VALSAD, Dec 27: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that women consistently match or surpass men’s performance when provided equal opportunities, as he inaugurated the Shrimad Rajchandra Sarvamangal Centre of Excellence for Women in Dharampur, Valsad district, on Saturday.
The 11-acre facility, whose foundation stone was laid virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, focuses on skill development and livelihood enhancement for women.
Singh expressed confidence that women working at the centre would not only gain empowerment and self-reliance but also find time for spiritual contemplation. He cited examples of pioneering women entrepreneurs like Ela Bhatt of SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association) and Jaswantiben Popat, founder of Shri Mahila Griha Udyog, to illustrate women’s capabilities.
The Defence Minister noted that the centre, which will be entirely managed by rural women, would strengthen women’s entrepreneurship and exemplify women-led development. “This campus promotes both economic and social aspects of women’s empowerment. Once products from here reach global markets, it will encourage our Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative,” he stated.
Singh paid tribute to Shrimad Rajchandraji, the Jain saint, poet, and philosopher who was a major reformer of the late 19th century. The spiritual leader’s devotee, Gurudev Shri Rakeshji, founded Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, the organization behind the new centre.
“The legacy left behind by Shrimad Rajchandraji in his short life will continue to guide us for centuries. Time has not diminished his relevance; rather, his relevance is continuously increasing,” Singh remarked.
The Minister highlighted a meaningful coincidence—this year marks both 125 years since Shrimad Rajchandraji’s arrival in Dharampur and the RSS’s centenary. “Both traditions embody India’s eternal culture and promote values like spirituality, discipline, and philanthropy. This coincidence reminds us that true nation-building requires the confluence of cultural awakening, service, and character development,” he said.
Singh commended the Modi government’s efforts to preserve Jain tradition and heritage, including the repatriation of over 20 stolen Tirthankara idols from abroad and granting classical language status to Prakrit last year.
The Defence Minister emphasized Jainism’s philosophy of Anekantavada (non-absolutism) as a path to mutual coexistence and harmony. “Peace, like food and water, is a fundamental necessity for all, regardless of country, caste, religion, or ideology,” he stated.
Quoting the spiritual leader’s teachings, Singh said inner peace requires keeping ego at bay and remaining grounded. “The size of the heart is directly proportional to the magnitude of happiness. Controlling negative emotions like greed and envy is the essence of spiritual practice. One day, ultimate bliss will be attained,” he concluded.
