Mann ki Baat: A Bullhorn for Women's Empowerment

The use of a forgotten medium, the radio, revolutionised the popularity of Akashvani or All India Radio by a visionary Prime Minister in reaching the poorest of the poor in the far-flung remote areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted India’s first ‘visually enriched radio program’, Mann ki Baat , on October 3 2014 to establish a ‘dialogue with the citizens on issues of day-today governance’. Ever since, the radio program has discussed various issues that include, but were not limited to education, economy, foreign affairs, health, national security, politics, sanitation, start-ups, society and particularly, women. Over the last eight years, the government has vigorously campaigned for strengthening Nari Shakti across all segments of governance, including their participation in national defence. Whether congratulating women’s success in sports or acknowledging their role in building an Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat, Mann ki Baat has been a critical platform for women’s empowerment. But how exactly has Mann ki Baat engaged with women and related issues? Five major observations can be made in this regard.