Vice President interacts with SGH members from Meghalaya in New Delhi

Shillong, May 13: True empowerment comes not from doles or freebies but from hand-holding individuals to help them stand on their own feet, remarked the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, during an interaction with Self Help Group (SHG) members from Meghalaya.

Addressing SHG representatives from Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills, he emphasized the importance of enabling people to achieve self-reliance. “True empowerment is when individuals are supported in a way that they can empower themselves. That brings joy, satisfaction, inner strength, and pride to families,” he said.

Calling the North East the ‘jewel of India’, he highlighted the transformation of the ‘Look East’ policy into the more action-oriented ‘Act East’ initiative, which he said had significantly benefited states like Meghalaya. “Meghalaya is heaven for tourists—a bountiful gift of nature,” he remarked.

The Vice President commended Meghalaya’s achievements in tourism, mining, IT, and the service sector, and applauded the state’s focus on women’s empowerment. “Balanced economic development and societal growth happen when women come forward,” he said, noting a tenfold increase in both the revolving fund and the number of SHGs in the state.

He further highlighted the state’s economic progress, highlighting the 13% annual growth in its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), with projections now estimating the economy to cross Rs. 66,000 crore. “Meghalaya may be small in geographical size, but it is large at heart. The state is aiming for a $10 billion economy by 2028,” he said.

Praising a decade of governance reforms under national leadership, he said, “Visionary leadership catalyses officials to act in the right direction. In the past decade, India has achieved milestones in economy, infrastructure, technology, and especially in women’s development and empowerment. Our tribal culture is resplendent—it’s our wealth.”

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma also took to social media to express his gratitude for the Vice President’s warm reception. “It was a matter of great honour and encouragement as our SHG members met and interacted with our very welcoming and humble Vice President at his office in New Delhi,” he shared.

Highlighting the transformative role of SHGs in Meghalaya, the Chief Minister said, “Every SHG member has risen as a beacon of hope and strength in her community. With resilience, hard work, and a deep sense of purpose, these women have shattered barriers and redefined what’s possible.”

He described the SHG network in the state as more than just a support system, calling it “a movement.” He added, “These incredible women are not just walking the path, they are lighting the way for others to follow.”

The Chief Minister also thanked the Vice President for his encouraging words and said the meeting would remain a cherished memory for the SHG members.

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