NEW DELHI: On a day when Women are taking centre-stage in every field. Information and Broadcasting Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu took time off to just meet the women officers in his Ministry to assure them that he appreciated the efforts made by them to mainstream the vision of Reform, Perform and Transform.

He said he was hopeful of political empowerment of women becoming a reality soon under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This is for the first time that such an interface with women personnel was organized on the occasion of International Women’s Day by the Ministry. Women staff from all sections and ranks participated in the interaction with Naidu.

The Minister also interacted with the staff on their experiences in working in the Ministry.

On the issue of reservation for women, Naidu said a strong political will and change in mind sets were critical elements in addressing the larger issues related to women. It was also critical to firmly establish the 3E’s - Women Empowerment, Emancipation and Equality - within the institutional framework of society and this should be facilitated by all stakeholders.

Naidu said it was time to celebrate all the women in our lives - our Mothers, Sisters, Daughters and Wives. Each and every woman is gentle, caring and kind. He said that a woman is synonymous to perfection, hard work, efficient, multi- tasker and compassion that have made this world more humane. It was imperative that we must appreciate and respect their beautiful hearts. He urged all to acknowledge and celebrate all the things they have achieved. Although Women’s Day was celebrated today, but celebrating women and girl child should be an everyday ritual.

He said women who are referred to as the ‘better half’ in a relation were actually the ‘best half’ in any relation. They have always been Friend, Philosopher and Guide in each and every aspect of life. Mentioning the importance of women in our lives, the Minister also quoted Brigham Young that, “You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation”.