PM meets Nari Shakti awardees, celebrates their success

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with recipients of Nari Shakti Awards at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg here.

It was a two-way conversation. In an unusual move, 103-year-old Mann Kaur blessed the Prime Minister. Kaur who is known as 'Miracle from Chandigarh', started her athletic career at the age of 93. She has set a record by becoming the world's fastest centenarian at the American Masters Game, 2016.

Another focus of Sunday's interaction was 98-year-old Kathyayani Amma. She described her journey to passing 4th standard exams to Prime Minister Modi who in fact asked her if she is learning computers too. She said "little little" in Malayalam.

Kathyayani Amma appeared for writing the fourth standard equivalency course under Kerala Literacy Mission's Akasharalaksham Scheme in August, 2018. She bagged the first rank and scored 98 per cent marks.

The Prime Minister said education and achievement is no longer the preserve of the elite. "Most people may not be great achievers on a personal level but they are great at gathering people together to make a difference. Kathyayani Amma's determination to study is fascinating and inspiring," remarked Modi.

The Prime Minister took pride in the fact that success of the common people was celebrated on International Women's Day.

"Media has focused on them. It has brought out how women are contributing to development," he said.

However, Modi concluded by talking on malnutrition and India's Jal Jeevan Mission.

"Malnutrition is an area which should be targeted. Nutrition is not about money alone," he said.

He also added that women understand the importance of water the most. "Save water and supply water, my request to women," he said.

Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani and her deputy Debasree Chaudhuri were also present.

Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind gave away 12 Nari Shakti Puraskar 2019 awards at an event Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Modi also gave control of his social media accounts to seven selected women as a way to celebrate womanhood. IANS