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PM Modi gives voice to women on International Women’s Day through his social media handles
MUMBAI; You have got to hand it to the PM and his core communications management team. In a pioneering move to celebrate International Women’s Day, Narendra Modi handed over control of his substantial social media presence to six accomplished women (at least the ones we came across) from diverse fields, providing them a platform to share their stories and inspire millions across India.
The initiative saw Modi’s accounts temporarily managed by women who have broken barriers in rural entrepreneurship, disability advocacy, space science, nuclear technology, sports, and agriculture. Each shared personal journeys and messages reflecting India’s progress in women’s empowerment.
Frontier Markets founder & CEO Ajaita S highlighted her organisation’s work empowering rural women through financial inclusion and technology. “A financially empowered woman is a confident decision-maker, independent thinker, architect of her own future and a maker of modern India,” she wrote, emphasising how their ‘Meri Saheli App’ harnesses AI to support women entrepreneurs in agriculture, healthcare and financial literacy.
Samarthyam, Centre for Universal Accessibility founder Anjlee Agarwal used the platform to advocate for disability rights. “Forget labels, forget barriers…let’s strengthen Sugamya Bharat and make it an important precursor to a Viksit Bharat,” she urged, sharing her three decades of work on universal accessibility and inclusive mobility.
The scientific community was represented by two distinguished voices. Shilpi Soni, a space scientist with 24 years at Isro, shared her contributions to India’s communication and navigation missions, while Elina Mishra, a nuclear scientist from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, detailed her work in electromagnetic research and medical applications of nuclear technology for remote healthcare.
Chess grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu brought a sporting perspective, encouraging young women to pursue their dreams regardless of hurdles. “Sports is among the best teachers,” she noted, while praising India’s improving support system for women athletes.
From Bihar’s Nalanda district, Anita Devi shared how she established Madhopur Farmers Producer Co Ltd nine years ago, helping hundreds of women achieve financial independence through mushroom cultivation.
Political analysts view the Modi’s initiative as a strategic amplification of women’s voices across sectors critical to India’s development agenda. By temporarily ceding his immense digital reach—among the largest for any world leader—he has effectively showcased women’s contributions to nation-building while highlighting government initiatives supporting their advancement.
The diverse selection of women—spanning rural innovation, scientific research, disability advocacy, sports excellence, and agricultural entrepreneurship—reflects the multifaceted approach to women’s empowerment that the administration seeks to promote.
As India continues its economic and social transformation, this exercise underscores the increasing prominence of women’s leadership across domains once considered inaccessible to them, while simultaneously drawing attention to ongoing challenges.
The initiative has been widely praised for going beyond symbolic gestures to provide substantive visibility to women making significant contributions to India’s progress, reinforcing the message that women’s empowerment is integral to the nation’s development journey.
iWorld
Prime Video and Hrithik Roshan reunite for quirky heist comedy Mess
HRX Films expands pact with quirky heist comedy set for production
MUMBAI: Prime Video is doubling down on its partnership with Hrithik Roshan, announcing a new comedy film Mess that promises chaos, chuckles and a clever twist on the classic heist.
Produced by Hrithik Roshan and Eshaan Roshan under HRX Films, a division of FilmKraft Productions, the film is being made in association with Soda Films Lab. Directed by Rajesh A Krishnan, Mess marks the second collaboration between the streaming platform and HRX Films after the upcoming thriller Storm.
At the heart of Mess lies an unusual premise. A group of robbers break into the home of a man with OCD, only to find themselves outmatched in a night-long standoff that flips the script on who is really in control. It is a set-up that blends tension with humour, turning a break-in into a breakdown of expectations.
Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok said, “A good story should surprise and entertain, and Mess does both with ease. It brings together a unique premise, memorable characters and a tone that keeps you laughing throughout.”
He added that the collaboration with HRX Films continues to grow stronger, with the new film reflecting a shared appetite for bold and original storytelling.
Hrithik Roshan said, “After Storm, Mess feels like a natural next step in our journey with Prime Video. The film captures the kind of unconventional storytelling we want to champion, with Rajesh bringing a distinctive voice to the narrative.”
Director Rajesh A Krishnan said, “The world of Mess is a mix of comedy and chaos, unusual enough to keep audiences on edge while still delivering humour. It has been a deeply collaborative and creatively fulfilling experience.”
The original screenplay comes from Paul Soter, with adaptation and dialogues by Kapil Sawant, adding another layer of craft to the film’s offbeat narrative.
As production gears up, Mess looks ready to live up to its name, serving up a delightful tangle of mayhem, mischief and movie magic for audiences in India and beyond.
