From ‘Save the Daughter’ to ‘Empower the Daughter’: CM Rekha Gupta’s Vision for the Nation

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Delhi Chief Minister Mrs. Rekha Gupta today flagged off the “Tiranga Cyclothon for Girls” from the Delhi Legislative Assembly. On the occasion, the Chief Minister encouraged the participants, stating that when our daughters are given the wings to realise their dreams, the Tricolour will soar even higher with pride in the nation’s skies. She added that the time has now come to “empower our daughters.” Despite the light rain, the girls successfully completed their ride to Rajghat. Delhi’s Education Minister, Mr. Ashish Sood, also joined in this special event.

The enthusiasm of the schoolgirls taking part in this unique ‘Tiranga Cyclothon for Girls’ was truly a sight to behold. With boundless energy, the students joined the Chief Minister in chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (Victory to Mother India), resonating through the cloudy skies. Extending her blessings to the participating daughters, the Chief Minister remarked that this cyclothon marks a new flight and a fresh chapter on the occasion of Independence Day. The event not only promotes the message of health and fitness but also demonstrates that girls today are ready to excel in every field. She urged all daughters to stretch their hands towards the sky and take the pledge to bring glory to the nation — to grow from being Delhi’s daughter to becoming the daughter of India.

In her interaction with the girls, Chief Minister Mrs Rekha Gupta said that in the past, the nation first emphasised ‘Save the Daughter’ and then advanced to the pledge of ‘Educate the Daughter’. Now is the time for ‘Empower the Daughter’. Our aim is for every daughter to have a bright future and to fulfil her dreams — whether by becoming a District Magistrate, Chief Minister, scientist, sportsperson, or any other role that brings honour and respect to the country. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s future is moving in a safe and positive direction, and the Delhi Government is taking every possible step to advance the progress of its daughters.

On the occasion, Education Minister Mr Ashish Sood recalled Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s immortal slogan, “Give me your blood, and I will give you freedom,” and remarked that today’s India does not ask its daughters for blood, but for their resolve, passion, and unwavering determination. He said, “Flight is taken not with wings, but with courage.” Mr Sood also shared that the route for the ‘Tiranga Cyclothon for Girls’ once witnessed historic events such as the Dandi March. At the special request of the Chief Minister, this event was organised exclusively for girls, just as Netaji had formed the Rani Lakshmibai Regiment during the freedom struggle. The Education Minister further appealed to link Independence Day celebrations with the Swachhata (Cleanliness) campaign, urging daughters to contribute towards keeping their homes and school surroundings clean and to ensure no activity takes place that pollutes, dirties, or harms the environment.