Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised the growing role of women in India’s defence and space sectors. He said their achievements reflect India’s progress toward equality and empowerment.

Women Take the Lead

While addressing the International Arya Mahasammelan 2025 in New Delhi, PM Modi highlighted a proud moment for the nation. Recently, President Droupadi Murmu flew in a Rafale fighter jet with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, one of India’s first women Rafale pilots.

Modi said the event symbolised the strength and confidence of Indian women in frontline defence roles.

He said, “Just two days ago, our President Droupadi Murmu Ji took a sortie in a Rafale fighter aircraft. Her companion was Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh. Today, our daughters are flying fighter aircraft and also promoting modern agriculture by becoming Drone Didis." He also added, "Today, we can proudly say that India has the highest number of female STEM graduates in the world. Today, women are also playing leadership roles in the field of science and technology.”

He added that Indian women are now leading across many fields — from defence to agriculture and technology.

Honouring Arya Samaj’s Legacy

Moving to cultural heritage, PM Modi praised the Arya Samaj for its great contribution to India’s spiritual and national identity. He said its 150th anniversary marks the celebration of India’s Vedic roots and self-renewing spirit.

He explained that the Arya Samaj’s message goes beyond communities and sects. “The 150th anniversary of the establishment of Arya Samaj is not connected only to a part of society or a sect. This occasion is connected to the Vedic identity of the entire India,” he said.

Arya Samaj and the Spirit of Renewal

PM Modi compared the Arya Samaj to the sacred Ganga River. He said both have the power to renew and purify themselves. According to him, Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s movement gave moral strength to India’s freedom struggle and inspired countless revolutionaries.

He recalled that freedom fighters like Lala Lajpat Rai and Ram Prasad Bismil drew inspiration from Arya Samaj.

He said, “The Arya Samaj has been an organisation that fearlessly speaks of Indianness. Be it any anti-India mindset, people imposing foreign ideologies, a divisive mentality, or nefarious attempts at cultural pollution, the Arya Samaj has always challenged these. I am pleased that today, as society and the nation are paying homage to the great ideals of Dayanand Saraswati Ji in this grand form.”

Call for Recognition and Action

Furthermore, PM Modi expressed regret that the Arya Samaj’s contribution to the freedom movement has not received due recognition. “Unfortunately, due to political reasons, Arya Samaj’s role in the freedom struggle did not receive the respect it deserved,” he said.

He urged Arya Samaj members to guide young people toward studying ancient manuscripts. He also encouraged them to promote natural farming and coarse cereals.