very commendable.”

Cultural Richness and Inclusive Progress

Reaffirming India’s commitment to its diverse cultural heritage, Shri Dhankhar emphasized that “Our tribal culture is resplendent; our tribal culture is our wealth.” This sentiment resonated with the SHG representatives, many of whom come from indigenous communities. The Vice-President’s remarks served as a reminder that inclusive development, which respects and incorporates cultural values, is crucial to the nation’s progress.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the Centre’s support for states like Meghalaya that show promise and determination. Also present were Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and other dignitaries, symbolizing a united front in fostering regional development and empowering grassroots communities.

As India moves forward with its vision of inclusive, sustainable, and people-centric growth, such engagements between top leadership and community stakeholders serve as powerful platforms to reinforce commitment, celebrate achievements, and chart a collaborative path ahead.