An educated woman is the key to a prosperous India

Our Indian culture inspires us to respect women highly. Our traditions teach us '*Yatrnaaryastupoojyanteramantetatrdevata*', which means 'God resides where women are worshipped'. A woman is in her purest form when she is a mother on this Earth.

Mother means 'Creator'. A mother has been considered to be superior to even God, and the creator of God has also been a woman. Whether it is Lord Ram, Ganesha or Kartikeya, Lord Krishna or Guru Nanak DevJi, there is always the need to have mothers like Kaushalya, Parvati, Yashodha, and Tripta.

Many a time I think, when several challenges arise before us in the form of questions, it is important for the new generation to introspect on where they lack traditionally and culturally, that we have such perversions.

If we are to talk about the Vedic Ages, then students such as Ghosha, Lopamudra, Sulabha, Maitreyi and Gargi have made a huge mark in spiritual and intellectual excellence.

We have taken utmost care while drafting the new education policy so that girls get proper education.

Children are usually most connected to their mothers. A mother's culture, behaviour and education play a huge role in how they affect the children's minds. Only an educated mother can plant the seed of culture and tradition in the gentle and tender minds of children which, going ahead, is very important for society and the nation.

Only an educated and progressive woman can understand the circumstances of a household and every person in the family, based on their requirements, and take care of them in the right way and carry a family forward.

The contribution of women is of utmost importance in order to pull the cart of life forward. It is critical for women to be educated in order to participate in an empowered manner.

If a woman is not educated, then she will be unsuccessful in driving her life in a fast-paced world. If she is educated, not only will her family life be heavenly, but she could also be a guiding force for the society and the country's path to progress.

In Indian society, an educated mother is considered to be superior to even a guru because she can make her children better than the best.

In India, whenever there has been discrimination between women and men, we have had to pay a heavy price for it. In reality, if we look at it seriously, we will realise that one of the primary reasons behind India's problems has been the lack of education for women.

As a result, a country which was, once upon a time, a guide for the rest of the world, is today struggling to reclaim its lost pride and glory. The Indian government is very determined to ensure the welfare of our daughters.

Many schemes have been implemented for women's empowerment, such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana, Women Helpline Scheme, Ujjwala Yojana, Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) scheme, and one-stop Mahila Shakti Kentra scheme.

By giving representation to women in Panchayat Raj schemes, the government has tried to take a brave step towards the development and empowerment of women. Women's education is the step forward towards our country's success and growth.

Women's education is not just important, but also essential for the socio-economic welfare of every family, society, and our country. Women's education is one such capable tool that has the potential to transform the world.

To script a new chapter for a 'New India', it is essential that every daughter of this country gets access to education and studies with such gusto that she can compete on the global stage in the best possible way.

The government of India is fully prepared to campaign for our daughters to make them self-reliant, self-confident and successful. There is no doubt that, in the creation of a 'New India', and for its socio-economic development, women's education can play an able catalyst.

(The author is Human Resource Development Minister, Government of India)