The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, hosted over 200 Anganwadi Workers and other frontline field functionaries, along with their spouses or companions, as Special Guests at the Republic Day Ceremony held on 26 January 2026 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The invitation recognised their exemplary and sustained contributions to the empowerment and welfare of women and children at the grassroots level, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen last-mile service delivery and build a people-centric development model.
The Special Guests, drawn from across the country, were hosted in New Delhi from 24 to 27 January 2026. During their stay, they were provided an opportunity to experience India’s cultural heritage and developmental journey through visits to prominent national landmarks, including the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya and Akshardham Temple.
On 25 January 2026, the Ministry organised an interactive session with the Special Guests, which was graced by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur, and Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Anil Malik. The Ministers interacted with the participants, acknowledged their dedication, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening grassroots institutions and frontline service delivery mechanisms.
Addressing the gathering, Annapurna Devi said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Anganwadi Workers and frontline functionaries have been recognised as key partners in nation-building. She noted that their commitment at the grassroots level has been instrumental in translating government initiatives into tangible outcomes for women and children across the country.
Savitri Thakur stated that the service and commitment of frontline workers reflect the true spirit of Viksit Bharat. She emphasised that guided by the Prime Minister’s focus on inclusive growth and women-led development, the Ministry remains steadfast in supporting grassroots institutions and empowering those who serve at the last mile.
The participation of Anganwadi Workers and frontline field functionaries as Special Guests at the Republic Day celebrations underscored the Government of India’s continued emphasis on recognising women’s leadership, strengthening last-mile governance, and acknowledging the pivotal role played by grassroots workers in nation-building as India progresses towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.
