At the Bharat Dialogues Women Leadership Award 2025 held at Delhi’s India International Centre, Bharat Express CMD and Editor-in-Chief Upendrra Rai delivered a powerful address as Guest of Honor, shedding light on the philosophical, spiritual, and historical aspects of womanhood in Indian thought.
Opening his speech with a stark observation, CMD Rai noted that it may take women 130 years to receive equal pay as men globally.
CMD Upendrra remarked that this economic inequality has often driven women to compete by masculine standards, thereby eroding the recognition of their unique feminine essence.
CMD Rai recalled how ancient Indian wisdom revered women as embodiments of knowledge (Saraswati), power (Durga), and wealth (Lakshmi), representing all that humans seek – respect, love, wealth, and security.
Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, CMD Rai quoted the 34th verse of the 10th chapter, where Lord Krishna identifies himself in women as fame (Kirti), fortune (Shree), memory (Smriti), intelligence (Medha), firmness (Dhriti), and forgiveness (Kshama).
CMD Upendrra stressed that if society truly wishes to honor women, it must begin by acknowledging these divine attributes in them.
CMD Upendrra Rai recounted that Krishna rescued 16,000 women from captivity after defeating Jarasandh and married them.
Since society would not accept them back, Krishna accepted them to protect their dignity.
Reflecting on this, CMD Rai argued that such actions demonstrated Krishna’s deep sense of responsibility and compassion, qualities that, he emphasized, define true strength.
CMD Upendrra Rai traced a history of injustice, citing how thinkers from Buddha to Freud often viewed women through rigid lenses.
Ancient Chinese societies physically constrained women to limit their independence.
CMD Rai argued that such oppression forced women to mimic men for survival, but emphasized that true empowerment lies in rediscovering the feminine self, not in becoming masculine.
CMD Upendrra Rai predicted a significant shift in global leadership within the next 50 years. He explained that, as society transitions into the age of AI, the basis of leadership is also evolving.
As physical strength gives way to intellectual and emotional intelligence, women, endowed with compassion, creativity, and resilience, are poised to take the lead.
This transformation, he noted, is not a distant possibility but an emerging reality.
Already, many of the most advanced AI models have been developed by women, reflecting the rising importance of these qualities in shaping the future of innovation and leadership.
Concluding with anecdotes, including the story of philosopher Vachaspati and his silent wife, who supported him for 12 years without interaction so he could complete his work, CMD Rai emphasized the quiet strength of women.
CMD Rai differentiated between idle talk and true Vak (divine speech), asserting that feminine leadership will shape a more balanced and humane world.
Upendrra Rai’s address offered a compelling call to honor the essence of womanhood- not by emulation of male traits but by embracing the power inherent in femininity.
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