Washington/ New Delhi, Aug 22 (UNI) Dr Vinusha Reddy, BJP spokesperson from Andhra Pradesh and the sole Indian delegate at the 2025 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), has called women a “rising force in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat” during her ongoing three-week visit to the United States.
Representing India among global women leaders from over a dozen countries, Dr Reddy emphasized the transformative role of Naari Shakti in shaping India’s political, social, and economic fabric.
This year’s IVLP theme is “Women in Politics and Civil Society,” with participants including women leaders from Pakistan, Bulgaria, Jordan, Japan, South Africa, Palestine, Lebanon, and Poland.
“From welfare to wealth creation, from panchayats to Parliament, Naari Shakti is no longer a promise, it is a living, rising force in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat,” she said, highlighting government initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Jan Dhan Yojana and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
Reflecting on India’s women leaders past and present, Dr Reddy invoked Rani Lakshmibai, Ahilyabai Holkar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, former SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, and entrepreneur Falguni Nayar.
She also praised women soldiers’ leadership during Operation Sindoor adding, “India has progressed whenever it was led by its women. But this is not the century for war. It’s time for global peace, cooperation, and building trust. Bharat is an emergent global superpower rooted in the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, one earth, one family.”
Underscoring the role of women in politics, she said “To achieve true gender parity, India has swiftly implemented the Women’s Reservation Act while pushing for internal reforms within political parties. Structured leadership development programs, targeted mentorship, and systemic support are essential to allow women from all backgrounds to enter and thrive in politics.”
Dr Reddy’s IVLP itinerary include Washington, Boston, New Hampshire, Columbia, and Salt Lake City, including policy dialogues, leadership workshops, and meetings with US lawmakers and civil society organizations.
A doctor and author of India Before & After 2014, Why Bharat Needs BJP?, Dr Reddy also runs a hospital in Kurnool. Known as a strong advocate of democratic values, she has represented BJP at international platforms, including the BRICS Political Parties Plus Dialogue in South Africa in 2023.
The IVLP, established in 1940, is a foundational exchange program designed by the US to introduce emerging global leaders to their American counterparts and to US society and culture. Distinguished IVLP alumni in India include Narendra Modi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Indira Gandhi, and Morarji Desai.
