Leaving behind a comfortable life in Switzerland to work in one of India's most challenging regions, Sandra Lavie Gojkovic has spent around 15 years working with communities in the Sundarbans of West Bengal.

What began as a simple intention to help people gradually turned into a long-term effort focused on education, women's empowerment and social awareness.

The Sundarbans is far removed from the image of an easy tourist destination. The region is regularly affected by cyclones, floods and changing tides, while reaching remote villages can itself be difficult. Yet these challenges did not stop Sandra from returning after a serious health setback and continuing her work with local communities.

A Difficult Journey to the Sundarbans

Sandra's journey to the remote parts of the Sundarbans involved travelling by train from Kolkata before continuing by boat.

For communities living in the region, boats are often an essential means of transport, with their movement influenced by the tides. Cyclones and flooding can further disrupt daily life, making access to basic services difficult.

After reaching the area, Sandra began spending time with villagers and understanding the problems they faced.

She soon realised that financial assistance alone would not address many of the challenges. Education, local participation and sustainable community-based initiatives were equally important.

Education Became the Starting Point

One of the biggest concerns she encountered was the lack of reliable educational opportunities for children.

Although government schools were present in the region, villagers raised concerns about the quality and regularity of education. Many children also lacked a suitable environment for consistent learning.

Sandra eventually decided to help establish a primary school.

The initiative began on a modest scale. Instead of waiting for a large project or substantial funding, she focused on arranging the basic resources needed to create a functioning learning environment for children.

Malaria Forced Her to Return Home

Her work in the Sundarbans was interrupted when Sandra contracted severe malaria.

Her condition became serious enough for her to return to Switzerland for treatment. Doctors reportedly warned her about returning to such a challenging environment.

But after recovering, Sandra decided to come back to India.

For her, leaving permanently would have meant abandoning work that had already begun. She therefore returned to the Sundarbans and continued working with the community.

Winning the Trust of Families

Starting a school was only the first challenge. Convincing families to send their children regularly was another.

Initially, some parents were hesitant about sending their children to school. Local teachers and members of the team played an important role in addressing these concerns by visiting families and explaining the importance of education.

Gradually, community confidence grew and more children began attending classes.

The initiative's focus also expanded beyond simply enrolling students. Efforts were made to improve the quality of education and prepare children for higher levels of schooling.

According to the information available about the initiative, the board examination performance of students associated with the programme improved from around 50 per cent to 100 per cent.

Awareness Campaigns Reach Thousands

Sandra's work was not limited to education.

Awareness campaigns were also conducted across around 30 villages in the Sundarbans on issues including child marriage, human trafficking and domestic violence.

The initiative reportedly sought to reach more than 20,000 people, with particular attention given to women and children.

The aim was not only to inform communities about these issues but also to encourage people to recognise their rights and speak out against practices that threaten their safety and future.

Helping Women Become Financially Independent

Women in the villages also became part of the initiative.

Training programmes, including skills such as sewing, were introduced to help women develop potential sources of income.

The objective was to move beyond providing short-term assistance and instead help women gain greater economic independence.

An important part of the model has been the involvement of local residents. According to the available information, much of the work is now managed with the help of local teams.

A 15-Year Journey Continues

Sandra's story stands out because her work did not begin as a large development project.

She came to the Sundarbans with an intention to help, but the needs she encountered convinced her to stay and work with the community for much longer.

Over the years, she faced serious illness, difficult weather conditions and the everyday challenges of working in a remote region.

Yet she continued to return and work alongside local people.

Her journey highlights a broader lesson about sustainable community development: lasting change is more likely when local communities themselves become part of the process.

Sandra's work has grown from a small educational effort into initiatives involving children's education, women's skills training and social awareness.

After 15 years in the Sundarbans, the most significant part of her contribution may not simply be the school she helped establish, but the local participation and confidence that have allowed the work to continue.

A woman auto-rickshaw driver in Gujarat's Vadodara is winning praise online for working late into the night while supporting her family and trying to build financial independence.

A video featuring the woman has gone viral on social media after Instagram user Sanyam Garg reportedly met her and her husband while returning home at around 3 am. What he learned about their lives and the woman's work left him impressed.

The woman reportedly drives her auto late into the night and also offers free rides to people travelling to hospitals during emergencies between 10 pm and 5 am. Details about the service have not been independently verified, but a message displayed on her auto has drawn considerable attention online.

Husband Taught Her to Drive

According to Sanyam Garg's video, the woman's husband used to drive an auto himself before teaching his wife how to operate one.

The idea was not simply to increase the family's income but also to help her become financially independent.

After learning to drive, the woman gradually started working as an auto driver. The couple also has two children, meaning they have to manage both family responsibilities and their work.

Her story has particularly resonated with social media users because of the support she reportedly received from her husband.

Works Late Into the Night

Garg said he encountered the woman at around 3 am, when she was still working.

Despite the late hour, she appeared focused on her work and continued driving passengers to their destinations.

The message displayed on her auto added another dimension to the story. It says that people requiring an auto to reach a hospital between 10 pm and 5 am, particularly in an emergency, can request a free ride.

While the social media post does not provide independently verified details about how many people have used the service or the exact conditions attached to it, the message has attracted significant attention.

Claims She Inspired 50 Women

Garg also claimed in his video that the woman has encouraged around 50 other women to take up auto driving and become financially independent.

There is no independent confirmation of this figure, but if accurate, it would add another significant aspect to her story.

Beyond earning for herself, the woman is reportedly encouraging other women to consider work and financial independence.

Husband Supports Her Independence

The role of the woman's husband has also become a major talking point online.

According to the social media post, he taught her how to drive and supported her decision to start working.

The story has prompted many users to praise the couple for supporting each other rather than allowing social expectations to dictate their choices.

Several commenters described them as a "power couple", while others said family support can play an important role in helping women become financially independent.

Working in Vadodara at Night

Garg also spoke about the environment in Vadodara and said the city's atmosphere gives women confidence to work late.

However, working at night can carry safety risks, and precautions remain important regardless of the city or circumstances.

For the woman featured in the video, continuing to work until the early hours appears to be part of her effort to support her family and build a life on her own terms.

Social Media Users Praise Couple

After the video gained traction online, users praised both the woman and her husband.

Comments included messages such as "This is so inspiring", while several others said they were proud of the couple.

Many users praised the woman's determination and also highlighted the husband's decision to teach and support her.

Some commenters described them as an example for society and wished them success in their efforts.

Dream of Owning a Car

According to Garg, the woman enjoys driving and hopes to eventually buy her own car.

For now, she continues to drive an auto, contribute to her family's income and work towards becoming more financially independent.

What has made the story stand out is its simplicity. There is no large business or extraordinary financial success behind it. Instead, it is the story of a woman working at 3 am, a husband supporting his wife's independence and a message offering help to people who may need an emergency ride to a hospital.

As the video continues to circulate online, the woman's story has become a reminder that financial independence can begin with something as simple as learning a skill, taking up work and having the confidence to keep going.

The Madhya Pradesh government is set to release the 38th installment of the Ladli Bahna Yojana on 12 July, transferring ₹1,500 directly into the bank accounts of eligible women beneficiaries across the state.

The fund transfer programme will be held at Mehgaon Mandi in Bhind district, where Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is expected to participate and address beneficiaries.

Under the flagship welfare scheme, eligible women receive monthly financial assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The initiative aims to strengthen the economic independence of women and improve their financial security.

During the event, the Chief Minister is likely to interact with beneficiaries and highlight the state government's commitment to women-centric welfare programmes. Senior ministers, public representatives and district administration officials are also expected to be present.

The Ladli Bahna Yojana remains one of the Madhya Pradesh government's flagship social welfare initiatives, benefiting millions of women across the state through regular financial assistance.

The release of the 38th installment comes as the government continues to focus on women's empowerment and inclusive social security measures.

The institute welcomed a total of 599 students across its three full-time MBA programmes this year. In addition, 99 doctoral scholars have joined its management doctoral programmes, further strengthening the institute’s focus on research and academic excellence.

The most significant highlight of the new academic session is the strong representation of women in the flagship Post Graduate Programme (PGP). Out of the 499 students admitted to the programme, 329 are women, meaning nearly two out of every three seats have been secured by female candidates.

The latest intake reflects IIM Kozhikode’s long-standing commitment to improving gender diversity in management education. The institute has consistently been among the leading business schools in India when it comes to promoting greater participation of women in MBA programmes.

Its journey towards gender inclusion began more than a decade ago. In 2013, IIM Kozhikode became one of the first IIMs to admit a batch with more than 50% female representation, a move that drew national attention. The percentage of women students continued to rise in subsequent years, reaching 59% in 2024 before setting a new benchmark of 66% in 2026.

When all three full-time MBA programmes are considered together, women constitute approximately 63% of the total student strength. The figures highlight a broader shift in management education, where increasing numbers of women are pursuing leadership and business careers through premier institutions.

The new batch also reflects growing academic diversity. Management institutes across the country have been encouraging candidates from non-engineering backgrounds to create more balanced classrooms and foster wider perspectives in learning and decision-making.

Education experts believe the rising participation of women in top business schools is a positive indicator for corporate India, where companies are increasingly focusing on diversity, inclusion, and leadership representation. A larger pool of women graduates from premier management institutions is expected to contribute to stronger gender balance in leadership roles across industries.

The achievement further strengthens IIM Kozhikode’s reputation as a pioneer in promoting inclusivity and diversity in higher education. As the new academic session begins, the institute’s record-breaking intake is likely to be seen as a significant step towards reshaping the landscape of management education in India.

India will host the BRICS Women Working Group (WWG) Meeting in Kochi, Kerala, on July 6 and 7 as part of its BRICS Chairship 2026, bringing together senior government officials from member countries to strengthen cooperation on women's empowerment and inclusive development.

The two-day meeting will focus on promoting women-led development, enhancing policy collaboration and advancing shared priorities among BRICS nations under India's Chairship theme, "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." The theme reflects India's emphasis on people-centric growth and sustainable global partnerships.

According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, delegates from all BRICS member countries will deliberate on four key priority areas under the BRICS Women Track. These include increasing women's participation in governance and leadership, expanding digital and financial inclusion, promoting women’s entrepreneurship and skill development, and strengthening women's role in climate action, food security and nutrition.

Officials said the meeting is expected to deepen policy dialogue, facilitate the exchange of best practices and encourage collaborative initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of women across the BRICS grouping.

The Kochi meeting also serves as an important preparatory platform ahead of the BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for July 8 and 9, where ministers are expected to review the recommendations of the Working Group and reaffirm their commitment to advancing women-led development through practical cooperation.

The discussions build upon three virtual consultations held on April 30, May 22 and June 29, during which member countries worked toward consensus on key agenda items before the in-person meeting.

BRICS currently comprises 11 member countries—Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Together, the grouping accounts for nearly 40 per cent of global GDP and represents approximately 49.5 per cent of the world's population, making gender-inclusive growth a significant priority for the bloc.

Officials believe the outcomes of the Kochi meeting will contribute to stronger institutional cooperation among BRICS nations while supporting policies that promote women's economic participation, leadership opportunities and sustainable development.

India's hosting of the Women Working Group reflects its broader commitment to fostering inclusive growth and strengthening international partnerships focused on gender equality and women's empowerment within the expanding BRICS framework.

In the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the women of Biaora in Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district for turning plastic waste into a tool for beautifying the town.

The Prime Minister said most people want their surroundings to be clean and attractive, but many assume that cleaning is someone else’s responsibility. He highlighted how these women took ownership of the problem instead of waiting for others to act.

According to the Prime Minister, the women began collecting plastic waste and empty bottles from across the town on their own initiative. Over time, they started converting the waste into eco-bricks, which are now being used to improve public spaces and add beauty to the town.

Modi said that in the past few months, hundreds of kilograms of plastic have been recycled in Rajgarh and put to productive use. He noted that what once caused pollution is now helping enhance the visual appeal of the city.

He congratulated the women of Biaora and everyone associated with the campaign, calling it an inspiring example of community-driven environmental action.

In the dense forests and tough terrain of Bastar, one woman’s quiet determination has left a mark on hundreds of tribal villages. Dr. Budhri Tati, a social worker from Dantewada, was conferred the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu for her extraordinary service to society.

For 35 years, Budhri Tati has walked on foot across more than 545 villages in the Naxal-affected region. She focused on women’s empowerment, education, health, and environmental awareness, often putting her own life at risk. Despite facing life-threatening attacks and opposition, she never turned back.

At the award ceremony, she stood out in traditional tribal attire of Bastar, choosing it over modern clothes. This simple gesture spoke volumes about her deep connection with her roots and the people she serves. Locals fondly call her ‘Bua’ or ‘Badi Didi’.

Her journey began at the age of 15. Inspired by Lakhmu Baba of the Gurmagunda Ashram in 1984-85, she decided to dedicate her life to social work. After training with the Rashtriya Seva Samiti in Nagpur, she returned to Bastar and started working in remote areas where women rarely stepped out of their homes.

She took on illiteracy, superstitions, and harmful social practices head-on. Over the decades, Budhri Tati helped more than 500 women become self-reliant by training them in sewing, embroidery, and other livelihood skills. Her belief is simple — when women become financially strong, the entire society grows stronger.

Along with women’s empowerment, she ran campaigns on cleanliness, nutrition, maternal and child health, and de-addiction. Many villagers gave up liquor after her persistent efforts. She also set up an old-age home in Hiranar for the destitute elderly and took responsibility for educating and caring for orphaned tribal children. Her niece Antwi Vek assists her in this work.

The path was never easy. In one incident in the Abujhmar region, angry villagers chased her with sharp weapons. She narrowly escaped, but such attacks did not break her resolve. “If I had feared that day, many women in that village would still be living in darkness,” she later reflected on her experiences.

Budhri Tati chose not to marry, considering society as her family. Today, in Bastar’s villages, every child is like her own, every woman part of her extended family, and every elder worthy of respect.

This Padma Shri is her 23rd honour, including three national-level awards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted her warmly at the ceremony.

Her recognition comes at a time when stories of quiet, grassroots changemakers from conflict zones are gaining attention. Just days ago, another doctor couple from the same Dantewada-Abujhmar region — Dr. Ramchandra and Dr. Sunita Godbole, known as ‘Doctor Bhaiya-Bhabhi’ — also received the Padma Shri for providing free treatment to over one lakh patients.

Officials and locals say Budhri Tati’s work has brought visible change in some of the most backward pockets of Chhattisgarh. Yet she remains grounded, continuing her mission even after the national honour.

The award has sparked pride across the state, especially among tribal communities and women’s groups. Many see her as an inspiration for the next generation of social workers who want to work in difficult areas.

As Budhri Tati returns to Bastar after receiving the honour, her focus remains unchanged — reaching more villages, helping more women, and building a better future for the region’s children. Her story is a reminder that real change often walks on dusty forest trails, one step at a time.

The sixth National Family Health Survey shows measurable gains in safety indicators and infrastructure, but flags rising health risks among women and persistent nutrition gaps in children

A Wide-Ranging Health Census

The Union Health Ministry released the report of the National Family Health Survey 2023–24 (NFHS-6) on Friday, drawing data from roughly 6.79 lakh households spread across 715 districts. The survey, the most comprehensive of its kind in India, tracks population, health, nutrition, and family welfare indicators — and this round signals both progress and fresh warnings.

Violence Against Women Declines

One of the more striking numbers in the report: the rate of domestic violence has dropped from 29.2% to 22.3% compared to the NFHS-5 conducted between 2019 and 2021. Child marriage has also seen a decline, falling from 23.3% to 20.1% nationally. The share of working women has risen to 30.8%, up from 25.4% in the previous survey — a modest but meaningful gain in economic participation.

State-level gaps, however, remain stark. Bihar records the highest rate of marital violence at 36.1%, while Himachal Pradesh is at the other end at just 4.3%. On child marriage, West Bengal (36.4%) and Bihar (34.6%) top the list, and Kerala — with a rate of only 2.9% — remains the safest state on that indicator.

Obesity Rising, Breastfeeding Down

Women's obesity has increased by roughly 7 percentage points since the last survey. Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Kerala each report obesity rates of around 46–48% among women, while Meghalaya and Jharkhand remain at the lower end at 13.8% and 16.9% respectively.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months — a critical early childhood nutrition marker — has actually declined, slipping from 63.7% to 55.8%. According to the survey, only 15.3% of children between six months and two years are receiving adequate, balanced nutrition. That means close to 85% of children in that age group are not meeting their basic dietary needs.

On a more positive note, stunting among children has come down from 35.5% to 29.3%, a drop of 6.2 percentage points that officials have described as a significant improvement in child growth outcomes.

C-Section Rates at Record High

Caesarean deliveries in private hospitals have reached 54.1%, a record level that public health experts have long flagged as a concern. The survey does not directly address whether this reflects medical necessity or over-medicalisation, but the figure is likely to invite scrutiny from health bodies.

Infrastructure Gains Are Substantial

Electricity has reached 98.3% of households, and access to clean drinking water now stands at 96.5% of homes — both figures representing substantial improvement in living standards. Internet access among women has more than doubled, climbing to 64.3%.

Women's property ownership has also grown. Currently 18.8% of families have a woman owning a house or land — up from 14% in the previous survey. Rural ownership (19.1%) is slightly ahead of urban (18.2%), which runs counter to expectations.

Family Planning Use Has Dipped

The survey flags a decline in the use of modern family planning methods, including contraceptive pills, condoms, and sterilisation procedures. The overall rate has fallen to 52.7% from 56.4% earlier — a development that, alongside the rise in obesity and fall in breastfeeding rates, points to gaps in the reach of public health messaging at the community level.

WHO Data Adds Context

World Health Organisation data cited in the survey notes that around 30% of women in India have experienced some form of intimate partner violence — encompassing mental, economic, and sexual abuse. Globally, around 840 million women have faced sexual abuse from a partner at some point in their lives, and the situation has improved only marginally since 2000.

In India, about 4% of women aged 15 and above have faced sexual violence from someone other than a partner — a figure that, while lower than many peer countries, remains a cause for intervention.

MP Cabinet Panel Reviews Women Empowerment Schemes, Flags Need for Updates

A cabinet sub-committee constituted to oversee implementation of women empowerment schemes met at the state secretariat on Tuesday, with discussions veering towards the need for significant updates in existing programmes to match current socio-economic realities.

The meeting, chaired by Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Nirmala Bhuria, lasted nearly two hours and saw participation from both in-person attendees and virtual members. Officials familiar with the proceedings told reporters that the panel examined major state-run initiatives aimed at making women financially self-reliant, alongside reviewing ground-level bottlenecks.

Focus on Economic Self-Reliance

Sources said the committee spent considerable time assessing schemes that provide direct benefit transfers, skill training, and livelihood support to women in rural and urban areas. Minister Bhuria emphasised that while Madhya Pradesh has seen improved female workforce participation over the last few years, several schemes need recalibration.

“The idea is to identify gaps between policy intent and on-ground delivery,” an official present at the meeting said on condition of anonymity. The committee also looked at how ongoing programmes have fared in districts with traditionally low female literacy and employment rates.

Key Attendees and Virtual Participation

Panchayat and Rural Development Minister of State Smt. Radha Singh attended the meeting in person at the Mantralaya. Urban Development and Housing Minister of State Smt. Pratima Bagri joined virtually, reflecting a hybrid working style that has become common in government business post-pandemic.

Both ministers shared inputs from their respective departments, highlighting challenges women face in accessing housing schemes and rural livelihood missions. According to initial reports, Bagri flagged delays in forming women’s self-help groups in certain municipal wards, a point that the committee agreed to take up with district collectors.

Discussion on Relevance and Required Changes

The sub-committee, formed earlier this year to fast-track women-centric policies, deliberated on the current relevance of some older schemes. Officials indicated that certain programmes launched nearly a decade ago have not kept pace with changes in labour markets, digital access, or mobility patterns of women.

For instance, skill training modules that focus on traditional crafts may need to include newer sectors like e-commerce logistics or basic IT services. The committee also discussed the possibility of merging overlapping schemes to reduce duplication and improve fund utilisation.

Background of State’s Women Empowerment Push

Madhya Pradesh has run several flagship schemes for women, including Ladli Laxmi Yojana (conditional cash transfer for girl children) and Mukhyamantri Mahila Kosh (a revolving fund for women entrepreneurs). However, independent assessments have pointed to uneven implementation across districts, with tribal-dominated and remote areas often lagging.

Tuesday’s meeting was seen as a preparatory step before the committee submits its recommendations to the full cabinet. Ministers are expected to call for district-level feedback before finalising any structural changes.

What Happens Next

Committee chairperson Bhuria told reporters after the meeting that a detailed report with proposed amendments will be circulated within two weeks. “We have listened to field-level inputs. Now we need to act,” she said, without taking questions on specific scheme names.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for the first week of June, where the panel will prioritise schemes that require immediate executive action versus those needing legislative changes. Officials said any major overhaul would be rolled out in a phased manner, starting with pilot districts.

The Madhya Pradesh Assembly will convene a special session on April 27 to deliberate on ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’, according to an official notification issued by the Legislative Assembly Secretariat. The move places women-centric policy discourse at the centre of the state’s legislative agenda, marking a key India News Update in the run-up to broader governance debates.

Focus on Women Issues

Officials indicated that the MP Assembly special session will focus on issues related to women’s empowerment, rights, and welfare schemes. The discussion is expected to cover legislative measures, policy implementation gaps, and future strategies aimed at strengthening women’s participation across sectors.

The topic assumes significance as governments across India continue to prioritise gender-focused development under various national and state-level programmes.

Government’s Position

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav had earlier announced the decision to convene the special sitting during a press conference held at the BJP state headquarters in Bhopal. He emphasised the importance of a dedicated discussion on women-related issues, stating that the Assembly would serve as a platform for comprehensive deliberation.

According to officials, the government aims to present its initiatives and seek constructive inputs during the session, aligning with broader Government Updates being tracked nationally.

Recent Political Activity

The announcement follows a political mobilisation effort by the ruling party. On Monday, a rally was organised in Bhopal in support of ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’, where party leaders highlighted the need to strengthen women’s rights and representation.

Sources indicated that such outreach programmes are intended to build public awareness and generate momentum ahead of legislative discussions, making it a Trending News India development in state politics.

Legislative Importance

The MP Assembly special session is expected to play a crucial role in shaping policy direction related to gender equity. Legislative debates may address issues such as safety, economic empowerment, education, and political representation of women.

Experts note that dedicated sessions on specific themes help streamline discussions and ensure focused policymaking, particularly in areas of high public interest.

Public Policy Impact

The outcomes of the session could influence future policy frameworks and administrative actions in Madhya Pradesh. With increasing emphasis on inclusive growth, discussions around ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ are likely to impact welfare schemes, budget allocations, and programme execution.

This Public Interest Story also aligns with national efforts to enhance women’s role in governance, making it relevant in the context of National and International News trends.

What Lies Ahead

All eyes are now on April 27, when lawmakers will assemble to debate and deliberate on the subject. Officials expect participation from both treasury and opposition benches, which could lead to a broader consensus or highlight differing viewpoints.

The MP Assembly special session is likely to set the tone for future legislative priorities, with stakeholders watching closely for announcements or policy signals emerging from the proceedings.

Bhopal Events on 20 April 2026: A Day Filled with Empowerment, Training, Entertainment and Family Fun in the City of Lakes

The capital city of Madhya Pradesh is buzzing with a diverse line-up of events today. From high-profile government programmes focused on women’s empowerment and national census preparations to exciting youth gaming competitions and family-friendly wellness activities, Bhopal offers something for everyone on Monday, 20 April 2026. Here is the complete and concise list of all major events happening across the city, including venue, address, date, organiser and key highlights.

Event:  Grand Women’s Conference

Venue & Address: MVM Ground, Bhopal  

Date: 20 April 2026  

Organiser: Madhya Pradesh Government & Local Administration  

Details: A large-scale women’s conference is being held at MVM Ground in the gracious presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav. Venue has been inspected by local administration and police officials with necessary guidelines issued for smooth and secure conduct of the event.

Event: Census Training Programme – Urban & Rural Areas  

Venue & Address: Various charge-level training centres across urban and rural parts of Bhopal district  

Date: 20 April 2026 (as part of first phase from 15 to 25 April 2026)  

Organiser: Bhopal District Administration & Census Department  

Details: Training sessions for enumerators and supervisors continue today at charge level. This first-phase training programme equips field staff with required knowledge for accurate census data collection in both urban and rural areas of Bhopal district.

Event: Nari Shakti Vandana Pakhwada

Venue & Address: Multiple local venues and community centres across Bhopal city  

Date: 10 to 25 April 2026 (ongoing on 20 April 2026)  

Organiser: Madhya Pradesh Government & Local Bodies  

Details: Under the fortnight-long Nari Shakti Vandana celebration, various grassroots activities and programmes continue across the city. The event focuses on honouring women’s power through local-level events and awareness initiatives.

Event: Swarnim 2026 – Battleground Fury Gaming Tournament  

Venue & Address: Sanjeev Agrawal Global Educational (SAGE) University Bhopal, Sahara Bypass Road, Katara Hills Extension, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh – 462043  

Date: 20 April 2026, 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM  

Organiser: SAGE University Bhopal  

Details: Gaming lovers are gathering for the intense Battleground Fury tournament as part of Swarnim 2026. The event features exciting matches with prizes worth over ₹10,000 and promises a thrilling experience for students and young gamers.

Event: Wellness with Cows – Stress & Anxiety Healing Tour  

Venue & Address: Vrindavan Aashram Gaushala, Bhopal  

Date: 20 April 2026  

Organiser: Vrindavan Aashram Gaushala  

Details: A unique wellness experience focused on healing stress and anxiety through interaction with cows. Perfect for those seeking peaceful and therapeutic activities in nature.

Event: Feed & Play – A Kids Farm Fun Day  

Venue & Address: Vrindavan Aashram Gaushala, Bhopal  

Date: 20 April 2026  

Organiser: Vrindavan Aashram Gaushala  

Details: A fun-filled day for kids involving feeding animals and playing at the farm. An engaging educational and recreational activity for children and families.

Event: Magic Beans Online Kids Workshops  

Venue & Address: Online (accessible from anywhere in Bhopal)  

Date: 20 April 2026  

Organiser: Magic Beans  

Details: Interactive online workshops specially designed for kids, offering creative learning and fun activities from the comfort of home. Tickets start from ₹650.

Event: OML Comedy Pit Stop  

Venue & Address: Multiple venues in Bhopal  

Date: 20 April 2026  

Organiser: OML  

Details: Stand-up comedy show bringing laughter and entertainment to the audience. Tickets available from ₹199 onwards for a fun evening.

Residents of Bhopal are advised to check official websites or venue contacts for any last-minute changes in schedule, entry rules or timings. Whether you are interested in women empowerment, national duties, gaming thrill or family fun, 20 April 2026 offers a rich mix of events to make the day memorable in Bhopal.

Women Own One in Four MSMEs in Madhya Pradesh, Data Reveals

Madhya Pradesh women entrepreneurs now lead 2.28 lakh MSMEs, as female employment in the sector surges six-fold in six years, underlining a strong shift in women's economic empowerment across the state.

Women Lead MP's MSME Growth

Bhopal: In a significant indicator of women's economic empowerment, data tabled in the Lok Sabha has revealed that one in every four registered Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Madhya Pradesh is now owned and run by a woman. The figures, current as of February 28, 2026, come at a time when the country is actively debating the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam — the women's reservation bill aimed at increasing female representation in Parliament and state legislatures.

One in Four Units Led by Women

According to data from the Udyam Registration Portal, Madhya Pradesh has a total of 8,87,087 registered MSMEs, of which 2,28,959 — roughly 25.8 percent — are under women's ownership. This means that for every four small businesses operating in the state, at least one is helmed by a woman entrepreneur, a shift that officials and economists say reflects deeper structural changes in the rural and semi-urban economy.

Employment Surge in Six Years

Perhaps the more striking figure is in women's employment. In 2020-21, when the Udyam portal was launched, only 1,53,493 women were employed in MSMEs across the state. By February 2026, that number had climbed to over 10,07,995 — a more than six-fold increase in just six years, according to state MSME records shared in Parliament. The data underscores that women entrepreneurs are not merely running solo ventures; they are generating employment for other women at scale.

A Decade-Long Trajectory

The journey to this point has not been linear. When the Udyam portal went live in July 2020, women-owned MSMEs in Madhya Pradesh stood at just 14,239. By 2022-23, the number had grown to over 2,07,795. It reached a peak of 7,44,746 in 2023-24, before the current registration count of 2,28,959 active units as of February 2026 — a figure that reflects active enterprises rather than cumulative registrations, sources indicated.

MP in the National Picture

At the national level, the Udyam portal has recorded over 3.07 crore women-led MSMEs since its inception, according to data presented before Parliament. Women-owned MSMEs currently account for around 20.5 percent of total Udyam-registered enterprises nationally, contributing roughly 18.73 percent of employment generated across the sector. In terms of state rankings, Maharashtra leads in overall MSME registrations, while Andhra Pradesh has the highest count of women-owned enterprises in the country, as per government data. Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu also feature among the top states. Madhya Pradesh, while not the national leader, has shown one of the fastest rates of growth in female MSME ownership.

Central Schemes Backing the Push

Several central government initiatives have contributed to this shift. Under the ZED Certification Scheme, women-owned MSMEs are entitled to 100 percent subsidy on certification costs. The Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme offers higher credit-linked subsidies to women applicants. Additionally, the Public Procurement Policy was amended in 2018, mandating central ministries and PSUs to source at least 3 percent of annual procurement from women-owned micro and small enterprises. These policy levers, combined with Madhya Pradesh's own MSME Development Policy 2021, have created a more accessible entry point for women entering formal enterprise.

What the Numbers Signal

A recent NeoGrowth MSME Business Confidence Study 2026 found that 87 percent of women-led MSMEs across India expected business growth in the coming year, with 80 percent reporting improved business performance driven by festive demand and better operating conditions. For Madhya Pradesh, analysts say the numbers signal a maturing entrepreneurial culture among women, particularly in smaller districts and tier-2 cities, where access to formal credit and government schemes has improved considerably over the last five years.

The state government is expected to build on these numbers in upcoming policy reviews, with officials indicating that targeted skilling and easier access to working capital remain priorities. As India debates broader legislative representation for women, the MSME data from Madhya Pradesh offers a parallel narrative — of women steadily, and quietly, reshaping the economic landscape from the ground up.