Updated On: 02 Sep 2026
BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday said women hold a position of prime importance in Indian culture and described women entrepreneurs who have built businesses by overcoming challenges as role models for society.
“In the Ramayana, Sita’s personality stands even taller than Rama’s. Her sacrifice and courageous struggles serve as an inspiration to all. Women are creators. Those of you who have built enterprises by overcoming challenges are role models,” Shivakumar said.
He was speaking after inaugurating the fifth edition of Ubuntu’s international Women Entrepreneurs Day programme, “Together We Grow”, at the FKCCI auditorium in Bengaluru.
“There is a need for women’s leadership from gram panchayats to Parliament. Our government is committed to women’s empowerment,” the Chief Minister said.
Guarantees Help Women Manage Families
Shivakumar said he had immense faith in the strength of women and the younger generation. He said his government was implementing five guarantee schemes and highlighted the Shakti scheme, under which women can travel free of cost on government buses across Karnataka.
“The Shakti scheme has increased confidence and self-reliance among women. The BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had opposed the guarantee schemes. Under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, 1.22 crore women in the state receive Rs 2,000 each, and this money has helped women manage their families,” he said.
The government has also implemented several women-centric schemes, including loans at an interest rate of four per cent, financial assistance and the Stree Shakti scheme, he said.
“Of the doctors produced every year, 40 per cent are women. You are not confined to the kitchen. Women are good thinkers and entrepreneurs,” Shivakumar said.
Thousands Of Dreams United Through Ubuntu
Shivakumar said thousands of dreams had come together through Ubuntu and called upon women to grow collectively.
“It has already been proved that women can effectively handle any responsibility along with managing their families. Indian society has a mindset that the first child should be a boy. We must come out of this mentality. As parents, we must teach children values and discipline,” he said.
He stressed the importance of raising daughters as empowered women capable of successfully managing both their families and enterprises.
‘Women Are The Eyes Of The Family’
“In Indian culture, women are considered the eyes of the family,” Shivakumar said.
Pointing out that the women attending the event were employers, he appreciated them for overcoming financial challenges in running their enterprises. He said the government would extend its full support to women entrepreneurs who were willing to shoulder social responsibility.
‘Women Nurture Leaders’
Shivakumar cited Congress leader Sonia Gandhi as an example of sacrifice and leadership.
“Sonia Gandhi has faced many blows in life. She witnessed the death of Indira Gandhi and the assassination of her husband. Despite these setbacks, she led the party. Although she had opportunities to become Prime Minister twice, she gave the opportunity to economist Manmohan Singh to become Prime Minister. This is an example of a woman’s sacrifice. Women nurture leaders,” he said.
‘You Too Must Become Leaders’
Referring to women in Indian mythology, Shivakumar said Draupadi and Kunti had played important roles.
“Our presiding deity is Chamundeshwari, while village goddesses also have an important place in our culture. You have talent and good opportunities, and you can become leaders,” he said.
He said women’s reservation had been accepted irrespective of political affiliations and stressed the need for women’s leadership from gram panchayats to Parliament.
“With 33 per cent reservation, it will not be possible to prevent women from becoming leaders,” Shivakumar said.
Entrepreneurs Should Back Tunnel Project
Shivakumar also called upon entrepreneurs to support the tunnel road project proposed to ease traffic congestion in Bengaluru.
“The tunnel project is being opposed for political reasons, but it will save people’s time and money. As entrepreneurs, you should raise your voice in support of the project,” he said.
He said Bengaluru was rapidly expanding and had 1.4 crore vehicles. The government, he added, was spending Rs 1.5 lakh crore on infrastructure development to strengthen the city’s transport system.
‘Be Partners In State’s Development’
The Chief Minister urged women entrepreneurs not to lose confidence and called upon them to become partners in Karnataka’s development.
“Money and blood must always keep flowing in society and the human body. If money is accumulated in one place, development is impossible. Women entrepreneurs should not lose confidence. Where there is hard work, there will be results,” he said.
Shivakumar said the government had immense faith in women and urged them to contribute to the state’s development.
“India’s development depends on the development of South India. Coming together is the beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success. Everyone must become a partner in Karnataka’s development,” he said.
