CM Shivakumar says Sita’s character was greater than Rama’s; cites Sonia Gandhi’s sacrifice & leadership

Bengaluru, Sep 2 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday said that Sita’s character in the Ramayana was “much greater” than that of Lord Rama, citing her sacrifice and struggles as an inspiration for women.

He made the remarks while praising women entrepreneurs for overcoming challenges and building successful enterprises, describing them as role models for society.

“Ramayana’s Sita’s character is much greater than Rama’s. Her sacrifices and struggles are an inspiration. Women are creators, and those of you who have built enterprises by overcoming challenges are role models,” Shivakumar said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the fifth edition of ‘Together We Grow—International Women Entrepreneurship Day’, organised by the Ubuntu Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs Association at the FKCCI auditorium in Bengaluru.

Shivakumar also cited Congress leader Sonia Gandhi as an example of women’s sacrifice and leadership.

“Sonia Gandhi faced many setbacks in her life, including the death of Indira Gandhi and the assassination of her husband. Despite these challenges, she led the party. Although she had opportunities to become Prime Minister twice, she gave way to economist Manmohan Singh. This is an example of a woman’s sacrifice. Women nurture and create leaders,” he said.

Shivakumar said the character and sacrifice of Sita in the Ramayana were greater than those of Lord Rama, and described women entrepreneurs who had overcome challenges to build businesses as role models for society.

He said women’s leadership was needed from gram panchayats to Parliament and asserted that his government was committed to women’s empowerment.

Shivakumar said he had immense faith in the strength of youth and women and highlighted the government’s five guarantee schemes.

“Under the Shakti scheme, women can travel free of cost across the state in government buses. The scheme has increased confidence and self-reliance among women,” he said.

He also said 1.22 crore women were receiving Rs 2,000 a month under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which he claimed had helped women manage their families.

“Our government has implemented several women-centric programmes, including loans at four per cent interest, subsidies and the Stree Shakti scheme. Around 40 per cent of doctors graduating every year are women. Women are not confined to the kitchen. They are good thinkers and entrepreneurs,” he said.

Referring to the Ubuntu initiative, the Chief Minister said thousands of dreams had come together through the platform and urged women to grow collectively.

He said society needed to move away from the mindset that the first child should be a boy.

“As parents, we must teach values and discipline to our children. We must take pride in seeing our daughters become empowered women who can successfully manage both their families and businesses,” he said.

Shivakumar said women were regarded as the “eyes of the family” in Indian culture and appreciated women entrepreneurs for overcoming financial challenges in running their enterprises.

“The government will extend its full support to women entrepreneurs who are willing to shoulder responsibility towards society,” he said.

Referring to mythological figures such as Draupadi and Kunti, as well as the worship of Chamundeshwari and village deities in Karnataka, he said women had always held an important place in Indian culture.

“If you have opportunities and talent, you can become leaders. We have accepted women’s reservation across party lines. There is a need for women’s leadership from gram panchayats to Parliament. With 33 per cent reservation, it will not be possible to prevent women from emerging as leaders,” he said.

Shivakumar also urged entrepreneurs to speak in support of the proposed tunnel road project aimed at easing traffic congestion in Bengaluru.

“There is opposition to the tunnel project for political reasons. The project 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 around 1.4 crore vehicles, adding that the government was spending Rs 1.5 lakh crore on infrastructure development to strengthen the city’s transportation system.

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. If money is accumulated in one place, development is not possible. Women entrepreneurs should not lose confidence. Where there is hard work, there will be results,” he said.

Expressing confidence in women’s potential, Shivakumar said Karnataka’s development required the participation of everyone.

“India’s development is based on the development of South India. Coming together is the beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success. Everyone should become a partner in Karnataka’s development,” he said.

–IANS

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