International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th, serves as a powerful reminder of gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide. In 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a unique initiative to make this day even more special. He decided to hand over his social media accounts to women who have made significant contributions in various fields. This bold move celebrated their achievements and amplified their voices on a national platform.
Empowering Women through Visibility
One of the distinguished women chosen to take over PM Modi’s social media handles was Chess Grandmaster R Vaishali. She seized the moment to share her inspiring journey in the world of chess. In her post from the Prime Minister’s account, she greeted the nation with a heartfelt message:
“Vanakkam! I am Vaishali, and I am thrilled to be taking over our PM Thiru Narendra Modi Ji’s social media properties, and that too on Women’s Day. As many of you would know, I play chess, and I feel very proud to be representing our beloved country in many tournaments.”
Her words reflected her pride and passion for the sport that has brought her immense recognition. She shared her excitement about being given this opportunity, reinforcing the importance of encouraging women in every sphere of life.
Vaishali’s Journey: A Story of Dedication and Success
Vaishali, born on June 21st—a day now globally recognized as International Yoga Day—expressed how her journey in chess began at the young age of six. Her love for the game turned into a fulfilling career, allowing her to compete in international tournaments and Olympiads. She stated:
“Playing chess has been a learning, thrilling, and rewarding journey for me, reflecting in many of my tournament and Olympiad successes. But there is more.”
The Grandmaster emphasized the importance of passion and perseverance. She encouraged young girls to dream big and work towards their goals fearlessly, despite any challenges that may come their way. Her message resonated with countless women across India:
“I want to give a message to all the women out there, especially the young girls—follow your dreams, no matter the hurdles. Your passion will power your success. I want to encourage women to follow their dreams and break barriers in any field they choose because I know they can!”
She also reaffirmed her commitment to improving her FIDE ranking and making India proud. Chess, she said, had taught her invaluable lessons, and she urged young girls to consider sports as a path of discipline, self-improvement, and excellence.
“I want to further improve my FIDE ranking and make my country prouder. Chess has given me so much, and I look forward to contributing more to the sport I love. In the same spirit, I want to tell young girls to pursue any sport they feel like. Sports is among the best teachers.”
The Role of Family Support in Women’s Success
Vaishali took a moment to highlight the crucial role of family support in a woman’s journey to success. She credited her achievements to her parents and brother, who stood by her through thick and thin. She expressed her gratitude and urged other families to nurture and believe in their daughters:
“I’ve also got a message for parents and siblings—SUPPORT GIRLS. Trust their abilities, and they’ll do wonders. In my life, I have been blessed with supportive parents, Thiru Rameshbabu and Thirumathi Nagalakshmi. My brother, R Praggnanandhaa, and I also share a close bond. I have also been fortunate to have excellent coaches and teammates, and of course, I am very inspired by Viswanathan Anand, Sir.”
She acknowledged the progress India has made in supporting women athletes, which has significantly contributed to their success on national and international platforms.
“I feel that today’s India provides a lot of support to women athletes, which is very encouraging. From inspiring women to pursue sports to training to giving them adequate sporting exposure, the progress India is making is exceptional.”
Other Women Who Took Over PM Modi’s Social Media
Vaishali was not alone in this historic social media takeover. Other remarkable women also got the chance to share their stories, showcasing India’s advancements in various fields.
Two brilliant scientists, Elina Mishra, a nuclear scientist, and Shilpi Soni, a space scientist, took over the Prime Minister’s social media platforms to encourage more women to enter STEM fields. Their message was clear and impactful:
“We are Elina Mishra, a nuclear scientist, and Shilpi Soni, a space scientist, and we are thrilled to be helming the PM’s social media properties on Women’s Day. Our message—India is the most vibrant place for science, and thus, we call upon more women to pursue it.”
Their words reinforced the growing opportunities for women in science and technology in India, motivating young minds to explore careers in these fields.
Additionally, Ajaita Shah, the Founder and CEO of Frontier Markets, used the platform to advocate for financial empowerment among women. Her message underscored the importance of economic independence for women in shaping a progressive nation:
“A financially empowered woman is a confident decision-maker, independent thinker, architect of her own future, and a maker of modern India! Our nation is taking the lead in building financially empowered women. I, Ajaita Shah, am really delighted to be handling PM Narendra Modi Ji’s social media handles on Women’s Day.”
Her words served as a reminder that financial literacy and entrepreneurship are crucial tools for empowering women and driving India’s growth.
A Milestone for Women’s Empowerment in India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to hand over his social media platforms to inspiring women was more than a symbolic gesture. It amplified the voices of women excelling in various fields and served as an inspiration for millions across the country.
This initiative demonstrated India’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. It sent a powerful message—when women are given opportunities and support, they excel in every field, from sports and science to business and technology.
The overwhelming response to this unique celebration of International Women’s Day reflects India’s shifting mindset towards gender inclusivity. By showcasing successful women from different sectors, PM Modi not only acknowledged their achievements but also encouraged countless young girls to dream big and work hard.
As India continues to advance in empowering women, initiatives like these pave the way for a more inclusive and progressive society. The stories of Vaishali, Elina Mishra, Shilpi Soni, and Ajaita Shah stand as testimonies to the limitless potential of women in shaping the future of the nation. This Women’s Day, their voices echoed across the country, inspiring a new generation of women to rise, lead, and break barriers.
