More than 3,000 women from across government institutions and diverse professional sectors participated in the Shakti Walk held along Kartavya Path in the national capital to mark International Women’s Day. The event, organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, celebrated the leadership, achievements and contributions of women in shaping a progressive and inclusive Bharat.
The walk, organised under the theme SheLeadsBharat, highlighted the role of women in national development and promoted the message of unity, empowerment and equal participation across sectors. Participants representing more than 200 ministries, departments and organisations joined the march, transforming Kartavya Path into a vibrant display of women’s strength and collective aspiration.
The event was organised under the guidance of Annpurna Devi and Savitri Thakur and was attended by Rekha Gupta, Anupriya Patel, Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar and Anil Malik, along with senior officials, women officers, field functionaries and representatives from multiple sectors.
The programme began at Kartavya Path near India Gate with the rendition of the national song Vande Mataram, setting a patriotic tone for the celebrations. Following the opening ceremony, Annpurna Devi formally flagged off the Shakti Walk, marking the beginning of the march.
The walk covered an approximately two kilometre stretch from India Gate to Vijay Chowk along Kartavya Path. Participants marched together in a symbolic display of solidarity and commitment toward the empowerment of women across the country.
Along the route, installations highlighting major government initiatives and schemes for women were displayed. These exhibits showcased key programmes aimed at improving women’s welfare, promoting entrepreneurship, expanding educational opportunities and strengthening financial inclusion.
Cultural performances representing the diversity of India’s traditions were also presented during the event. These performances included Dollu Kunitha from Karnataka, Kalaripayattu and Sringarimelam from Kerala, Ranchandi from Assam and Ghoomar from Rajasthan, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and artistic expression of women across the country.
Participants came from a wide range of professional backgrounds including the armed forces, police services, healthcare, sports, education, media, sanitation services, aviation, industry and government administration. The event also included ANM service providers, women drivers associated with Bharat Taxi Saarthis, locomotive drivers, teachers, entrepreneurs and volunteers from My Bharat.
Officials said the diversity of participants reflected the growing participation of women in every sphere of national life and demonstrated the increasing leadership role of women in India’s social and economic progress.
Addressing the gathering, Annpurna Devi said beginning the International Women’s Day celebrations with the Shakti Walk sends a powerful message across the country about the importance of recognising and supporting women’s contributions in every sector.
She said women today are demonstrating leadership and capability across fields ranging from governance and administration to science, sports and social development. She also highlighted the emphasis placed on women’s empowerment and participation in national development initiatives.
During the programme she quoted the national development vision articulated by Narendra Modi, stating that the present moment represents an important phase in India’s journey toward growth and progress.
At the conclusion of the walk, Rekha Gupta addressed participants at Vijay Chowk and emphasised the importance of women’s leadership in shaping the nation’s future. She described Nari Shakti as the Bhagya Vidhata of Bharat and said women across the country are playing a vital role in guiding India’s development.
Rekha Gupta said the Shakti Walk symbolises the determination of women to contribute not only to their personal growth but also to the broader progress of society and the nation.
The event concluded with the release of tricolour balloons at Vijay Chowk by dignitaries and participants. The balloons carried the message Shakti Walk SheLeadsBharat, symbolising the aspirations, leadership and limitless potential of women across the country.
Officials said the event reinforced the message that women’s participation is essential for building an inclusive and progressive society and for achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
