International Women’s Day Celebration Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre, Budapest

09 March 2026

Excellencies, distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, esteemed guests, and our exceptionally talented artists;

Namaskar, and a very warm welcome to all of you.

We gather here at the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre not merely to mark a date on the calendar, but to celebrate a profound and enduring force—the creative, nurturing, and indomitable spirit of womanhood. International Women’s Day is a moment of global solidarity, a day to reflect on the journey of women across centuries, and to honor their role in shaping our past, anchoring our present, and ensuring our future.

It is deeply fitting that we host this celebration in a cultural center named after Amrita Sher-Gil. Born right here in Budapest to a Hungarian mother and an Indian father, Amrita was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. In the early 20th century, a time when the world was vastly different for women, she fiercely carved her own path. She pioneered modernism in Indian art, merging the vibrant, soul-stirring palettes of India with the classic techniques of Europe.

But Amrita was more than an artist; she was, and remains, a bridge between India and Hungary. Her life and legacy embody the profound emotional and cultural resonance that our two nations share. The enduring bilateral ties between India and Hungary are built on foundations of mutual respect and shared cultural history, and Amrita Sher-Gil stands as the most beautiful symbol of this union. Through her, we are reminded that when a woman is empowered to express her truth, she can bind continents together and leave a legacy that outlasts generations.

In India, this reverence for the feminine is not a modern construct; it is woven into the very DNA of our ancient civilization. For millennia, Indian philosophy has conceptualized the ultimate cosmic power as Shakti—the dynamic, creative, and divine feminine energy that moves the universe. Without Shakti, there is no creation, no progress, and no transformation.

Our ancient texts resonate with this profound truth, celebrating women not just as nurturers, but as leaders and pioneers. In the Rig Veda, there is a powerful declaration of female agency and intellect that has echoed through millennia:

“Aham ketur aham murdha, aham ugra vivachani.”

This translates to: "I am the banner, I am the head, I am the formidable voice of decision."

For centuries, this spiritual understanding of woman as the intellectual and leading force has been part of our cultural identity. However, we also recognize that ancient reverence must be translated into modern reality. Honoring women today means ensuring their equal participation, their safety, their financial independence, and their rightful place at the tables of leadership. The empowerment of women is no longer just a moral imperative; it is the fundamental economic engine for the growth and progress of any society. As Swami Vivekananda famously observed, a bird cannot soar on one wing. A nation cannot achieve its true potential if half of its population is left behind.

Today, in modern India, we are witnessing a transformation that honors this ancient ethos while boldly embracing the future. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our national paradigm has decisively shifted from "women's development" to "women-led development." We are ensuring that women are not merely the beneficiaries of progress, but the chief architects of India's growth story.

The results of this shift are visible across every sector of the Indian economy and society. We see Nari Shakti—the power of women—breaking the ultimate glass ceilings. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is a historic Indian law reserving thirty-three percent of seats in the Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament) and state assemblies for women representatives. In the Indian Armed Forces, women are securing permanent commissions, commanding combat units, and soaring as fighter pilots, guarding the frontiers of our nation.

India proudly leads the world in civil aviation equality. Today, India has the highest percentage of female commercial pilots globally—more than double the international average.

In the realm of technology and the technologies of tomorrow, Indian women are at the forefront. They are writing the code for the future in AI computing, leading space missions at the Indian Space Research Organisation, and driving innovation in STEM fields, where India boasts one of the highest proportions of female graduates in the world. 

From massive financial inclusion initiatives that have integrated millions of rural women into the formal banking sector, to the grassroots empowerment of female entrepreneurs, the economic contribution of Indian women is the defining catalyst of our rising nation.

Tonight, as we celebrate these milestones, we are reminded that the story of women's empowerment is a universal one. It is a story told in many languages and expressed through many art forms. That is why tonight's program is so uniquely special.

We are privileged to witness a vibrant tapestry of global culture. We will experience the profound grace of Indian classical and folk arts by spirited traditions of Hungarian and Indian artists. Adding to this beautiful mosaic, we are honored to feature performances by Serbian folk artists and the captivating artistry of Peruvian performers.

This diverse confluence of talent is a testament to the fact that the celebration of the feminine transcends borders, oceans, and languages. 

As we open this evening’s cultural feast, we carry forward the spirit of Amrita Sher-Gil. We continue to build bridges—between nations, between cultures, and between all people. And we pledge to create a world where every young girl, no matter where she is born, has the freedom to paint her own canvas, code her own future, and fly as high as her dreams demand.

I thank the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre for organizing this magnificent event, and I thank all the artists who have traveled from near and far to share their gifts with us tonight.

Thank you. Köszönöm szépen. Jai Hind.