HIRD Director Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan urges the women to move forward with self-confidence and embrace new opportunities

Nilokheri, March 17, 2026: The modern woman is no longer confined merely to the domestic sphere; rather, by excelling on every front of life, she has become a strong cornerstone for the development of both society and the nation. These views were expressed by Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD). He was addressing the participants as the Chief Guest at the Annual General Meeting of the 'Nari Shakti Mahila Cluster Federation' committee—held under the aegis of the Haryana State Rural Livelihoods Mission, at the Ravidas Temple in Nilokheri.

Dr. Chauhan inaugurated the program by lighting the ceremonial lamp. He issued a call to action, urging this Block Federation—comprising fifteen thousand women—to achieve something truly remarkable; something that would earn the organization and Nilokheri recognition at the national level, and perhaps one day even merit a mention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address.

The HIRD Director encouraged the women to move forward with self-confidence, embrace new opportunities, and—through their collective groups—set such exemplary standards that future generations would draw inspiration from them. He emphasized that when women work together in an organized manner and with unwavering resolve, no goal remains impossible to achieve.

Chief Guest Dr. Chauhan stated that the present era is fundamentally an age of women's empowerment—an era in which, through the medium of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), women are not only attaining economic self-reliance but are also emerging as pioneers of social change.

He reiterated that when women unite and work towards a common objective, they possess the power to transform the landscape not only of their own families but of their entire village and society at large. He urged the women to recognize the latent potential lying within themselves, to step forward with confidence, and to prioritize quality and integrity in all their endeavors.

Dr. Chauhan noted that it is precisely these small, consistent efforts that lay the foundation for monumental change; therefore, every woman should continue to strive diligently at her own level. Encouraging the women to maximize the benefits of digital literacy, self-employment opportunities, and various government schemes, he affirmed that this Cluster Federation serves as a powerful platform for women—one from which they can ascend to new heights of success.

He expressed confidence that this solidarity among women would undoubtedly bring about positive change in society and make a significant contribution to the creation of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India). He said that by working in an organized manner, women would become economically empowered and play a pivotal role in the development of villages.

The event was attended by participating women, alongside Neha (District Consultant) and Kulbhushan (FLC, Gharaunda) from the Jal Jeevan Mission, as well as Renu (Block Programme Manager), Satish Kumar, and Anu (DEO) from the Haryana State Rural Livelihoods Mission.